If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”
~ St. Francis of Assisi
I tried venturing back to the beach this weekend, but there are still more people than seagulls. More than once I’ve voiced my displeasure over seagulls, it follows that I’m none too pleased that tourists haven’t given my beaches back yet.
Alas…
October is not too far, and I know I will be able to amble unperturbed by then.
Instead, I revisited a lovely chapel in south Walton County. Dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, it stands vigil along side a small pet cemetery.
I’ve mentioned this haven before, and was drawn there again. It is so peaceful and serene. When I stepped inside the chapel, I saw a new feature. Arranged on a table beneath the eastern window. a line of votive candles were set out for supplicants to light for their lost pets. A second line of seashells covered the table, keeping with the tradition of southern cemetery decorations.
You can click on any image to see a larger photo, or the series as a slideshow.
(Photos shot with a Nikon D60, using an 18-55mm, 55-200mm, 20mm f/2.8 wide-angle, 50mm f/1.8 prime lens, and/or iPhone4)

The pictures are lovely. I love the little statue!
LikeLike
It looks like a very peaceful place to visit 🙂
LikeLike
What a neat find!
LikeLike
Once again you made art of things most people would just pass by. Beautiful as always!
LikeLike
Beautiful images. Lovely spot.
LikeLike
Your photos really capture the sense of peace and tranquility. What a beautiful place!
LikeLike
What a lovely place! I can understand visiting more than once!
Happy Sunday
🙂
Traci
LikeLike
Love the quote with the images, beautifully done
Mollyxxx
LikeLike
Thank you, Molly. It is a lovely little garden.
LikeLike
That quote is really making my brain swirl. I eat meat, but I don’t eat humans, so I’m incline to disagree with the Saint…
But I love your posts, of course. Your cemetery posts are always favorites.
LikeLike
I like a juicy steak too, but I think St. Francis was saying to show compassion to animals and not be cruel and unfeeling towards them. You and your family, being fosters, have a special place in heaven.
LikeLike