Exposaroonie Photo Challenge - Nature's Softer Side

Unless you've been living under a rock, you may have seen, heard, or read about some of the devastating events that have been going on in the world recently. There were terrible cyclones in Burma which have killed an estimated 43,000 and rising. In the U.S., there have been devastating tornadoes that have claimed dozens of lives. Most recently, there was a terribly destructive, 7.8 earthquake in central China... again, the death toll there is still rising.

While, we don't want to over look these horrific situations... This week's photo challenge was inspired by them. We know that Mother Nature is definitely capable of mass destruction... she isn't letting us forget that right now... but, I think we need to be reminded of how gentle and beautiful Mother Nature can also be. This week's Exposaroonie Photo Challenge, Nature's Softer Side.

Since you guys did so well with last week's rather vague challenge, we are keeping this challenge a little vague too. Just make sure your subject is something that is naturally occurring in nature - i.e. new life, weather, sunlight, etc. Show us what is naturally beautiful or gentle around you! Don't forget to check out the Exposaroonie Photo Challenge Rules down below, and go take a new picture.

The adorable prize for this week's photo challenge is a 4.25 x 5.5 inch note card (and envelope) with a hand-drawn Instamtic camera on the front. It is blank inside and is the perfect way to say "Thank You" or "I Miss You." The note card was donated by Wendy's Etsy Shop, WendyFairy. Go take a gander at all of her beautiful note-cards and her unique, limited edition prints.

If you aren't familiar with the Exposaroonie Photo Challenge Rules, here they are:

• You may only submit one photo per challenge.
  
• Once you enter your submission, post your photo on your blog or photo sharing site and link back to Exposaroonie.
  
• The photo needs to have been taken by you, and only you.
  
• You may only submit a NEW photo... dated or originally posted no earlier than today's date.
  
• If you win a prize, you are not eligible to win one again for 4 weeks. But, don't fret, as we will still share your picture.
  
• For a look a photo size requirements, check out our upload page.
  
• We have the right refuse any photo that is deemed inappropriate or that does not meet the requirements listed above.
  
• Deadline: Thursday, May 22,11:59 pm
  

Don't forget to leave us a comment! We are all about community here, so share the roonie people!

Now go vote for your favorite submission in last week's challenge, Rule of Thirds.

**(If you are interested in donating to organizations helping out in Burma or China, check this site out. If you'd like for your donations to help out with the victims of the storms in the US,check this site out.)**