I have a confession to make—I really like to photograph little green frogs. Maybe it’s the influence of Kermit the Frog on my perceptions, but, whatever the reason, there seems to be something whimsical about frogs. Like this little frog that I photographed yesterday, they appear to have a perpetual half-smile, as though they find this world to be unceasingly amusing.
It brings to mind one of my favorite movies scenes, the opening sequence of The Muppet Movie, in which the camera gradually zooms in on Kermit, sitting on a log in the swamp and playing the banjo. The words of the song he is singing express the kind of eternal optimism to which I aspire, “Someday we’ll find it, the Rainbow Connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me.” (Here’s a link to the video of that scene on YouTube—I highly recommend that you take a couple of moments to relax with it, especially if you’ve never seen it before.) With all of the cares of everyday life, it’s hard to be a dreamer, it’s tough to see hope in rainbows, it’s not easy to see whimsey in frogs. It’s my hope, though, that we all can maintain (or rediscover) that child-like optimism about our world.
Fall frog
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Mike,
I love the reflection of his eye!
You can probably tell by looking at my posts that I quite agree with you about frogs and toads; I love capturing images of them!
~Kyle
Indeed. We appear to be kindred souls in many ways–in terms of interests and the kind of curiosity that drives us.
I think the secret to being “forever young” is curiosity.It’s hard to find the time to grow old when you’re always wondering what might be around that next bend in the trail.
Amen. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Mike, you are so right about Kermie and his song!
He also has the same warped sense of humor as I do (and love for bad puns).
I love frogs too! It’s not easy being green.
“I am green, and it’ll do fine
It’s beautiful, and I think it’s what I want to be”
This is a great photo! The frog is sitting in mud, yet the water is so clear.
Guess the frog hasn’t moved for a while. Must be quietly meditating on life…..