Tulip Time

Whenever I see tulips in bloom I feel excited like a child that just got her favorite toy.  I want to stop the vehicle, walk among them and photograph each of these beauties.  And, as I've learned, capturing a decent picture of them is challenging -- the lighting, background, wind and so on can create interesting circumstances for the photographer.  Nevertheless each spring their arrival is a wonderful gift that I'm eager to see and share.  

"Daffodils blossom and tulips jostle to the front of the stage in April. I love these early perennials: they may be more modest but they nearly all have that one special quality that a plant needs to transform your affections from admiration to affection - charm."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       --Monty Don

 

#1500

 

This post is number 1500 -- yes, 1500 blogposts -- since I entered the blogging world.  On March 27, 2012 I had the courage to give it a try and share my love of photography, art, nature, quotes and any blooming thing with the world.  This blog has been a gift as it allows me to use my talents, create something beautiful, write about it and pass it on.  Thank you to my loyal followers and for the kind remarks that are left as comments or are sent via email.  And, although I don't typically keep a daily journal, this collection of 1500 entries is similar in that it offers a glimpse of the past while also inspiring and informing my ongoing creative pursuits.  

Today's photos feature magnolia trees and their amazing blooms.  About a week ago I photographed the many types of magnolias at the Dubuque Arboretum and was treated to warm sunshine, the blue sky and these enormous flowering trees swaying gently in the breeze.  And, because flowers are some of my favorite subjects that appear quite often in my work, I'm thrilled to use these gorgeous images as I celebrate a blogging milestone.

"The earth laughs in flowers."

                                                                                                 --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Two-faced

 

After viewing these images, I'm certain you'll understand why the title of this blogpost may not exactly be what you initially expected.  Since today is Earth Day, I decided to include photos of one of my favorite canvases -- a Starbucks bag.  The brown sack is smooth and the ink flows easily on the already-present artwork.  My tangles complement the existing bold lines and curves and add dimension and detail to this iconic logo.  Upcycling is possible with many things, and the results may produce something beautiful.   

"The environment is where we all meet; 

where we all have a mutual interest; 

it is the one thing all of us share."

                                                                                                                          --Lady Bird Johnson

Spring in the Woods

 

Well, this is National Parks week along with Earth Day.  And, as you probably already know, I spend a lot of time outdoors, along the river and in parks.  So, I have several images that come to mind when I think of these themes.  Just a few days ago I was walking through a park and captured these pictures of the forest coming to life.  In the photo above the new green leaves are starting to emerge while wildflowers blossom in the image below.  Wherever you are, step outside and see what's peeking up from the soil or starting to bloom.

"The Earth is what we all have in common."

                                                                                                               --Wendell Berry

Poem with Posies

 

Annually I love posting images of daffodils along with this poem by William Wordsworth.  Typically I include only an excerpt but today the entire piece follows.  The last line in the first stanza humors me as often in Iowa the April wind makes it seem as if these beauties are in a breakdancing competition.

 

The Daffodils

                                                                                                                    --by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the Milky Way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they

Out-did the sparking waves in glee:

A Poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

In Black & White

 Recently I completed this piece but only after taking the photo and posting it did I realize I missed a few squares.  Are you the one that loves to search the image looking for the section that missed the ink or do you just explore it all and get lost in the tangles?  Or perhaps you do some of each.  Regardless, I'll get out the marker and do a little touch up.

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul."

                                                                          --Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Double Delight

 

As I arrived in the park to photograph these early bloomers there was a gorgeous backdrop with the sun setting and the horizon illuminated in shades of yellow and orange.  The scene was stunning, and to capture the daffodils at dusk nestled among the emerging green grass in this tranquil setting made me feel extremely lucky -- as if I'd won the lottery.  What a beautiful gift that I was fortunate to find.  

"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul."

                                                                                                                                                        --Henry Ward Beecher

April

It's That Time

 

"Do not abandon yourselves to despair. 

We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song."

                                                                                                           --Pope John Paul II

Cherry blossoms.  Bunnies.  Eggs.  Green grass.  More daylight.  Bird nests.  Crocus and daffodils.  

All these symbolize the fertile earth awakening after a few months of rest.  In the northern hemisphere the days grow longer, the sun's rays become more intense and there's a rebirth of life visible on the land.  Also at this time of the year in these parts many folks are familiar with and celebrate the Easter story in which there is dying and rising.   In particular, after a year of much isolation due to the pandemic, that may have felt like an exceptionally long winter, this spring is a time for renewal of the human spirit as the world around us springs back to life in many forms.

"Let us rejoice."

                                                                --Psalm 118:24