I am utterly fascinated and captivated by the unique unfurling of each frond of the ferns in the forest. Each one unfurls in its own individual way. None are critical of how the other is doing opening up, they are just all opening, easing the tightness of each part and easing into openness.
I know spring is a problem time for those of us who suffer with allergies to grasses, pollens, and more. I sure do. But at the same time my itching eyes are awed at the beauty of the grasses that are scattered around with such variety, and with great beauty in the details. There’s colour and texture and, to me, a world of wonder in these grass flowers and seed heads. This is one that caught my eye this morning, noting its magenta colouring and the feathery tendrils.
The brilliant fresh green of the deer-foot (a.k.a. vanilla leaf) and more properly Achlys triphylla -- it is a delight to see their slender stalks, and the tight leaves, like hands with their palms pressed together, then opening like praying hands opening to the light —
The flowers will emerge later but meanwhile these beauties light up the forest floor everywhere the sun filters through.
I’ve walked past this particular huckleberry for years but it was only yesterday I noticed the extraordinary lesson it was offering.
A metaphor of rootedness perhaps?
The stump that offered it life, and a strong base for its young life, has rotted quite thoroughly and is continuing to fall away, yet the strong roots continue to hold the huckleberry steady.
What a marvel! I’m going to think on this… but meanwhile, I wonder what it says to you?
From a crevice in the cracked sandstone ridge, a slender young hemlock tree stretches up into the light. Sheltered by the large cedars, the sunlight filters through.
A few glimpses of the first sunrise of the year. My routine of capturing images of the mornings, day by day, continues. And my resolve for this year is to resume my postings on this website: a good project to re-launch as my retirement resumes.
We are enjoying the Anna's and Rufous Hummingbirds visiting the flowers and feeders, distributing delight with every single visit. Such a treat to see so many!
Each morning I meander out to the Point by our flagpole and take a photo or two as a way to start the day and record the morning's weather. Invariably I am met by beauty and wonder, whether it's dull or clear. Often too there are eagles, otters, seals, and other shorebirds and wildlife. Here's a small sampling of some recent mornings.
We are in 'the dead' of winter, but there's life hidden within this tangle of twigs and branches. While that hidden life waits and works, I delight in the beauty of the muted colours and the texture of the tangled twigs. It's a different kind of beauty to enjoy while waiting for the green buds to emerge, which in due time, they will...
Here's one more glimpse, a little closer in to the tangle of branches....
more of the muted winter colours....a very different kind of beauty than any other time of year. -Sarah
nasturtiums on the counter top (click image for a larger view)
Every day the garden needs water. And every day the garden responds, offering me the gift of its flowers.
Its gifts— nasturtiums, sweet peas, snapdragons— are multiplied as I arrange little bouquets that sit on the counters and on the table tops; as I photograph the arrangements; and then as I 'play' with the photos and take delight in details and nuances of colour and light while processing them and preparing them for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by my photo blog and enjoying some of the things I see... And let me know what you like to see and share.
glimpses of the extraordinary amidst an ordinary day