Know Your Poppies!

Know Your Poppies
"Earth laughs in flowers."~Ralph Waldo Emerson~ 
I took this photo at Blithewold Gardens, a few days ago. I could not make any sense from the anatomy of this flower. It looked like a peony, yet it had all the characteristics of a poppy. When I found it's identification on a nearby stand, I was amazed to discover that this beautiful specimen is called... are you ready for this one???  A Peony Poppy! They were in full bloom planted in long rows, just incredibly beautiful to view! Their color alone, a symphony to the eye.
I researched them thru my friend, google and discovered that although, not familiar with this variety, they are quite popular. They are also know as opium poppies, a low-morphine variety and legal. Opium, low-morphine, yikes! I guess you better know your poppies before you plant them! I can just hear it all now; but officer they were so pretty, I really didn't know??? Who would believe that someone raised in the sixties wouldn't know? Guilty by age and association, I guess. I could plead ignorance, If found guilty, and hopefully spend the rest of my time spreading seeds of happiness, one smile at a time! All legal of course!

Last Of The Last!

Last of The Last
The last of the last! Yes, the last surviving peony in my daughter's yard. Doesn't it look delicious? The last tease until next season! I know you must be thinking, enough already with the peonies, but I just can't seem to help myself. Have I mentioned just a few times that I love them so???
A few more of my old props in the background, I photographed this still life from several different angles, somehow, magically the peony became the focal point. Big surprise! 
I used my 50mm lens to create the clarity in the front with a bokeh background. The possibilities to photograph here are endless. I will move outside as soon as it stops raining and the temperatures rise a little. It was in the low sixties yesterday, a little hard to take since I left the nineties, with no rain in sunny, Florida. Part of the charm here in New England, however. I will continue to search for old props and there are some roses outside my window that are just begging me to photograph them. We shall see what tomorrow brings??? 
Have a wonderful day! 

Moments Remembered!

Sweet Moments
"Flowers have spoken to me more than I can tell in written words. They are the hieroglyphics of angels, loved by all men for the beauty of their character, though few can decipher even fragments of their meaning."     ~Lydia M. Child~
We enjoyed Father's Day, yesterday with family at my brother-in-laws, gorgeous home. 
Jo Ann, his wife loves to garden and their yard exploding with precious treasure. My father-in-law and myself meandered about the gardens as I shot some photos, Dad was asking questions about some of the foliage and flowers in bloom. These precious few moments I spent with him, will be forever etched in my memory! He is such a kind and gentle man. 
Jo Ann, had cut these peonies earlier in the day and their fragrance filled the kitchen with a sweet perfume. I had never realized the power of their aroma, before yesterday. It reminded me of something or someone from my childhood, but I can't quite put my finger on it. 
Almost spent, their beauty still worthy of my instrument of capture. 
Once again, I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the splendor of these flowers, they delight my senses and speak to my soul. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! 
Have a wonderful day! 

Waiting for Grandma!

The Magnificent Peony
"The traditional floral symbol of China, the state flower of Indiana, and the 12th wedding anniversary flower, peonies are known as the flower of riches and honor. With their lush, full, rounded bloom, peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage."~google search~
It's as though a few of these magical flowers waited for me to capture their essence. When I see photographs of them on other blogs, their beauty captures my attention for quite some time. It is a flower that I cannot grow in Florida and I miss them so. Most of the peonies had gone by, but this one bush in front of my daughter's house had a few remaining gems, although most a bit tattered. The light was perfect as there was no bright sun to interfere with their capture. I was in photo heaven. 
Later, Sophie and I cut a few and brought them in the house to enjoy. Sophie is a delightful child and is definitely her grandma's shadow. She loves to write and we talked about her starting a blog of her own. She keeps a journal and reading it for me, is quite a treat. It is amazing what a nine year old, observes today! It will be strictly monitored and I can't wait to see the world thru her eyes and what a great learning experience this will be for her. She will post once or twice a week as not to interfere with school and other activities. I will share with all of you a link when it is done. Her world is wispy, willowy and loaded with fun, like that of a sweet peony. I pray to God, that he grants her filters of common sense and good judgement as she is truly a free spirit with the ability to soar a little to quickly sometimes. It is the world of a nine year old filled with beauty, dreams, puppies and fairytales. Can't wait to get started. Have a wonderful day!

Grace us with Your Beauty!

Grace us with Your Beauty
Not much to say today! I think this picture speaks for itself!
Used layers and blending modes to create the mood. Border courtesy of http://www.cottagearts.net

I Cry for You Peonies!

I Cry for You Peony! click photo for larger view
Hydrangea is probably my most favorite flower because of it's beauty and longevity. The Peonies, however, are my most favorite flower because they tease us with their short lived beauty. We must appreciate them in the short time that they grace our lives, every spring.
Most often their willowy stems must be corralled with wire rings to contain there vivacious personalities.
They are perennials in New England and need the frost to bloom again the following year. I cannot grow them in Florida, therefor, I Cry for you my Peonies!
I used textures and layers to create this look.