365 Project - Day 193

When I retired a year ago, my first big project was my garden. I thought, what do retired people do? The first thing that came to mind was "work in the garden." As with all things, I jumped in with gusto. I quickly planned my gardens, organized my tools and acquired 70 plants. I instructed my husband not to get involved, notifying him that I would be digging the holes, tilling the soil, fertilizing, planting, watering and caring for my new project entirely on my own. Needless to say, I was, as always, overzealous!

I had no reference and, therefore, no real imagination with which to visualize holes twice as wide and twice as deep, as I carried each plant and bush from my SUV. With each shovel and heave-ho, I grew less and less ambitious, eventually begging my husband to dig new holes while I tarried about. I can still vividly remember working the section of the garden where these purple phlox pictured below are planted. I toiled for days and then planted these tiny delicate plants in the rain, knowing as the skies darkened and the rain intensified that my efforts were futile. My husband graciously covered the bed with a tarp, but by the end of the downpour the garden was a mud marsh.

As summer wore on, the phlox plants bore few leaves, looked weak and listless. Not at all resembling the lovely light, airy dedicate plants I was so excited to purchase from the nursery. By mid-Fall, there was nothing left and with a broken leg, I had no interest in caring for them. Frankly, I haven't given my gardens much thought during this never-ending winter until now.

Now, I am stunned at the rebirth and resilience of these plants. This is truly astonishing. Not only am I witnessing their Lazarus effect, but they are vibrant and flourishing beyond their prior state. They are no longer light and airy. There is beauty, depth, growth and strength. These plants have an altogether new life! In the photograph, you can see new blossoms unfolding. And, where I planted a single stalk, multiples have risen. After a long [unpleasant] winter's rest, the phlox have come alive redefined, reinvigorated, renewed, resilient.

Now that's something to emulate!

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: True Spring Rebirth

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 320
70mm
f9.5
1/750

365 Project - Day 164

Today temperatures finally reached above 60 degrees, nearing 70. The skies were cloudy, but the sun peeked out this afternoon and I drove with my sun roof open. Yay! For awhile it seemed this day was just a dream. We're not entirely in the clear, though. We do still have snow on the ground, serving as a reminder that winter lingers. Thankfully, spring is fighting to show itself.

When I look at this photograph, I see flowers dancing, a fanciful reminder of the joy of spring. And, at the same time a gentle reminder that my angst over this never-ending winter will soon seem like a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of things. I have had flowers in my home nearly every day all winter as beautiful decorations, as photo ops for my 365, and as a sign of hope!

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: The Dance of Spring

"Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:4-5






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 250
50mm
f11
3s

365 Project - Day 162

I took the vase of flowers outside to photograph since there are no flowers blooming, no trees budding. Perhaps I thought the presence of flowers in the outdoors might make Spring seem real? The day was cool and windy. And I grew colder and colder as I awaited the resting wind before pressing the remote shutter release. It was a tedious exercise, but I was anxious to get outside and desperate for color. I know I am repeating myself when I say this is the winter that will not shove off and allow Spring to finally arrive.

I am impatient for the arrival of springtime. Here are a few of my reasons why, I'm sure you can think of others:
Spring is a time of both sowing and blooming;
I require the rejuvenating effects of sunshine;
I want to fill my lungs full of fresh air;
Spring is symbolic of rebirth and refresh;
I'm tired of being cold ;-)

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Yearning for Spring

"No Winter lasts forever; no Spring skips its turn." Hal Borland (she whispers, "thank you")






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 320
50mm
f8
1/250

365 Project - Day 154

This is evidence that you cannot, must not fret over that which burdens and torments you. We, I must trust that if I endure and have sown well, whatever challenges those well-planted seeds face, they will overcome.

Yesterday, I whined and agonized over another snowfall. Yet today I trekked to the edge of our garden and found these bulbs sprouting from the earth. Not covered deep under snow, but growing and rising in spite of the longest winter ever.

I am thankful for these and the hope they represent, particularly on this Good Friday. If you look closely you will see another sprout in the distance. Spring is on its way!

Blessings!

Today's Photo: Christ's Hope for Today and Tomorrow

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 100
50mm
f4.8
1/250

365 Project - Day 152

I was searching for inspiration today and at the top of this list of words of wisdom, I found:

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other." Abraham Lincoln

Being reminded that we control our destinies, will certainly rev up or restart your engine, energizing us to pursue our dreams.

Another quote that excited me is from Pablo Picasso, "Everything you can imagine is real."

Just stop and think about that for a moment. If this is true, then the art of the possible takes on an entirely new dimension. Creative and innovative ideas soar in far reaching, yet not impossible ways. It is encouraging to simply ponder this thought. Thank you Mr. Picasso.

And, with these 2 quotes in hand, I am invigorated with renewed inspiration. There is much to give and much work to be accomplished. Pun intended - And, just like that, I have a "spring" in my step!

In case I might think I'm not enough to make a difference, there's this, "If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito." Betty Reese

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Spring Ahead

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
50mm
f6.7
3s

365 Project - Day 126

More snow ... Schools closed and still I hope!

"You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep Spring from coming." Pablo Neruda

Blessings!

Today's Photo: Spring Impending

"There is a saying in Tibetan, 'Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.' No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope that's our real disaster." (Unknown, though this was sourced from a Dalai Lama site)





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 160
70mm
f5.6
1/8

365 Project - Day 102

I saw a Facebook posting today that read, "New England Closed Mondays Please Call Again!" So appropriate for yet another snow day! I meant to bake cookies today, but got distracted with another Creative Live broadcast (though this time a free recording). I continue to dream of Spring and since that is the case, I am compelled to deliver another flower photograph. I think, much like a rain dance, I am going to keep posting flowers to make drive Spring weather. I can't remember the last day we did not have snow on the ground. The good news is shots like this, using window light, are easier to take because of the reflection off of the snow, but I would rather have sunshine any day!

"Winter is on my head, but eternal Spring is in my heart" Victor Hugo

This lily is delicate, beautiful and pink. Pink. In my opinion, the primary color of Spring. I shoot these flowers in my dining room. It is a large room, but it is full of stuff. I use the room, however, because it has fantastic navy blue walls that serve as a wonderful back drop. As I was shooting today, I was unnerved by the painting on the wall that crowds my space. I finally stood back to look at the painting I had purchased more than 17 years ago and had been ignoring. It is a beautiful floral painting with many colors and a dark background. The reason why I was having spacial challenges at the moment I stepped back to look at the painting was because I was photographing a larger eclectic arrangement of flowers. I used that moment as an inspiration for a later floral - when Spring truly arrives. It was a reminder, though, of how much I love florals.

Best wishes.

Today's Photo: Until Spring!

"Despite the forecast, live like it's Spring." Lilly Pulitzer




EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 160
50mm
f/11
1/3