There is a song that I have always thought was beautiful, both the music and the lyrics...True colors. Last night as my son and I had a conversation...he offered me encouragement, as he always does when it comes to his mom. This led me to think of the title for this post. The colors of the trees (and other plants in nature) in fall show their true colors. Many of you may know this, but for those who don't, this is how mother nature works her magic.
Basically, there are three pigments that are present in your leaves, berries, and plants. Chlorophyll produces the green color... as exposure to 
the sun decreases this allows the other two pigments, carotenoid and anthocynanins to "take over" and bring out the actual color of the leaves. Anthocynanins are responsible for the red color under certain conditions and not all trees can make this...plants with excess plant sugars in their leaf cells will result in the reds. Whatever the mix, fall foliage always seems to be just perfect.
Back to the song...song writer Billy Steinberg wrote the original version for his mother. This post is for my son, Brad, who always sees my true colors.
the sun decreases this allows the other two pigments, carotenoid and anthocynanins to "take over" and bring out the actual color of the leaves. Anthocynanins are responsible for the red color under certain conditions and not all trees can make this...plants with excess plant sugars in their leaf cells will result in the reds. Whatever the mix, fall foliage always seems to be just perfect.
Back to the song...song writer Billy Steinberg wrote the original version for his mother. This post is for my son, Brad, who always sees my true colors.
18 comments:
What a sweet post to your son, the beautiful fall pictures and a lesson on the pigments of the leaves. Have a nice day!
Good morning.
That is already autumn.
It is splendid colored leaves.
It is happiness of seeing splendid things.
I hear your heartfelt song in this beautiful post. As parents, we know we have done well when our children offer gifts of wisdom. I once wrote a poem ('The Ripening' about when our time as parents with adult children comes to a close) that I set aside, most surprised to find it resurface on the seat of each guest at my son's wedding. You have done well, dear friend, knowning your son hears your voice ;)
Peek-a-boo...Thank you, I honestly never intended at the creation of this blog to be a teaching tool of any kind, as so many of these well informed and talented bloggers at Blotanical are...I hestitated on the info in this post, hopefully, my post still came across conveying emotion! Guess I just have to be different, huh? Most of the time, I'm in the emotional thinking mode! Pseudothemis...Yes, we have a saying here..."Time flies"...and that is so true..it seems our summer is over so fast...and now we have beautiful autumn to enjoy! I invite my Blotanist friends to view your amazing photography of the dragonflies. You are a very talented photographer! Joey...It seems that your son has honored you so beautifully...I would have been a mess in tears at such a heartfelt gesture!
O.K. - I see I am still the computer illiterate poster child. When I typed in my last comment, my paragraphs were all seperated in response to each individual...don't know what happened!! Ha!...like I said, no learning here!!!
What a touching tribute to the wonderfully loving relationship you have with your son. The phots are all beautiful, but that second one is really special.
Just beautiful !
Don't know how to explain it but I love the photo of the leaves in the pond...the edges of the leaves are so dreamy.
Such a touching post, Kim. And thank you for the fall colors explanation. The photos are a treat!
Spooky,
Your photos are absolutely GORGEOUS!
Such an inspiring and wonderful blog.
It makes my heart sing to see that you are a nature lover as I am, and that you also have a pond.
Thank you so much for your comment with such sweet words about my Hummingbird post and my paintings. I sure appreciate it.
I am thrilled that you have started painting. Keep up the good work and don't ever get discouraged. My dear old art teacher used to say, "Art is 10% talent and 90% plain old 'Elbow grease'." (-meaning hard work)
You mentioned you were being self taught; Suggestion - Check at your local public library and see if they have some good 'How to' art books on your medium, particularly Watson-Guptill or North Light books. - And you might want to subscribe to "American Artist" magazine as they have some good instructions sometimes. You could look through one at your local magazine stand to see if you like it.
HAPPY PAINTING ! My blessings, GG
Mymaracas...Patsi...My favorite, too. The earth, the water, and the dragonfly and it's reflection almost looks a bit magical.
Kanak...nice to hear from you always!
Graceanne...Thank you for visiting my blog...and all the encouragement! I really do need to check some books out to improve on my painting. Now that our summer is over, I'd like to get back to "attempting" painting again. "no mistakes...just happy accidents"...that's about where I'm at!! Looking forward to seeing more of your artwork!
I find every picture amazing.
You truly have the eye of an artist. Your composition,balance of colors, natural light and subject matter that you choose to photograph are stunning.
~~
About cosmos- Sorry, I'm not sure what deer will eat or destroy.
What a gorgeous show from Ma Nature! I wish the trees here would get flamboyant like that.
Kim, your son sounds like a wonderful person. He's lucky to have you as his mother.
Last time I visited Damsels only but had no idea of your Wishnik Woods, thanks for showing me the way. ''Just a simple cabin nestled back in the woods'' is what I would certainly call a dream come true, and an extraordinary home that no urban villa could replace. I absolutely love your photos and the more I read back, the more I'm mesmerized. My compliments!
I hope you don't mind if I pin up a link to you, just so I don't miss out on your future delights.
Viooltje...Do I mind?!...Not at all! I feel honored...thank you for your kind comments! It makes me feel good that someone else enjoys the little things as I do here in the woods.
I loved scrolling down and enjoying your photos..Lovely and I too have a backyard habitat....Thanks for visiting my Cat in the sack post..
Rambling Woods...Thank you for the nice comments. Thanks as well for viewing my damsels and dragons blog...hopefully next year I'll be popping in to your woods to see what dragons you have!
Post a Comment