St. Patrick's Day was beautiful! Mostly sunny with the high reaching 70 degrees. Big, puffy, white clouds scattered in the sky...the birds were singing their songs and the hawks were gliding in the stronger wind gusts high above.
As I was walking around the pond and my sleeping gardens, I was hoping to see the pair of Mallards return. The only inkling of the Mallards I saw were quite a few feathers left behind. They were floating about on the pond and a few were barely hanging on to the rocks at the end of our waterfalls leading into the pond. Each breeze brought movement and they shimmered in the sunshine and water. I liked the image of the delicate feathers clutching the strong porous rocks... contrasts that compliment each other.
My first Spring bloom! It's a weed!! I'll take it ...it's a bloom and it's color!
I witnessed a bloom spring open! I was photographing the above bloom and maybe I touched this bloom on the brink of opening...perhaps the heat of my hand encouraged it to open. Whatever the case, I got a real thrill as right in front of my eyes the bud just came to life.
So-o-o...do I let nature takes its course? I have the power at this moment! I couldn't resist...two more light taps and it fully bloomed. For a moment I felt like Mother Nature! Maybe a little too much time back in the woods, huh?!...never.
I'm curious of the name of this plant...is it of the dandelion family? Anyone have the answer?
The cattails are spreading their joy. Hundreds of seeds everyday blowing everywhere. We're going to have our work cut out for us! The dragonflies love the cattails, as do the birds, turtles and fish.
At a slightly overcast moment, I photographed this Japanese Willow bud barely opening long the bank of the pond with the sun reflecting just beyond on the waters' surface.
Remember when we were children, and looked up to the clouds...we imagined elephants, birds and who knows what taking shape in the clouds? (o.k....I still do that) Imagination is wonderful...do you see my angel in the middle of the forest?
I witnessed a bloom spring open! I was photographing the above bloom and maybe I touched this bloom on the brink of opening...perhaps the heat of my hand encouraged it to open. Whatever the case, I got a real thrill as right in front of my eyes the bud just came to life.
So-o-o...do I let nature takes its course? I have the power at this moment! I couldn't resist...two more light taps and it fully bloomed. For a moment I felt like Mother Nature! Maybe a little too much time back in the woods, huh?!...never.
I'm curious of the name of this plant...is it of the dandelion family? Anyone have the answer?
The cattails are spreading their joy. Hundreds of seeds everyday blowing everywhere. We're going to have our work cut out for us! The dragonflies love the cattails, as do the birds, turtles and fish.
At a slightly overcast moment, I photographed this Japanese Willow bud barely opening long the bank of the pond with the sun reflecting just beyond on the waters' surface.
Remember when we were children, and looked up to the clouds...we imagined elephants, birds and who knows what taking shape in the clouds? (o.k....I still do that) Imagination is wonderful...do you see my angel in the middle of the forest?
48 comments:
Hi Amila....N-o-o-o, I didn't turn off the comments this time. I turned them back on for my last post, I just assumed they would stay on?! Thanks for e-mailing and letting me know. I'm just as anxious to see your dragons! Just don't expect too much from my new toy, or should I say...from ME trying to figure out my new toy! This Nikon is so touchy when I'm not using the tripod and the majority of the time I won't be using it. Even with the vibration reduction on... my husband thinks so, too. I thought maybe in my old age, my unsteadiness was getting worse! Looking forward to more of your pond shots.
Hi Joey...I wasn't sure where to respond...I left the long version on my Mallard post! Sorry about the comments being off, this time it wasn't intentional. Thanks for leaving your comment and have fun at the lake!
Hi Tom...Yes, my comments being turned off was unintentional.
To my guests...Tom Arbour(Tom's Ohio Nature Blog -hiramtom.blogspot.com)has e-mailed me an answer to my question on plant I.D. He works as an ecologist and does nature photography...very nice photography I might add! Here's his response:
My Spring bloom is Coltsfoot, he suggests that I check the leaves to see if they look like a horses'foot eventually. It's in the dandelion family, the Asteraceae, its' scientific name is Tussilago Farfara. It was introduced to North America for its medicinal properties. He suggested that I refer to Wikipedia for a nice article on this plant. Thanks for the great info, Tom!
Hi Lona...Thanks for contacting me and the nice comment! I replied back to you at Blotanical as well!
Hey Spooky: Love your reflective picture of the angel in the forest. The angel did appear to me, I think. Thanks for entering a caption in my new photo caption contest! My wife and I really enjoy nature (as you do). Early spring blooms are always welcome, even if a "weed". Here in North Dakota, spring is just around the corner but we have to fight a flood first. More later, Johnnny and Kit.
Hi spookydragonfly,
I'm so glad to have discovered you after you kindly left a comment on my blog. What a wonderful blog you have here, the photos and observations are lovely, your yellow flower reminds me a little of a wildflower we have here in the UK called the Coltsfoot.
I thought I was the only adult in the world who still sees pictures in the clouds, fire, even patterned wallpaper etc! And I most definitely see your angel.
I am in a terrific rush today (I have to help at a family children's party) so will come back to study your earlier posts properly when I have more time.
Hi Mother Nature,
Weed or no weed, those yellow flowers are very showy. I am impressed with your photos. I am sure your dragonfly shots will be as good.
I have a regular membership of dragonflies and damselflies in my pond now. Three days ago, I saw a couple of them emerging at night, which was way too cool!
The feather photographs are absolutely braathtaking! You take such creative shots.
I think that that is so awesome how that flower (maybe a weed, I'll call it a flower =) ), bloomed right before your eyes. I tried to leave a comment the other day but your comments weren't set up. When I came back I seen that it was. Happy Spring, yay!
Hi Kim, great photos! Yes, I see the angel too.Doesnt it send a tingle down your spine when this happens?
That weed looks as pretty as any cultivated flower. I would take it any day.
Hi Johnny...My angel has a broken left wing it looks...maybe she's bound to earth! Gosh!! My imagination's running wild now! I never know what to expect when I visit you, that's what I enjoy about your blogs. My caption was a take off of "Look deep into my eyes"....maybe I should've stuck with that?! Sure hope you and Kit don't experience any damage from the flood...enjoy Spring!
Hello ShySongbird...Your screen name enticed me to check out your blog! Maybe, we're the only TWO adults in the world that still see images in the clouds! I do that with everything, always looking deeper. Well, my plant must be a Coltsfoot...you're the second person to confirm this, thanks for the response, I appreciate it!
Hi Amila...Thanks for your confidence in me, only time will tell. I'm so happy that your pond is bringing you joy! Being so close to your dragons everyday, you'll probably have them landing on you, too! Oh, I am sure seeing them emerge had to have been way too cool! I would've loved to have seen that! Two of my grandchildren are visiting this weekend. I was letting my 6 year old grandson take macro shots of bugs, I then showed him your last post on the Robberfly...you should've seen how big his eyes got!! Those captures were stunning, Amila!
Hi Machelle...I can find beauty or interest in most anything...except maybe around our barn..where you'll never see a creative shot of that! That's where we keep most of our tools, mowers, junk, etc. I was pleased with the feather photos, I wasn't sure how they'd turn out as they were moving so much in the breeze. Have a great Spring!
Hi Anne...I'm so desperate for color right now, the weeds will do just fine! These were on our back hill where there are no gardens, so they don't bother me there. Sorry about the comments being off, not sure what happened. You know, that bloom didn't slowly open, it sprung open! It was neat, as if it were spring loaded! Happy Spring to you, too!
Hi Sunita...My "Angel" was actually the setting sun hiding behind some clouds. It tinged the clouds a blend of golden and pinkish-orange. Add that to the reflecting, rippling water...and my imagination took off! Nothing wrong with that, I say. My weed will have to do for now, actually, the flower itself is quite pretty. I like driving past fields where dandelions blanket the landscape, I just don't want them blanketing my yard!
Hi Spooky - great photos and prose, as usual! I love the feathers on the waterfall.
And - yep, I see the angel. You lucky thing, an angel in your woods!
Wow,your macro shots are gorgeous. I love the feathers, especially. I don't know the name of your "weed" but I'd' never pull up anything that pretty. And yes, I do see the angel in the water. Looks like you had a great day outdoors!
Hi Nutty Gnome...Maybe I should've left more of the rocks showing, but I cropped the photo slightly to focus on the feather. I stood there admiring the contrasts of the two, that's what prompted me to photograph the feather. I have an obssession with photographing the surface of the pond, as the image always changes...due to weather conditions. I have dozens of photos such as these to serve as memories someday! Happy Spring to you!
Hi Vickie...I had a ball playing with the macro setting! I go to other blogs and see their macro shots and I always enjoy them. Something about looking into the heart and soul?! My weed is a Coltsfoot...as a couple of guests so graciously answered my question. These are behind the cabin and not in any of the beds, so they're just fine there...yes, weed or not, they are pretty! I'm looking forward to many more warm days...they'll be so much more enjoyable when the dragonflies show up!
Beautiful series on the paradise called Wishnik Woods. That second image of the feather dangling precariously is such an exquisite composition and stunning details. Well shot.
Hello Thomas...Can I just say that your comment made my day?! Coming from you, that is quite an honor...thank you. Those feathers just barely clung to the rocks, just enough moisture to hold them in the breeze. I was quite pleased how the photos turned out...due to the feather moving in the breeze. I sure am enjoying this macro feature!
Gee, it looks warmer over in Carroll County than it does here in Stark! Your photos are beautiful -- love the feather, and the yellow flower, which I think is coltsfoot. I saw on the web that coltsfoot is "the harbinger of spring". So yay for your coltsfoot!
SD: What a nice set of Spring captures and it was neat that you were there for the flowers opening. We are under 32F again today. I'm ready for it to warm up.
Glad I can comment again! So many wonderful photos - the feather looked so soft and fragile. And enjoyed seeing your blooms open up.
Love the whole series, but the feather photos are amazing.
Hello Seeing Anew...We had a couple of unseasonal warm days, but now we're back to upper 40's. At least we're getting a healthy dose of much need sunshine lately. Yes, HOORAH for Spring! Enjoy!
Hi Fishing Guy...Thanks, It is back to the cool weather, but at least we know warmer weather is close by. My family still lives up north there...it seems that usually we are a bit warmer than your location, being as we are more inland. I am ready for the warm up, too...then all too soon I'll be whining about the high humidity in July and August!
Hello Shellmo...Thanks, my weeds never looked so good! It was a pretty sight seeing the feathers floating on the pond...there again, contrast of the weight of the water and lightness of the feather...I understand the theory of it all, visually it appeals to me!
Hi Greg...Thank you, I feel that I captured what I found interesting...the contrasts. For a time, I could not get to your blog (refer to my Mallard post), I had no problem at this last attempt?! Looking forward to your future posts!
ある日、私は街を歩いていました。瀟洒な画廊があることに気付きました。私は意を決して、そのドアを開きました。受付で名を記し、画廊に入りました。私は心霊を感じました。私がそこで見たものは、真実の自然美でした。私は、凡庸な人間には気付くことが出来ない、優れた芸術家の天分を持った人のみが見出した自然の美しさがあることに気付きました。その画廊とはこのブログのことです。そして、全ての絵を描いた芸術家とは貴女のことなのです。
素晴らしい空間を準備してくれた貴女に、心からの感謝を捧げます。
合掌。
追伸
私の英文は不完全です。私の真意が理解いただけるかどうか心配です。
One day I walked the town. I noticed that there was a simple and elegant art gallery. I made up my mind and opened the door. I wrote down the name with a receptionist and entered the art gallery. I felt the spirit. The thing which I watched there was the true nature beauty. I noticed that there was the natural beauty that only a person with the natural gifts of the superior artist whom I cannot notice to an ordinary human being found. The art gallery is this blog. And the artist who drew all pictures is you.
I give sincere thanks to you who prepared for splendid space.
A postscript
My English sentence is incomplete. It is worry whether my real intention has you understand it.
Hello Pseudothemis...I understand very well your thoughts written down. You do not give yourself credit...your written English is very well understood by myself and others, too. I appreciate your efforts and time to translate your thoughts. I cannot translate to Japanese! Your comment is beautiful, it made me smile! Thank you for always sharing my vision...and such a wonderful comment!
One more thing Pseudothemis....
Arigatougozaimasu!
That flower must have really liked you to bloom for you as it did. That sounds like a blessing.
I hope you get to see dragonflies again soon.
Good Morning Bernie...I am able to see your followers now and was able to follow. Unfortunately, I'm still not able to comment. I so enjoy your blogs, I'm still not sure why I can't comment on your blogs (and others)anymore. I will take up your offer snd contact you one day! Love your deer captures...and the text...you know that I can identify!
I saw you commenting at Julie's site on her Dawn post, so I headed on over here to say hello to you. This is a good way to communicate too. You sure do get up early and I sure do go to bed late. The new shift is yours. Its time for me to dream.
Have a great day!
Sweet Dreams, Bernie!
The mallard photos are so beautiful as is the tribute to your dad.
Donna
Hello Donna...I'm glad that you read my Mallard post, I am still having problems reaching alot of blogs. Your blog does not completely load for me, at which point it completely stops. Thanks for stopping by and I wish you a Happy Spring!
Another hello, Kim, and another look at your award winning feather photo! Happy weekend and happy weather :)
Hi Joey...Thank you stopping back...award winning...eh?! But, they did turn out much better than I thought they would. Have a great weekend, too! By the way, it was really nice to see your Pussy Willow captures!
Dearest Mother Nature: I so enjoyed all the signs of Spring today! What magnificent photography! When one is "one with Nature" miracles happen! You are one with nature and that's what I love about your spirit!
You surely would have enjoyed witnessing "my sunset"! sigh
This post was moving for me.hugs
Hello Naturegirl...Thank you, finally Spring has arrived and we all feel a little lighter in our step, I'm sure. I so longed for color these past few weeks, I acquired a new appreciation for even my weed bloom! Seeing these Coltsfoot dotted along the woods' edge really is a pretty sight. Your sunset capture is simply perfection! Again, I would've loved to have been there with you. Enjoy Spring and hugs back to you!
Sometimes I will take my meditation out to the flowers and watch them open...you were so blessed to be with your coltfoot when she popped! So very exciting!
I alsothink your feather photographs are beautiful.
I enjoy macro photography so very much mine and yours! Thank you.
I also "see" in the clouds and the grasses and reflections....I daydream easily.
Soon it will be Dragon time....
Happy Spring!
Namaste,
Sherry
Hello Sherry...I daydream easily too. I daydream of a world that lives in respect of eachother and all of life. When I'm lost in a moment and feeling one with nature, I feel this is what it must feel like to live in heaven...that feeling...eternally. I thank you for your comments...and, yes, soon the dragons will come. Not soon enough for me! Enjoy your spring!
Hi Kim, that is SOME yellow 'weed'...it is prettier than many 'legitimate' (!) flowers I've seen! It's probably a type of naturalized wildflower. Those are amazing 'macro' shots. And to think you saw the flower opening before your eyes...how breathtaking that must have been!
Your 'reflection' photos are wonderful. The one of the trees glimmering (the last photo) looks just like a watercolor, to me.
Stunning, Kim!
Happy spring to you, dear friend
:-) It has to be encouraging to have April here.
Hello Jan...I have always enjoyed close-up shots in photography, but having this macro takes it into a whole new level! Something about seeing the texture and subtle shading of the bloom is fascinating to me. You see the bloom in a whole new light.
I have so many pond reflection photos stored! Yes, watercolor paintings is what I see, too. When the wind blows across the surface, the "painting" turns into a work of impressionism! I so wish I could actually replicate some of my pond reflections in a painting. It is encouraging now that Spring is here...I'm emotionally struggling with the fact that this will be my third gardening season where my efforts are extremely limited to due spinal issues. My husband helps where he can, though. Happy Spring to you as well!
Feathers couldn't have been any better captured. Just lovely!
Hi Olit...Thank you! I think I just got lucky that day! I was happy with them. According to your profile, you're new to blogging...watch it! It's addictive! I had trouble when I went to visit you...my connection has issues connecting with blogs. (see side bar...an explanation to my guests...I do alot of whining there!) Thanks for stopping by and have fun blogging!
You-know-who...thanks for the reply!
Hi again spookydragonfly,
I need a new addiction and blogging is not the very worst one i guess :)
I'm sorry that you have problems opening blogs, i hope you sort it out soon. I am always open to recommendations and advices from people who know the job better than me. So please feel free to stop by comment on anything you are interested in.
Thanks, gotta keep writing and posting :)
Hello again Olit...You're right, there's alot worse that one can get addicted to. Blogging can eat up alot of your time...or maybe just my time...wish I could go high-speed, that may help. Ha!...I have three blogs and I truly have the slighest idea what I'm doing. I would be the last person to give advise! Thanks for the offer...I do intend to attempt more visits to your blog, though. I'm offering my apologies in advance in case I can't fully load or comment on your blog. Once again, thanks for stopping by, Olit!
Thought I saw all your posts...guess not. You have a lovely different selection of spring arrivals. Very interesting and a nice change from what I see.
Hi Patsi...Thank you. Yesterday and today it has been snowing here in the woods....Yuck! I assume quite a few of my blooms will suffer. This isn't uncommon for my area in April, though. I hope you have a wonderful Easter with your family!
It is the sixth photograph from the top.
The mysterious photograph which shot flower arrangement from the viewpoint of the flower.
You have natural eyes.
Hello Pseudothemis...Thank you, I like how the towering pines show in the background, too. I have a few posts that I have been trying to publish...I'm having difficulties posting and visiting blogs again. I can't see my followers now either! We had to install a new security system and I'm wondering if this added to my problems. Thank you for visiting me again!
Hoping that you and your family had a nice Easter!
Hi Anne...Thank you, it was wonderful! I hope you and your family enjoyed Easter as well!
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