Bromeliad Cosmos

The image did not photograph square!! This shows you my first framed image that will end up at the Backus after Thanksgiving. I called it 'Bromeliad Cosmos' as the center of the bromeliad is like a little world of its own. All sorts of critters get substance from the water and nutrients found there. I love the symmetry of the leaves as they spread out from the center of the plant, the texture of the sharp edges of the leaves. I believe this is in the Neoregelia family. In contrast to this plant, some bromeliads have a spike that shoots up.

Creative actions at work

This will be my temporary home for the next two weeks. Elliot had made this table for me out of 2 x 4s, two hollow wood doors and for strength on top a 1/2 inch piece of 8 x 4 foot plywood. I have all I need right there. Good lighting, a ceiling fan, music!!! I have figured out, by using the patterns, the best way to cut the matboard. Now to get it done.

I need to cut some glass also. Cutting that first piece always makes me nervous. I will post an photo of the first completed image. The theme for my images is foliage. I love foliage with the sun coming through.

Searching

This beautiful cardinal is searching among the battle scarred roots of the red mangrove tree. I was not aware that the cardinals would even be interested in what could be found here, but this one kept searching.

Perhaps the cardinal was taking advantage of the low tide to do a bit of bathing as I see its feathers are fluffed.

At times we search in different areas for answers to life. Why, where, how can we handle this. What would be the best way to approach this problem in our life?

If we are open to all that comes our way, our answers might be found in very different circumstances than we would expect to find them. Too often we limit ourselves as to where we look, where we expect to find answers. New approaches to old problems, or even new problems is a good idea.

For me, the standard answers for sleep apnea have not brought me even 50% success. I have looked and tried, along with my doctors at all the usual possibilities and not found the answer that works for me... so now I must explore other avenues. Wish me luck!

Monstera Leaf

Monstera deliciosa...
This a quite a vine... the leaf can grow to be almost 3 feet in length and 2 feet across. If braced against a tree it will grow up the tree and the leaves will get larger the higher it grows. It is also referred to as the 'swiss cheese' vine, for obvious reasons. There are smaller versions that make great potted plants with a support in the pot for upward growth. The stem of the vine is almost trunk-like and can stand upright for a while, then it will just fall over and sprawl, if not attached to a support.

Gloriosa time again

It started with just 3 tubers, but now there are a multitude... sending up the single stem vines. You can see how the tiny curls at the end of the long leaves can grasp on to anything to hold itself up. Some enhancement was done to the flower blossom, in order to bring out the detail against the background.

Holding on is something we all have to do at some time or other in our lives. Sometimes it is needed for just a little while so we can get our bearings. Other times we need to do it for a longer time for various reasons. The important part is to know how to use that support to our advantage without taking too much. We also must try to be aware when it is time to let go... and to say "Thank You."

Raindrop Reflection

I like the flower... some kind of iris, I think. It was given to me. What I was after was the raindrop near the center of the image. I find raindrops most interesting... This drop was on the bottom side of the petal, but the reflection seen is the roof of the structure above the petal! It has cross beams and is covered by bamboo fencing... I was not using a tripod which limited my progress in taking this image... meaning the settings.

Raindrops on a Spiderwort Blossom

I am happier with the raindrops than with the bee in this image. They act like mini magnifying glasses wherever they sit. They can also be a mirror, showing what is below or along side an object. Sometimes they seem to be barely clinging to the edge of a leaf or branch. When taking such an image, I am so afraid of disturbing the object for fear of making it 'let go.' An amazing aspect of nature they are.

Friendship & Friends with edit

Friendship & Friends... two very precious things. They go together and can bring such joy to your life. Some friendships withstand time, withstand distance, trials, ups and downs... but they remain there forever, even in the passing of a friend.

Today I lost a friend. We made Cursillo together, shared our faith together. We watched each others children grow and worried with each other over the difficult times our children had. Judy and Don raised seven great children. (Correction... ten children!) I mainly knew the last two. We, in our Saturday Morning Breakfast Group, were aware that the others always backed you up with a prayer, a good thought or two, when times were tough.

Judy and I went through breast cancer about the same time. We compared notes, reactions and all that went with it. Then that dreaded thing came back to be with Judy.. in a different and most difficult place. They gave her 3-5 months but she lasted a year.

Judy... I know that now you are at peace. That pain will not bother you again.

I was at your funeral today (Saturday 7 18 09)... the church was packed. That is your legacy. I must apologize as I did not count three of your kids. What fine young adults they have become. Your family is one to be applauded. I know there were difficult times and situations, but in the end... they are solid members of society, each in their own way.

Another Night Blooming Cereus

For this shot, I had a large 6V flashlight on the ground about 4 feet below the flower shining upward. My settings were: f/29.0 @ 30". I was using a Canon XSi with the kit lens, 18-55mm. A tripod and mosquito repellent were also used.

A One Night Stand!

This night blooming cereus only blooms at night. The blossom itself can be 12 inches across. I took this at 9:30 pm and went out again at 5 am and it had already started closing. I was trying timed exposures, but those did not come out that well. This was a flash... not the best option for flowers as it leaves shadows and can be harsh. I will have some more chances in a few days. The full moon coming up would help... if only the clouds would stay away. So far, they are forever covering the sky.