Subtle shading
in pastel hues…
and grainy monochrome.
in pastel hues…
and grainy monochrome.
Ranunculus
Camellias in bloom at the Vancouver Parks Board Building,
Stanley Park, 02 February 2019.
Narcissus ‘Bridal Crown’
Close to the sod
There can be seen
A thought of God
In white and green.
Unmarred, unsoiled
It cleft the clay,
Serene, unspoiled
It views the day.
It is so holy
And yet so lowly.
Would you enjoy
Its grace and dower
And not destroy
The living flower?
Then you must, please,
Fall on your knees.
This morning I found Anna Bunston De Bary’s poem that captures the common snowdrop’s charm. The last line makes me smile because I agree the best way to examine and admire these diminutive beauties is on one’s knees. And when photographing them, not only do I kneel but I also assume sideways-lying or almost prone positions on the sidewalk or sod, which occasionally elicit curiosity or concern in passers-by who question if I’m ok. “Oh yes,” I reply, “very ok.” And then I realize how odd I must have looked from a distance. Perhaps I should put up a small sign: Photographer at Work.
Contrary to the natural order of the seasons, in Vancouver this year we experienced snowdrops before snowflakes and were teased by pre-spring weather and early blossoms before winter stormed in this past week. As I write this post, snow has been falling steadily for the past two days, burying all the snowdrops that emerged in January and early February. The snow is deep and heavy so I suspect the flowers have been crushed. After the snow melts, though, I’m going to try to prove myself wrong and will look for resilient survivors.
I’m repeating myself with this subject — and this particular long-lasting bouquet — but I do believe I could photograph these beautiful flowers a thousand different ways and never become bored. (Plus they’re an excellent opportunity for me to practice my composition skills.)
Anemones in the ground have not emerged yet, but they’ve arrived in pots at the local garden centre so I scooped up this pretty little thing for the balcony. Just one pot of pink will keep me satisfied until the ranunculus begin their blooming season.
Another early bloomer during this mild winter: