Peace In The Garden - (enlarge)

We all have our moments. Many may be having one right now. Our

thoughts, scrambled, unsettled, perhaps searching for Peace of

Mind, or Peace of Heart. But 'Peace' all the same. We all search for

answers to questions our minds just cannot comprehend, let alone

understand. One day, life seems to be almost 'perfect', no major

problems, but then when we least expect it, our Souls can be torn

apart. We feel lost, and alone. If we are wise, we know we are

NEVER alone. But at first it may take friends who hold us close to

remind us that they are there for us. If we listen closely, we may hear

that still small voice that reassures us that indeed - we are not alone.

Comfort comes in many ways. But most often we heed the longing of

our hearts, and seek out what 'comforts' us best. For me, no matter

what the situation, I find Peace amongst the beautiful, fragrant

flowers of a Garden. The lovely hues, and changing light that dances

on the blossoms, reminds me that Someone much wiser than I

created the beauty that I am beholding in that moment. Peace comes

to my heart and soul and I am reminded once again, that perhaps

God truly is a 'Poet who writes with words of flesh and bone and leaf

and flower'. I too am part of a Poem, and one day when all the words

have been said, and His Poem is perfect, He will gather all the words

back into His heart, where they will be safe forever. Then, and only

then, He will begin once again. I long for the beautiful colours of a

Summer Garden, but for now I will have to enjoy them in images

from last summer, mine, and those who share such beauty here on

PN. (any visits and comments are always appreciated, Peace, Gail)

You are right, Gail, these are kisses to our souls from God, we are never alone, a big hug. Mari

Hi Gail,

Beautiful, delicate flowers shown here.

The use of F/16 with the 100mm macro  furnished a "soft" look with a limited DOF due to the focus point used.

While I am not a proponent of using fine lens stopped down beyond F/5.6 (F/8 maximum) , sometimes a scene does NOT require that  a lens furnish its highest performance level to be effective. A scene with inherent limiting definition in its elements can be imaged well at most any f-stop.

For myself, I try to use the lens of choice to its full benefit whenever possible.

Warmest Regards, Mike

Hi Gail,

  Beautiful words of wisdom & beautiful image to boot.  Thank you for sharing both.  Take care, Patsy

What a beautiful flowers and very nice lighting, Gail!

It will be long time to see in my garden this splendid flowers,nice one Gail.

really alive.  best, jamie

Knowing your love of flowers of all kinds - I do appreciate your kind comments on this one.

Many thanks to each one of you who expressed your appreciation of this image, my sincere thanks.

Thankyou for taking into consideration I was experimenting with my Fstops. While I normally use close to 2.8, I thought I'd  experiment and see what my result would be. Thankyou for your honest opinion, cheers for now, Gail

Gail,  The beauty of flowers are uplifting and such a pleasure to look at. One thing that you add to the beauty of your work is the beauty of your thoughts expressed in such beautiful heart feld ways, like the beauty of flowers. I love  to read your thoughts as I find more depth and beauty in your images because of your words and thoughts.  Thank you for the added wonder of your thoughts along with your pictures.    Sherry

My sincere thanks Sherry for your kind comments of critique, so glad you enjoyed this image.

Wow, this is really nice.  I love the way the petals almost come to me.  Love the droplts on them.  It cheers me up

Lovely composition and use of pastels. Very nice Gail and thank you for a moment of peace!

Great sharpness and choice of shooting angle, it adds a 3D feeling to it.

Lovely work.

Best regards Tore

I do appreciate your input. I have had this image for awhile and was not sure whether to post. Thankyou for the encouragement!!!

Many thanks for your visit Robert!!! So nice to hear you enjoyed this image. I will try to get back to your Portfolio of lovely birds soon. Some of the finest 'duck' captures I have seen!!!!

So glad you enjoyed this image Donna. My tired eyes needed to see something cheerful and bright. Talk soon, Gail

Very lovely one with the happy and delightful mood.  Congrats.  Best Regards,

Hi Gail,

Gorgeous capture.......Best Regards, KA

Nice colours and dof is just right!

my sincere thanks for each encouraging comment! I appreciate your input and encouragement very much ! 

A plethora of colors expertly captured.

My sincere appreciation for your visit and lovely compliment.

Kindest regards, Gail