Longing For The Simple Things

I took this image on May 31st of last year. It was approximately a

month after I had surgery to repair my shoulder. I was determined

not to let it affect my time spent photographing Spring Flowers. This

one is Special. I had bought this Iris with the desire for it to be my

Dedication to my Mother who had passed in April of 2011. Now,

when it blooms in the Spring and Fall, I have this unique connection

to this lovely blossom. I had decided to get out my Tripod and

photograph with the daylight that comes into my kitchen on sunny

days. Even using the Tripod was tiring at this early date, but it gave

my spirit such a lift to be able to take images once again of the

beautiful colours of Spring. In light of World events that fill every type

of Media I can imagine, this simple joy of taking images of beautiful

Spring Flowers takes me back to a World that had not been touched

by such violence less than six months ago. It seems like another

layer of innocence has been stripped away and gives me pause to

weep for my children and grandchildren. May they always be able to

experience the colours and perfume of lovely Spring Flowers. May

we always be aware of the simple joys in our lives. (many thanks for

any visits, Gail :)

I understand perfectly what you say and is so true,we must enjoy each second of our life if possible,to appreciate a flower,a color,a fragrance,fresh air or water.I like this inside iris how it looks that is delicate and with nice colors.What I like to this kind of images is that we can see sometime more than with naked eyes and incredible details  come in front of us.

sincerely with best wishes your friend radu

Simplicity is always a good idea...and determination and courage even better!

Warm regards,

Dimitris.

Beautiful, Gail, it is a poem to life, perfect contrast and light. 

Hugs and a very happy 15 full of great shots. M.

Hi Gail,

  Beautiful image with so much meaning behind, the colors are magical.  Take care, Patsy

Gail, a great shot that was well worth all the effort. Loved the words about how you captured the shot and your feelings. shot and words stand on their own, but together...

Best wishes William.

Gail. Don't know which I like more, the sentiments or the image which goes with them. Taken together they make a superb shot. Best Wishes. Rick

Beautiful! Gorgeous colours , love flower macro and close-up. It is a world all it's own… and very therapeutic .. nice work ..

Many thanks for your encouragement - yes I think 'flower therapy' is one I turn to most readily. The colours and aromas - I just get lost in them.

My sincere appreciation for your visit Rick. There is nothing like the superb beauty of nature to lift one's spirits. I can't imagine not having that kind of influence in my life. Also the freedom to go where I please and take my images. I always hope that my Grandchildren are able to spend time with their parents in a 'nature' environment. Getting away from all the 'techy' things and communing with Nature really helps them to decompress. I really appreciate your encouraging and thoughtful words expressed. :)all the best,Gail

......

Your thoughtful insight is really appreciated William. I have been rethinking just how fortunate I am to be able to 'get lost' in this beauty of our Spring and Summer. When I purposefully stop to reflect on all the things I am thankful for - I find very little room for negative thoughts and emotions. It then also makes me reconnect with the need to help others. If we can help just one person have a better day rather than think about our needs we truly are investing in our wellbeing along with theirs. I am fortunate and blessed and must never forget that.  

Sincere thanks for stopping by Patsy. I just saw your Wedding image a few moments ago! Beautiful! I plan to visit b4 signing off. I have not been to many weddings of late to take that kind of opportunity. I am sure they will enjoy having that image to cherish!

thank you very much for those lovely wishes for 2015. I am looking forward to warmer temperatures and the sounds of Spring!! I always enjoy hearing from you, all the best dear Mari!

I could not have said it any better!! Many thanks for your kind words and visit!

Yes, all that is lovely in nature, especially flowers is revealed in your beautiful images. Your love of nature and capturing it's magic amazes me all the time. I wish you many wonderful adventures as you search for what we all enjoy this Season!!! Many thanks my friend for your encouragement and for sharing those wise words with me.

wishing you the best always, Gail

it's a very delicate image Gail with beautiful lighting and softness...the magentas go very well with the lighter yellows...i'm not sure what part of the flower that's called (the lower center magentas) but it appears wrapped around in a safe nest...well done...regards....David

Very intimate image and all about colour.

A beautiful result with very nice details and colors, Gail!

Gail - This is a lovely macro shot. Very well composed with the white iris petals softly shrouding the beard. The  purple/yellow complementary colors give the image pop while maintaining the soft, gentle feel of the shot. It is both peaceful and happy. This could be a greeting card, a page on a calendar or a photo on the wall of my bedroom.

Gail, you have achieved great tenderness according to the fragile nature of the subject and wonderful colors!

Best regards

PDE

Nice thoughts, and nice wishes!  I love the colors and your composition, and also I know how especial is for you after all this bad experiences you had this past year that never stopped you from believing and keeping  going forward. :)

Hug with lots of love, my dear friend :)

LuDa

Gail beautiful soft colors very nice composition best regards janegbert

Sincere thanks for your encouragement.  There is something about the gentle colours of Springtime flowers that 'soothe'.  I will get over and visit you Sandra, it has been awhile. Kindest regards, Gail

Yes, I do hope that I will be out sooner taking images this Year!!  While 'accidents' do happen - and we are able to 'get through those painful times' - we can get frustrated when we cannot do the things we most enjoy!!!  Many thanks for your encouraging words Luisa.