It is said that we only regret the paths left unexplored. What path is calling you in 2020?
There are no gatekeepers – pollinators can fly to any bloom they choose. You can choose to dance with your creativity – and unlike a flower, you don’t have to wait for the world to pick you.
You can pick yourself.
Passion for the things we love can take us many places. My love of flowers led me to photography which has taken me on journey of wonder and discovery and recently led me to the stage at TEDx Emerald Glen Park.
Butterflies in the Poppies:
My passions for storytelling, community and all things floral collided in a blissful moment that urged me to encourage others to follow the paths where they seek to make a difference.
If you’re waiting for a sign to take a leap out of your comfort zone then please take a moment to view my TEDx Talk – Community, Connection and the Art of Storytelling.
It’s not for everyone but it might just be for you.
PS: Flowers at the TEDx Event:
Amazing that it included a pincushion bloom from the Western Cape in South Africa! Stocks symbolize a happy life and contented existence. Orange roses represent enthusiasm, passion and gratitude. The Feverfew daisy-like flowers are a medicinal plant for treating headaches so this is a perfect TEDx bouquet!
Happy Earth Day!
Happy New Year!
I am thankful for all the support and views and am sending floral greetings to all wishing you a year in which you bloom like never before!
“Some buds never flower, if we are fortunate enough to bloom, we should do so with all the enthusiasm and vigor we can muster.” Vanessa Lee Thomas
My Facebook Page has just gone over the 5400 Likes mark – and I am delighted! I also however recall the days when I posted a floral photo and got more than 1 like and was thrilled!
The “liking’ culture is complex – but I think of it like grading exam papers. There are always those who instinctively are critical and judgmental and would never give anyone an “A” as they feel it is unattainable and then there are those with rose-tinted glasses who think everyone deserves some sort of acknowledgement just for putting in the effort. So it’s no surprise that the number of followers outrank the number of likes but that’s ok.
Granted when photos are amazing I am more likely to ‘like’ them but sometimes just getting someone to share a pic of a bloom they noticed while out walking or gardening is even more beautiful. They were captivated and for a brief moment they could rest and breathe in the beauty.
If you’re new to blogging and sharing what you care about it takes time to find your tribe – it’s taken me 5 years to get this far – so don’t be discouraged – just keep shipping.
In a world where kindness, compassion and encouragement are rarely seen how hard is it for you to like the photo your friend or family member just posted about something creative they made? We can fuel each other’s endeavors to bring more beauty into the world.
I love flowers – always have and always will – they give me a chance to pause and appreciate simple moments of nature’s beauty. It’s why I share photos of them – I think my photography skills have loads of room for improvement – but I still love to share blooms that make me stop, pay attention and show appreciation.
Have a fabulously floral day!
Your art is an intrinsic part of your being and is thankfully something that goes with you wherever you are in the world.
Photo 1: Poppies In California, USA
We are coming up to our 4th anniversary of living in the beautiful and vibrant state of California in the USA after leaving the lusciously green and peaceful area of Sussex in the UK.
The definition of home has taken on a new meaning for us and we have learned to value the connections we make with others on our journey. My enthusiasm for Floral Photography continues to drive me to explore my surroundings wherever we may find ourselves and thankfully nature is able to offer an unending collection of floral delights.
Photo 2: A field of Poppies in the UK near Brighton
There is so much excitement locally around the pending total solar eclipse tomorrow, Monday August 21. I was rushing around last week looking for approved viewing glasses for my kids but I was way too late as stocks were already sold out.
Some parents I know even pooled resources to Fedex a shipment of them to get here in time but due to damage in transit they could not be delivered leading to severe disappointment.
I was intrigued by this solar fascination and how the wonders of our universe sometimes stop us all in our tracks and call us to pay attention.
In a way though it also saddened me that Nature has to put on such a dramatic visual display before we really notice the world around us.
The endangered bees and butterflies, the declining forests, the melting polar caps and the death of the Great Barrier Reef all come to mind.
There is beauty and wonder around us every day! Nature is battling for survival and we need to pay more attention more frequently to what is happening in our world even though it doesn’t always happen on such a spectacular scale.
With these thoughts in mind I created the image below from the intricate detail and coloring of a single Gerbera bloom and a photo of a decorative iron garden trellis.
Nature deserves our attention – our survival depends on it.
Photo 1: Solar Celebration
Photo 2: A Single Gerbera Bloom
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." Dr. Seuss
My thought for today – we are fueled by the things we care about and we benefit from things that others care about.
Nature nurtures us all and we will all be better if we care about and for her a whole awful lot.
Photo 1: Better is Beautiful
Photo 2: Daisy Profusion
