Too Cold

(For my American friends -24°C is -11°F and  - 40°C = -40°F)

A brief cold snap has enveloped our province with extreme cold warnings telling everyone to be sure to dress very warmly if one has to go out. While I did not stay out long (this photo was actually taken through my open car window while parked), I did venture out for a recorder lesson. Italian renaissance and early baroque music warmed me up. It is always a challenge.





It was a good day to enjoy my newly opened amaryllis. A hot drink, a good book and my indoor garden to chase away any thoughts of freezing temperatures.

Amaryllis

I think these plants have something magic about them. They almost grow before my eyes. This year I got wise, buying a heavier pot for it so it doesn't topple when the flowers open. I've turned it every day as it is a real light seeker, reaching towards the window. Promises - of opening soon, of displaying its glory. Here is a case where you almost don't have to be patient!

Flowers Indoors

I love my orchids - they keep giving back. I have 5 flowering at the moment with another just about ready to open. All were dormant for a while and have treated me to a winter garden. They seem to know I need their colour and beauty at the darkest time of year. Flower therapy!

It has been a particularly cold few weeks and the thought of taking my hands out of my gloves to take photographs is a big deterrent to outdoor shots. While I take long walks bundled in layers of clothing, my hands stay warm. As my daughter once wisely said at the age of 6, when I forgot to bring my camera to an event, "You can take pictures with your eyes." I have been on a bit of a hiatus in terms of photography and maybe that is a good thing. Vacations of one sort or another are for renewal. I certainly don't take a photography vacation when I travel so I guess when I am back in my regular routine is the perfect time for a photography vacation.




This orchid used to belong to my much older cousin who passed away over a year ago. I delight in its blooms - a symbolic visit from a cherished person. She would have delighted in its presence.




Each year I plant an amaryllis. It astounds me with its rapid growth. It is a reminder of the importance of cherishing the moment as it dazzles with its splashy colour only to fade in a few short weeks. I stop and stare, captivated by its beauty. Its bright red is an antidote to the greys outside.



One persistent cyclamen keeps flowering. It, too, has a message. New growth is constant.

How does your garden grow?

Frosty Patterns

Frosty Patterns, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Frost paintings hide the view as arctic temperatures embrace the city. While outdoors, the wind strokes faces with its icy fingers, indoors all is warm. A cup of tea, good company and time to relax.

My sunny amaryllis, newly opened, chases away thoughts of the cold.

Jan 26/10 Amaryllis 2

Jan 26/10 Amaryllis 2, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I love to photograph flowers. It makes me look at them intently, trying to understand their mystery. This amaryllis whose speedy growth is astounding waves its anthers to entice some pollinators. Few insects live in my house in winter. The flower calls to me to admire it; I look, entrapped by its intense colour, I fall under its spell.