Apr 27/10: April Snow

Apr 27/10: April Snow, originally uploaded by susanvg.

It came
heavy wet snow
blanketing
weighing down the flowers
It coated the trees
with their newly opened leaves
Then trees
dropped the snow
on what was below
in plops of wet snowballs
Spring storm
a damp reminder
that weather too
has its mood swings

Apr 26/10: Looking Up

Apr 26/10: Looking Up, originally uploaded by susanvg.

These perky flowers are among the first wild flowers to open in spring. I find it odd that they face the earth instead of the sun. My camera was close to the ground aiming up to reveal the heart of this bloom. They hang their heads modestly, lest anyone see their bright sunny faces.

It is a shame they hide their wild abandon - like people wearing masks to keep others from seeing their true personalities.

Apr 25/10: Transparency

Apr 25/10: Transparency, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Daily Shoot's challenge was : Challenge: Side lighting can emphasize texture and add depth to a photo. Make a dramatic photo with side lighting today.

I discovered, for me it was also about transparency - how light goes through and casts a coloured shadow.

Interesting how transparency can be about honesty - about being open about the facts. Or a person who is transparent has no guiles. If sidelighting can emphasize, transparency can clarify. Seeing in new ways...

Apr 24/10: Old Ford Truck

Apr 24/10: Old Ford Truck, originally uploaded by susanvg.

When I laid eyes on this truck I felt there was something odd about it. It looked pristine - the body shone with not a single scratch, yet its design was from the past. As I checked it out, I was reminded of cars from my childhood with door handles that locked with the push of a button, small triangular windows beside the main window which opened by pivoting and the tinny windshield wipers. The truck was low to the ground with a running board - easy to hop in and out. I searched on the Internet and found similar trucks from the 50s.

In the window of this truck was a handicapped permit - I wondered if it was for the truck or the driver!

Apr 23/10: Planting Soon

Apr 23/10: Planting Soon, originally uploaded by susanvg.

These pots of pansies sit ready to be sold and planted. While my perennials come up, I start to think of what I will need to fill in some of the gaps. I have always loved pansies, with their velvety faces.

The sign below says "Food at its best" and it made me think how our notion of edibles has blurred. Many flowers are edible ( I found this site that describes many). I prefer to keep my flowers on view, but many fancy restaurants put flowers sparingly in salads and as garnishes. I had a friend who froze flowers in ice cubes to put in summer drinks.

I'll stick with vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower for my flower consumption.

April 21/10: Contemplating Spring

April 21/10: Contemplating Spring, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I have used this window before to show the changing seasons - from autumn to winter. Now it frames the delicate spring colours. The wildlife is busy now. Robins gather nesting material. The air is alive with their songs. Squirrels are jumping from branch to branch looking for food. For my cats, this is a wonderful time to watch the activity - the window as a television set for them with a constantly changing program.

Apr 19/10: The curtain is closing

Apr 19/10: The curtain is closing, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The leaves are filling in, hiding the long view to the river. I can still see through the dappled veil, but not for much longer. Spring is really here.