We live in a moment of history where change is so speeded up that we begin to see the present only when it is already disappearing.
R. D. Laing
Time is a strange concept and slips through our fingers like a delicate silken cloth. Where does it go? It seems like a year has passed since I was vacationing in Mexico, my son's March break is at the end, and there are only four days until the official arrival of Spring.
As I write this post (I finally found time and inspiration) a choir of bird's chirps is greeting me through the open window, reminding me of nature's constant changes. Life is time, but it's only the present time that exists. And it moves too because, without this movement and change, this present moment would be an eternity. So if there is no change, there will be no time. Or there is no life without change, simply put. I can't remember the philosopher who made me realize this concept, but I really comprehended it in a way to help me make sense of things.
And here we are, embracing the next change of Nature when shorter days change to longer ones, when chilly mornings change to more sun-filled days, when mud makes room for tender green grass and the little bulbs transform into precious flowers. But what truly fascinates me during this time of the year is how a small seed can grow and change to become something great – slowly, patiently, quietly, taking its time. I always marvel in this earth and sun, these wonders from which all life grows. They nurture every seed so it can grow strong, mature and create new life, the same way as we humans do. I love this kind of order in nature! Even though there will be at least a month while the spring will unfold here, there is no doubt, it will.
Frankly, I do not perceive springtime as a new beginning, nor even a more optimistic mood, rather it's just an opportunity to immerse myself in the magnificence, beauty and wonder of the natural world that surrounds me, to step into the flow of life and to put more conscious effort into making the universe my collaborator. It's just an opportunity to observe and savour these inevitable changes in Nature ( happening right under my nose), which will definitely be followed by the shift in ME.
These shots were inspired by the simple bouquets of spring flowers in our living room, the crocus bulbs I bought for planting and a wonderful book that I found in a thrift store a year ago. The simple black and white photo of a dry plant on the front cover captured my attention. "Flowers in Shadow" by Zeva Oelbaum is a very special book with images of a century-old botanical journal found in a tiny antique shop in New England. It's a "tribute to the artistry, elegance and simplicity of this forgotten document" Oelbaum writes in the preface of the book and I Love it!
The only way to make sense out of change
is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. ~ Alan Watts
Dance in the loving embrace of Spring, dear friends!
Thank you for visiting my blog and creating a moment in my days by simply leaving your kind comments!
Sharing with Sandi ~ Rose Chintz Cottage
Kathy ~ A Delightsome Life
Amy ~ Virtual Coffee
Heather ~ JUST WRITE
Your photos are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing. Blessings, Pamela
ReplyDeleteWonderful photography and true sentiments.
ReplyDeleteTime flies much too quickly though, and I would love to slow it down and savor it more.
I really love your photos. They are so beautiful. Deb
ReplyDeleteStunning, dear friend...you always manage to take my breath away. Be it with your gorgeous images, words, thoughts..usually all of the above!
ReplyDeleteI think upon these very things almost daily. The concept of "time", the miracle of a seed, the miracle of it all. I am so grateful for you,dearest Sylvia. I hope the beautiful birdsongs, and your own inner well of "forever spring and summer", raises you up into joy, sweet friend. I am sending many warm hugs across the miles, and much love!!
- Irina
Oh this is fodder for such thought and creativity my dearest.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, your dear comment made me soar this morning as I read it. However, you said you were feeling a bit blue....you know, that is part of CHANGE, do ya think? It has happened to me when there is too much change hitting me all at once, then as YOU SO ELOQUENTLY stated up above, change is also an opportunity to immerse oneself into this calculated moment we have been accorded. THANK YOU for your generous comments, and also for this rich post filled with the beauty that you lens captures and is first seized by your eye. What a most GLORIOUS PHOTO of that grape hyacinth! I so wish I could get that same effect of creamy white and bold color.
Dearest one, I pray that whatever is making you blue will CHANGE and evolve into colors of JOY.
Have a most splendid day. Anita
Sylvia~ Your photograph & settings always evoke a dreamy sigh of contentment from me. Your pairings of the bulb, blooms, flatware~ such artistry. It's such a pleasure to visit and start my day here. Thank you for the beauty you share :)
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely photos & words, Sylvia. I'm happiest when I'm truly living in the moment, and - as Alan Watts suggests - join the dance. :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you joy,
~ Zuzu
Lovely post.Thanks so much for visiting mine.Blessings for a nice new week ahead for you!
ReplyDeleteYour photos show such an artistic flare. Beautiful.
ReplyDelete-Karen
And thank you blessed friend, for being a sparkling light of friendship to me, even though it IS through words and images...what a lovely thought.......
ReplyDeleteBe well on this lovely day. Anita
Such fine and sensitive photos today! Each is like a little botanical painting. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI adore these photographs Sylvia, you have gone to so much trouble to set everything up, the results are stunning.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love to see that you have posted again. I know I will be enchanted with your beautiful photographs. The flowers in the jars are gorgeous. Hugs, Deb
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing your gifts of Spring beauty today!
ReplyDeletei am blessed...
Good morning Sylvia,
ReplyDeleteYour post is wonderful and the photos are fabulous! Each one is so lovely. The pansy teacup is so pretty and I really like the quote by Alan Watts! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your photos with us and enjoy this opportunity to immerse yourself in the magnificence, beauty and wonder of the natural world that surrounds you. Happy Spring, my friend!
Blessings,
Sandi
Beautiful post! Happy Spring!
ReplyDeleteHappy spring to you :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and I absolutely love all of these pictures! Wow!
I'm your newest follower :)
Nikki – inspire nordic
You always have such pretty photos to share!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful collection of photos and words! I love your thoughts and the way you express them...your writing has such a calmness about it. Hope you're having a good week.
ReplyDeleteHello Sylvia,
ReplyDeleteI am always completely enchanted when I visit, and it has been too long! Your photography is exquisite! I am so glad you shared with A Return to Loveliness,
have you ever shared what camera you use or tips - you're quite talented.
God Bless,
Kathy