Spring Fever or Spring Lethargy?

By Cathy

It’s getting warmer outside; the earth is turning green and flowers are blooming. As spring arrives have you felt your energy level rising, your mood lifting? Have you been a little restless? It’s Spring Fever! You’ve caught Spring Fever! After many long dark dreary days of winter, you feel like you can breathe again and enjoy the rebirth of nature.

But, not everyone feels energetic. For some, it is a season of leaden limbs, fits of yawning, irritability, headaches, and aching joints. It's not Spring Fever, it's Spring Lethargy. Spring Lethargy is similar to a mild case of jet lag. Our bodies are out of rhythm. It hit me this past week. I've been moody and generally overcome with fatigue. Of course, part of that may be the fact that I’m already dreading the heat and humidity of summer! It’s a little depressing to be out-of-sorts on these beautiful spring days. 

Yesterday, I couldn’t find anything I wanted to do. There was yard work that needed done and laundry and this blog post, but I didn’t want to do any of them, so I went for a drive. I didn’t go too far from home; just wandered the highways and back roads. Arkansas highways are beautiful this time of the year. Throughout the state, approximately 200,000 acres of roadsides along approximately 1,000 miles of highways have been planted with wildflowers. Along those stretches of highways you can see red clover, daisies, coneflowers, Queen Anne’s lace, black-eyed Susans, milkweed, and others. Now, that’s a sight that will cheer you up!

I’ve always wanted to stop along the highway and take pictures of the red clover, but there’s never been a safe place to pull over. Finally, on my drive I found the perfect spot. I was able to pull into a parking lot at the bottom of a hill covered in wildflowers, mostly red clover. Of course, it was the middle of the day and the light was harsh, but you know what? I DIDN'T CARE!! I was thrilled to be among such beauty. Needless to say, it certainly uplifted my mood.

Although finding the clover made me feel better, I discovered something else that made me laugh out loud. I'd gotten off the highway preferring the slower pace of back roads. That's where I discovered a camel. Yes, a real camel. Now, that's something you rarely see in Arkansas unless you visit the zoo or an animal wildlife reserve. I discovered that his name was Larry. A couple had also stopped to see him and they began calling his name. He came right up to the fence. They scratched his head. Not me, I stayed my distance, seems to me camels like to spit when provoked! I certainly didn't want to provoke him. He looked so happy and had such a beautiful place to roam with plenty of shade and a large pond nearby. At one point, he laid down, rolled over, and kicked his feet in the air. Sorry I have no pictures of that. He was too far away and in the deep shade. He certainly looked like he was enjoying spring!

I’m glad I got out of the house. It was a nice day full of surprises. There is hope for Spring Lethargy sufferers! This only lasts about two or three weeks as our bodies adapt to the processing of seasonal changes. So be kind and gentle to yourself, give yourself time to adjust.

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is.

And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know

what it is you do want,

but it just fairly makes your heart ache. you want it so!

~ Mark Twain

If It's Spring . . .

by Dotti

. . . it must be time for diptychs!

What is a diptych? Merriam-Webster says:

1. 1 :  a 2-leaved hinged tablet folding together to protect writing on its waxed surfaces
2. 2 :  a picture or series of pictures (such as an altarpiece) painted or carved on two hinged tablets
3. 3 :  a work made up of two matching parts

Our friend Susan Licht is once again inviting Facebook friends and Instagram friends to share spring-themed diptychs the week of May 8-12. Susan did this last spring and again in the fall. It’s a wonderful opportunity to help you change your thinking and perspective and rekindle the passion in your photography venture.

There is a Diptych Group on Facebook that you can join and it can be found here. The group requests that we post only one diptych per day.

On Instagram (where you can probably post as many as you like) the hashtag is #weekofdiptychs.

For those of you who might be new to using and making diptychs or just want some inspiration, here is a great article from our friends at Digital Photography School.

I love diptychs! They always help me resurrect my moribund photography. Creating diptychs pushes me to see things differently, it helps me to think differently when I have the camera in my hands. It’s a wonderful storytelling tool. I have created and saved templates in the print module in Lightroom and it’s easy-peasy to create a diptych (or any mosaic) in a moment’s time. You can make them in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements as well.

If you’re shooting with your phone there are numerous apps that allow you to create diptychs. My go-to is Diptic but there are plenty of others. Be sure to share your favorite in our comments today. And you can create diptychs right within Instagram.

So, what are you waiting for? I’m going to start looking for diptych opportunities . . . as soon as the wind stops blowing.  [insert eye roll] Sometimes I feel like I live in Oklahoma.

Also, for those who haven’t heard, Tracey Clark is offering a “Picture Spring” class. The “Picture” series that Tracey started seven years ago (!) is where many friendships began, including those of us who contribute here at FOL. So take a look, you might find it interesting. I guarantee you’ll find inspiration, fun and new friends!

Focus On You

We're winding down our month of spring flowers and word art. The Focus On Life gallery has been overflowing with spring beauty. Jonquils, daffodils, or butttercups, whatever you want to call them, are one the most popular spring flowers. Did you know that they symbolize friendship? Today's image is from Patricia Margaret (teragam). These beauties do make me want to sing an ode to spring!! You can see more of Patricia Margaret's beautiful photos on her flickerstream.

Thank you to all who participated in this month's theme! Next month's theme will be revealed shortly. 

Happy Spring to you!

I Overslept But.....

by Deanna

Belonging to the Morton Arboretum Photography Society comes with lots of privileges, one being monthly photo trips to photo worthy places plus the added addition of being with like minded people who love photography as much as I do. The Chicago Botanic Garden was our destination of choice for the month of April and oh boy did we visit at the most opportune time. Everything was in bloom, our neighborhood is overflowing with the goodness that comes with Spring.

“She turned to the sunlight
    And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbor:
    "Winter is dead.” 
― A.A. Milne, When We Were Very Young

We were due to meet at 8:00 AM at the entrance into the gardens, but Deanna fell back to sleep after the alarm rang at 6:00 AM. The drive is anywhere from an hour plus, so when I left the house at 7:25 AM I knew I was in trouble. No traffic, thank you God, and I sped along (yes, I was going over the speed limit) and pulled into the parking lot at 8:05 AM.  Eventho I made it in record time, my photo group had already began their journey thru the gardens, leaving me behind. OK, do I search to find them, or just enjoy my lone walk, knowing that eventually we would meet? I chose the latter, and sure enough we finally met at the walled English garden. So come along with me as I wander thru the gardens before I meet up with the rest of the group. 

Holy moley, what in the heck were these giant cone shaped plants bursting with blooms rising to over 6 feet tall right outside the wall? Resembles something growing in outer space or perhaps Disney World. 

These beauties are aptly named "tower of jewels" or Echium 'Red Rocket'.  According to Google (my go to for info) they are biennials which mean the seeds are planted one year and the next they bloom. Hopefully they re-seed and continue their beauty year after year. 

They also have the "Blue Steeple" Echium by the entrance which is just as dazzling.

I love the Morton Arboretum, but I LOVE the Chicago Botanic Garden. Flowers, flowers and more flowers everywhere you look.  As I wandered with camera in hand, I was breathless at every corner, every turn there was more and more beauty.

The ever faithful, ever beautiful Bleeding Hearts....

The harder than heck to photograph Hellebores because they always have their heads bending downward as tho they are praying continually. 

“The deep roots never doubt spring will come.” 

― Marty Rubin

Another lovely that I am not real familiar with is this beauty called a 'Yellow Crown Imperial (Fritrillaria Imperaialis). This is another wowzer, standing at 2 to 3 feet tall. 

“I suppose the best kind of spring morning is the best weather God has to offer.” 
― Dodie Smith, I Capture the Castle

Ranunculus in yellows, reds, oranges, and pinks are planted in various gardens and planters...sigh!.

And then there are the Lupines...magnificent in purples and pinks.

“Spring drew on...and a greenness grew over those brown beds, which, freshening daily, suggested the thought that Hope traversed them at night, and left each morning brighter traces of her steps.” 
― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

A trip to the land of beauty would not be complete without at least one image of a crab apple in bloom. Be it crab apple, cherry, or apple the blooms that later turn into fruit are in their eye-popping glory right now.

And for just a little something extra, I've added a black and white. I really don't know what this is, It was a bush of some sort with all these white berry blossoms. I wasn't swooning with its color so made the decision to change it to B&W.  I kinda like it.  You won't find me doing this too much with florals. I am such a color freak that removing it really goes against my grain. 

I hope you enjoyed our walk thru the gardens, I plan on returning very soon to continue to soak up the beauty of Spring.

“Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?” 
― Neltje Blanchan

Morning Performance

by Carol

Having a 17 week old puppy is having a baby in the house again. A "sitter" (walker) comes at noon, outings are scheduled, and the kitchen is gated. The electrical outlets are covered, and nothing is left on the floor for even a second! Closet doors are closed and (obedience) school starts June 1st.. And sleeping in is on hold for a while. But there are unexpected joys to be found besides the adorableness of a puppy.

Among them is a renewed appreciation for early morning. I rise every weekday at 5:45, and have for years, but those weekday mornings are full of the time constraints that get me out the door and to work on time with matching socks, and food for noon. I always appreciate the light on the drive to work, but I don't have time to bathe in it and my mind is pre-occupied with the day's schedule. Since my kids left the house, I have slept in a bit on weekends (all the way to 8:30!!).  But now, I am wrapped in a sweatshirt, out on my lawn, walking my Lily by 6 AM. She is not old enough to leave the property yet, so I am getting reacquainted with early morning on my little homestead.

The east side of my house is the "business side." It's narrow and holds the propane gauge, the electrical connections, the hoses. The rest of my 1.9 acres spreads out to the west and behind. But Lily and I now walk the whole property, looking for as much variation as we can find, and watching the sunlight move slowly in from east to west has become a delightful way to wake up.

Fresh out of bed and just out the door,  it is a bit chilly. The grass is damp. The trees are grey. The deer feeding in my field are almost in the dark. But then, a glow develops behind my neighbor's barn.

Its low and pink. Soon, little tendrils of light are illuminating a single weed here and there. Then the rolling hills of my neighbor's perfectly fed lawn develop shadows and pools of golden light.

 The 100 year old house across the street suddenly has light on the front door that is worthy of a Wyeth painting.

The blossoms of my pear and apple trees begin to glow.

The green leaves and the birch stand begin to ignite.

And finally the light reaches  my emerging daffodils, low to the ground.

All this to the soundtrack of the morning birds. It's quite a stunning show - coming soon, to a yard near you. And there is a glorious repeat performance every day. And its free to all!

I recommend you attend a performance soon.

"Life is too short," she panicked, "I want more." He nodded slowly, "Wake up earlier."

                                                                                                              Dr. SunWolf

Springtime is...

by Linda

Springtime is my favorite season. Right after we clink our glasses and sing Auld Lang Syne, I am ready and waiting for spring.

Usually it's not too long of a wait. This year we were treated to an early spring, beginning in late February. It is rare to see new growth and warm temperatures that early but I'm not complaining. I remember one spring we got a late freeze on March 30. Oh the poor peach trees! And peaches grown around here are so good! Fingers crossed for a good crop this year!

The reason I love spring is because it always feels like a new beginning, a promise of good things and times ahead. Every plant that was bare and dormant is busting out with new tender green leaves and shoots, oh how I love that color! Once all the trees have their new leaves, the color is amazing!

And of course there are spring flowers. Our state flower, the bluebonnet, blooms only in the spring and only for about a month. It fills fields and roadsides with a wave of blue. People will stop for pictures in the best fields.

Of course, I am included in that lot! At the first sighting of a blooming bluebonnet, I begin to scout out my favorite fields to determine the best one to photograph my grands.

Each year, the fields will be different. Some will have lots of blue and some will have blue and red, and some will even have a bit of yellow.  All wildflowers in bloom signaling the start of spring!

You know how facebook will show you a picture from years past? A bit of nostalgia for you to share or not. Well, Shutterfly does it too. This year I was treated to pictures of my oldest grand when she was just a wee little.

Oh my! how time flies! This little button is now a tween, preparing for and getting excited for middle school. Considering, in my mind, I am still about 35, it hardly seems possible that she has gotten older.

I'm not ready for middle school!

But anyway, the lesson I learned from seeing these pictures pop up is that as much as I like to take pictures of things and plants and flowers and skies, I need to take pictures of people. Especially the people that are close to me.

Not only in springtime, but all the time!

You'll have to excuse me now, I have to cover my grey and bondo my wrinkles. (35 my a$$!)

...

When the Quince Bloom....

by Deanna

When the quince bushes bloom, then I know that Spring has arrived.  Even though the calendar may have cited March 20 as the official day of Spring, that is certainly not the case in the Midwest, and from the weather reports obviously not in many states both west, east and north of us.  But right here, in my little corner of the world, I determine Spring has officially commenced when the quince bloom.

I planted the three quince bushes in a garden right outside our front door the first Spring we moved into this house.  That was in 1979, 38 years ago and every year since, they have bloomed each Spring without fail, and to the best of my ability to remember (sometimes a challenge) it has never snowed here once the quince have bloomed.   I can’t say that about the snowdrops, the crocus or the daffodils, but I can state with confidence that no snow has ever fallen on my blooming quince.

So what is it that speaks to you?  Are you like me that when a special plant or flower blooms you finally feel like Spring has arrived?  Is it when the magnolias burst forth, or the dogwoods open to reveal their beautiful  flower?  In Arizona, the cactus begin their glorious blooming season in late March and early April (which I missed, dang it), Is it perhaps your favorite birds returning from their southern wintering grounds, or Spring rains with flashes of lightening and booms of thunder?  In Texas the bluebonnets cover the hillsides and in Washington DC the cherry blossoms are at their peak in late March.

I don’t know about you, but Spring to my eyes launches the 3 seasons of color that lasts throughout the spring, summer and fall.   Commencing in March with the first sightings of the snowdrops and crocus and 7 months later into October witnessing the glorious colors of Fall, our eyes are embraced by the colors of nature.   That continuous color nurtures my soul, lifts my spirits and is a constant reminder of God’s sweet gift to us. 

“Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.” 
― Victor Kraft