Weekly Photo Challenge: Good Morning

Sharing Breakfast, a photo by Fergiemoto on Flickr.  (click on photo to enlarge)

>>:::<<
bathing in pollen
before autumn awakens
summer breakfast
>>:::<<

Whenever I can, I like to get in a dose of nature as part of my morning routine – regardless of the season or weather.

.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Fresh

Sunflower Morning, a photo by Fergiemoto on Flickr.  (click on photo to enlarge)

>>:::<<
morning brilliance
entices with fresh nectar
sunflower greeting
>>:::<<

.

The Last Iris – Woodblock Print

Iris – Woodblock, a photo by Fergiemoto on Flickr.  (click on photo to enlarge)

>>:::<<
welcoming summer
with a respectful surrender
spring blooms nap
>>:::<<

Usually, our irises finish blooming before summer officially arrives.  This year, a couple of our iris blooms, similar to the one in the above image, insisted on meeting the summer solstice.  They have since retired for their long nap until next spring.

I have been clearly absent from blogging for a couple of weeks.  An escalated roller coaster ride with my own health issues, as well as spending several days in the hospital with my mother due to a sudden and unexpected surgery left me with no time or energy for much of anything else.  She is now at home with us recuperating from her surgery.  But I’m able to pop in today for a quick post.  Thank you so much for your patience.

I hope the new season is off to a wonderful start for you.

This image of an iris bloom is another photomanipulation I did to digitally convert a photo into the likeness of an old Japanese woodblock print.  I also learned from fellow bloggers, Francine and Frizz, that the image is also called a “xyloglyph.”

Graceful Peony – Woodblock Print

Single Peony – Woodblock, a photo by Fergiemoto on Flickr.  (click on photo to enlarge)

>>:::<<
delicate pink chicks
shielded by caressing arms
silken peony
>>:::<<

This image of a single peony is another photomanipulation I did to digitally convert a photo into the likeness of an old Japanese woodblock print.

Single peonies are composed of one or more rows of a few broad petals, known as guard petals, which surround a center of pollen-bearing stamens, which in turn surround the pistil.  I believe the name of this peony is Sea Shell.  I like how delicate and silky the petals are, and how the formation of stamens and pistils looks like a birds nest.

Hope your week is off to a splendid start!

Here is the original photo I started with:

Peony, a photo by Fergiemoto on Flickr.  (click on photo to enlarge)

Weekly Photo Challenge: In the Background

Triple Opportunity, a photo by Fergiemoto on Flickr.  (click on photo to enlarge)

>>:::<<
unplanned camouflage
invisible in plain sight
background activity
>>:::<<

Refocus your attention to reveal a new perspective, or a new world!
(Did you also notice the little black bee in the photo?  I felt quite lucky to have captured a shot with three little critters!)

.
This week’s WordPress Photo Challenge encourages us to
share a picture that says In the Background.

Linking up with:
CAMERA CRITTERS
WEEKLY TOP SHOT
MACRO MONDAY

My Favorite Daffodil – Woodblock Print

Daffodil Replete Woodblock, a photo by Fergiemoto on Flickr.  (click on photo to enlarge)

>>:::<<
sipping peach cocktails
dreaming among soft sunsets
daffodil garden
>>:::<<

This is a photomanipulation to digitally convert a photo into the likeness of an old Japanese woodblock print. I last posted one of these styles over a year ago. How time flies!

The image is of a double daffodil variety named Replete, one of my favorite types of daffodils.  They are beautifully shaped blooms that are peach/pink with snow white.  It’s wonderful to be surrounded by these beauties while enjoying a refreshing cocktail!

Hope you are having a wonderful week!

P.S. Here is the photo I started with:

Daffodil Replete, a photo by Fergiemoto on Flickr.
(click on photo to enlarge)

 Linking up with:
MACRO MONDAY
TUESDAY MUSE
NATURE NOTES

Spring Is Teasing Us Again

Daffodil Macro, a photo by Fergiemoto on Flickr.  (click on photo to enlarge)

>>:::<<
snow melts into spring
and nature flaunts lavish costumes
flourishing blossoms
>>:::<<

It seems like spring has been postponed for us again…and again.  Just when we think spring has finally arrived, it quickly withdraws, acquiescing to  snow.  This past Monday morning, we woke up to snow and cold temperatures, which will continue into Wednesday.

I took this photo exactly one year ago on April 17, 2012.  At that time, all of the daffodils were in full bloom and the tulips were just starting to bloom.  Right now, none of the daffodils have bloomed, although a few are close, and the tulips probably won’t start until next week.  The trees are only showing small hints of green, which will eventually turn into lush, full leaves.

So…we wait for spring…still…and then we will celebrate its real arrival.

This is also for the “Tagged” letter challenge letter “P” by Frizztext
(“P” is for Postponed and flower Pistil).

Linking up with:
TEXTURE TUESDAY
MACRO MONDAY
TUESDAY MUSE
NATURE NOTES