One Tulip

May 2, 2013 Photo of the day: "One Tulip"

Last spring, I had bunches of lovely white tulips

with buttery yellow centers.

This year, I have one.

One crocus, one tulip...

Mother Nature has been a bit stingy this year.

Yet, when there is just one beautiful flower,

I appreciate every precious detail. 

Magnolia Blossoms

May 1, 2013 Photo of the day:

"Magnificent Magnolias"

I can try to capture the beauty 

of these delicate petals...

If only I could bottle their glorious fragrance!

I just want to sit on the deck 

and drink in their splendor!

So, Mother Nature, here's to you!

You took your own sweet time 

getting ready this spring, 

but you were worth the wait!

*

Budding Redbuds

April 30, 2013 Photo of the day:

"Budding Redbuds"

I realize that nearly all of my photos these past two weeks have been of trees and flowers in my yard, but spring is so lovely and so ephemeral. It is a joy and a challenge to try to capture its beauty, as each day becomes even lovelier. After nearly six months of gray skies, cold, and snow, each colorful blossom and leaf, each glimpse of blue sky and fluffy white clouds is truly a gift.

Finally Forsythia!

 April 29, 2013 Photo of the day: "Finally Forsythia!"

Six weeks ago, I lamented the first day of spring,
and the bare forsythia branches in the snow
Today, those branches are blooming.
Now I believe that spring is finally here!

Spring Has Sprung!

April 28, 2013 Photo of the day:

"Spring Has Sprung!"

Spring seems to have finally arrived in Wisconsin!

We had an absolutely perfect weekend!

I still only have one flower, 

that tiny, glorious crocus, 

but our trees and shrubs are starting to bloom. 

Remember those lovely fuzzy buds

that I raved about last month?

Each day, they are more and more beautiful!

Essence de Provence

April 27, 2013 Photo of the day:  "Essence de Provence"

I love lavender: the flowers, the color, the taste, and especially the fragrance. It is such a lovely, familiar scent that reminds me of the South of France, of beautiful landscapes, warm sun, and dear friends. Today, my friend, Lisa, gave me this amazingly generous gift, a "Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday, Congratulations on your new job, and Thank You for helping me with my Poms video" gift! I love how l'Occitane packages its hand lotions in paint tube just like the ones Cézanne or Picasso would have used to capture the light and beauty of Provence.  Lisa and I have been friends since we both started teaching in Pewaukee almost twenty years ago. We have shared so much as world language teachers and travelers, as roommates and friends. She knows me so well! Merci mille fois, mon amie!