lilies

multi, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I found lots of pretty lilies blooming yesterday afternoon, in the rare sunshine.

joined

joined, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The Little River spurs off into a pondlike area, where monsters dwell.

peachy

peachy, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Another half-day of sunshine, this time with waterdrops. The roses down at Stanley Park were sparkling this morning.

sunlight

sunlight, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

It was brief: only about half a day. But the sun did come out yesterday, and here is the proof.

Of course, today it is cloudy and rainy again. Such a brief respite!

rushing

rushing, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The Little River was really high last weekend. This is what this spot usually looks like:



Second picture taken on May 17th.

Indian Pipe

push, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

All this rain has been good for something: the Indian Pipe population is exploding!







I used to think this was a fungus, but it's not. It's also known as Ghost Plant or Corpse Plant, which are quite fitting.

I found these amongst the leaf mould at the wildlife sanctuary over the weekend.

rise

rise, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I saw my first Monarch butterfly of the season over the weekend at Stanley Park. It was nice enough to sit still for a few shots for me. :)

fame

A few months ago, a writer in Pittsburgh emailed me asking to use this photo on the cover of his self-published book. After a few back-and-forths, we agreed on a price and the details, and he promised to send me a copy when it was published.

It came in the mail yesterday.



It's so thrilling to see one of my own pictures on the cover of a book! His neighbor is the artist who did the layout, and she did a beautiful job. I'm pleased as punch.

I took the photo at the old cemetery on Elm Street in West Springfield in January of 2008.

tongues

tongues, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

This gorgeous double-petaled rose at Stanley Park is a stunning pink confection, isn't it?

sharp

sharp, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Despite the sky clouding up, the roses at Stanley Park still glowed in the early evening yesterday. I love the color combination on this one, like a nectarine.

reach

reach, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

A peek into the center of a rose at Grandmothers' Garden. This one was hugging the fence along the sidewalk.

softness

softness, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The Lamb's Ears at Grandmothers' Garden have shot up these flowering spikes, attracting the bees. I always have to feel Lamb's Ears; they really do feel like their namesake. So soft. I had never noticed that they flowered before. Amazing the things you notice when you start taking pictures of them.

Foxglove

special, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

This pretty foxglove was found in Grandmothers' Garden yesterday. I love the speckled interiors of the fluted blossoms. Foxglove is the source of Digitalis (which is also part of the latin name for the plant), used to treat heart conditions. They are beautiful, and they save lives!

shrimp on the barbie

shrimp on the barbie, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I went to a fun party yesterday, where there were gargantuan shrimp grilling away, along with some spicy Chilean sea bass. It was just as good as it looked.

engage

engage, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I love how this one looks like a Georgia O'Keefe painting.

excellent

excellent, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

This is my favorite type of rose to photograph: Cherry Parfait. The contrast between the rose, red, and cream colors makes for a lovely picture every time.

energize

energize, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Here's another fabulous rose from Stanley Park over the weekend. I do love roses! I hope y'all do, too. :)

submerge

submerge, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I found this gorgeous golden rose at Stanley Park last Saturday. What an incredible color, no?

Mountain Laurel

understand, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Now is the time to find wonderful Mountain Laurel, like this great striped variety.

There's also pink and white varieties. I love how they look like little parasols opening up!







All of these were taken in Stanely Park, and the wildlife sanctuary there, over the weekend.

interesting find

gift, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I found this interesting flower in the path today at the wildlife sanctuary, which a friend tells me is Tulip Poplar. It's a very strange-looking flower!

splash

swirl, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

A little rain is a nice thing, leaving traces on the petals of these delicate iris flowers at Grandmothers' Garden yesterday.

favorite

patience, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I took a couple hundred photos over the weekend, and this one is my favorite of the lot. I love the colors, the light, the texture, and the shapes. I also love the potential in the azalea buds, ready to burst forth into bloom. I knew as soon as I took it that I would love it. If I ever do a calendar or greeting cards, this one is definitely a contender.