There is a revival of interest in native plantings here in Minnesota; people are choosing to replace annuals in their gardens with plants that are native to the area, thereby requiring less maintenance. About eight years ago I was in a prairie area in northeastern Oregon and was mesmerized by an unusual plant. I remember photographing the long feathery plumes that seemed to blow in the breeze. Now I find that Prairie smoke is a native wildflower to Minnesota. It is actually in the rose family, blooming in mid to late spring, and is found in the dry, gravelly prairies. I noticed this plant at a sale of native landscaping plants here in the Twin Cities. With a bit of backlighting, the plumes took on a beautiful glow, accenting their delicateness and their “smokey” appearance.
Author: lindastaatsphoto
Lilacs
Spring is here. Abundantly. Everywhere we have flowering trees in bloom, tulips that are reaching upward toward the sunlight, and leaves that have burst forth. But one of my favorite blooms (and scents) of spring are the lilacs. We are fortunate to have them throughout the Twin Cities; not only do they grace yards and alleys, but they are also planted along the highways, streets, and county roads. On a warm and sunny day it’s a delight to drive along a road edged with lilacs and have their wonderful light scent float into the car. We have both the purple and white lilacs in our yard. Because of their delicateness and short life-span once they’ve been cut, I find I cherish them even more. Soon the blooms will be gone and the bushes covered with full leaves. But for now I will revel in their beauty and smell of everything spring!
Wind, weather, and a road trip
I hit the road this past weekend for a quick trip to the Kansas City area. It was a time for catching up with family and celebrating my niece’s high school graduation. We were even able to fit in an evening of pond fishing – the winds were calm, the air was warm, the sunset over the farmland was beautiful, and even the fishing was successful. I headed back home to Minnesota yesterday, leaving Kansas City in the morning after an early thunder-storm had passed. The sun was out and the temperature was rising, as was the humidity. I was watching dark and threatening clouds to the north, hoping they would move east before I got to that area. As I arrived in northern Iowa, the weather intensified to the north and east with large clouds blossoming on the horizon right along the front line. The radio station kept interrupting with severe weather and tornado warnings to the east and the south. When the interstate merged to one-lane and the cars started to back up, I took the first exit. This area of northern Iowa is filled with wind turbine farms, all working to harness the power of the winds that blow across these plains. Their height and power seemed to compliment the weather that was building in the area. My timing was perfect as I was west of this storm system, and my time photographing allowed me to miss the heavy downpours that were to the north. I managed to arrive home in between the storms, but with an appreciation of the power (and randomness) of Mother Nature.
Thanks to my mother
It’s Mother’s Day and I’m thinking of my mother; how lucky I’ve been to have her in my entire life, even today. I look at this photo from 1960 and I can see her love, her support, her caring, and her pride. I’m guessing it was Easter-time because of the frilly dress and hat and patent-leather shoes. What were my mother’s dreams for me? And have I lived up to those? I’m living a full life, surrounded with family and friends. I’ve had my mis-steps in life like everyone and I’ve managed to pick myself up and keep going, learning in the process. I’ve gone to school to be educated and I’ve learned life lessons outside of the classroom that I’m carrying with me each day. I’m developing the artistic heritage that my mother has passed down to me; her artwork inspires my photography and her sewing lessons (along with those of both my grandmothers) have carried through to my quilting and even into my photography. I approach each day with a positive attitude, open to the possibilities of great and beautiful things that can happen. Her love has remained steady and she’s one of my biggest fans and supporters. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom – today and everyday!
Freesias, and the elusiveness of spring
Spring has been more than elusive this year for us in Minnesota. Our winter has lingered way longer than anyone wants, even threatening the long-awaited fishing opener next week. When we should have 60 degree temps, open water, and blooming flowers we have instead endured two snowfalls in the past week alone, temps in the 30s and 40s, lakes still covered in ice, and nothing blooming. But there is one place that is a haven of spring at this time of year – the McNeely Conservatory in Como Park. This has been my refuge and antidote for our cold and gray continuing winter. I found tulips and hyacinths, calla lilies and these lovely freesias. The perfect dose of colors, smells, and the promise of spring. Yet to come.
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