Unexpected

Yesterday I took a lunch break at the botanical gardens. Excited to see the camellias in bloom in the conservatory, I practically ran there once I parked only to find that "the conservatory is closed for renovation until further notice". Not to be deterred, I walked through the gardens to the back of the building, passing the camellias planted outside in bloom.





Through those pathways is a back entrance to the conservatory. Closed back there, too. I could just peer in and see the camellias blooming away in their warm retreat. Such a disappointment.


As I was weaving back to the front, I came across these plants so beautifully wispy and catching the light just right.


It was such an unexpected find and it, along with the birdhouse that I love, lifted my spirits after the disappointment of finding the conservatory closed.


On the way out, these bright red berries put a cheery closing to a trip that didn't go the way I had thought it would but had been well worth it.

Breath of Heaven

Today, the first day of Advent, I am thinking of Mary, mother of Jesus. Her song, found in Luke 1: 46-55, is, I think, one of the most beautiful scriptures. Her surrender to God's will is so complete, so unquestioning, so grace filled. And, this song is one of the most lovely of the holiday to me.
Do you wonder, as you watch my face,
If a wiser one should have had my place?
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong
Breath of Heaven-Jessica Simpson

Light

Nearly a month ago, our family of four went to visit my family in north Alabama. It was a beautiful fall weekend during which we celebrated my father and mother's birthdays. There were a few impatiens still in bloom and the light that afternoon was irresistible to me and my camera.



There were also some pretty good looking kids around that weekend. Taking pictures of them reminded me that I don't take enough pictures of people and that I really should do that more.

Fall

Yesterday I took another lunch break at the botanical gardens. This time, I took just my iPhone with the Hipstamatic camera app and I relinquished control of what lens, films and flashes would be used to the "shake on" feature of the app. I just snapped pictures and moved on, not even waiting to see how they developed. (You can see any of the pictures above bigger by clicking on them...which is always the case here.)

I strolled back to the fern glade yesterday, which I usually don't venture to. It's still lush and green. There were a few crepe myrtle blooms here and there and even some camellias flowering. And, of course, roses. But, on the way out, I saw berries on the trees near the entrance. Fall is here.

The Gospel All Around Us

I went to the gardens Wednesday for some quiet time during lunch. I had spent several days working on something that was very exciting, but also a little draining. Time at one of my favorite places was warranted. I worked my way past the Kayser Lily Pool where I was soon joined by a group of school kids who were wondering just how deep that pool was and what would happen if one of them stepped in.
Moving on, I headed to the Dunn Formal Rose Garden. This garden was given to the gardens in memory of William J. Dunn, Jr. When I worked at my prior job, I had the absolute pleasure to work with his family and his lovely, lovely widow. One of my favorite things to do every year was to meet with her about her personal taxes. She was a giving woman, supportive of several small town churches and their pastors. It's nice to think about her and her family when I stroll through this beautiful garden.
My favorite rose is the Mardi Gras Rose. I'm not big on taking note of names of roses, but this was one I spotted at the Mable Ringling Garden (it's the rose at the top of that post). I was quick to look for and find it at the Botanical Gardens. Look how beautiful the colors blend.
There were many other roses in bloom still so I had to stop and take a few more pictures.


I wound my way through the Ireland Old-Fashioned Rose Garden and up past the lily and iris gardens and found a place to sit and reflect on that day's Path Finder task. The bench at the top of today's post is where I was. It was shady, some azaleas were in bloom and the temperature was perfect. However, my back couldn't take sitting on that bench for as long as I would have liked. After a few minutes' pause, I headed back out.

This morning, I found this quote which perfectly sums up why I love the gardens and the sky so much and why I take so many pictures of them:
God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.-Martin LutherHappy Saturday, everyone! I hope you each can get out and read the Gospels in the beauty God surrounded us with!

All or nothing

Don't waste a whole life
On a half try
It's all or nothing
All or Nothing by MuteMath

Day Fourteen: Flowers

Hipstamatic: Lucifer VI lens, Blanko film
You KNOW I went to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for this assignment, right? I mean...it's hot...but it said "flowers". I had to go. I love that place.

Below are a couple of other shots I got today that I liked...but the one above was the most crisp. I had great hopes for the black-eyed Susan shot when I saw it, but in full size, it's blurry right in the middle. And, the shot of the rose garden...well, it's crooked. But, isn't that interesting with the infrared film?

Mable's Roses

Mable Ringling loved roses. On the grounds of the John and Mable Ringling Museum stands her rose garden and while none of the roses she planted in the early 1900's survived, there are some 1200 plants there now in the design she laid out then in a traditional Italian circular design. Roses of every variety and color are there and it was just amazing to stroll through.

It is so apparent after seeing all these varieties of beautiful roses that God loves to create...and show off a little, too. I'm so grateful for that.