Life Cycles

First there were the buds. (Click pictures for larger view)

Silently a flower blooms,
In silence it falls away;
Yet here now, at this moment, at this place,
The world of the flower, the whole of the world is blooming.
This is the talk of the flower, the truth of the blossom:
The glory of eternal life is fully shining here.
~ Zenkei Shibayama

Can you see the future? Can you see the potential in this bud? Can you see potential in your child? In others around you? In a flower the potential is quickly realized and all too soon completely spent. With children and humans in general, the journey leading to a mature bloom, to success is long, winding and often fraught with roadblocks and pitfalls. But the flower they become? It's worth the wait.

Continue with "Life Cycles"........

Pale pink, the early bloom.


A bloom, partially open, the center still tightly closed.


Almost complete, do you know this flower? (Answer below)


The full bloom, a macro shot. Pink Camellia: delicate pale pink petals, dark green leaves. "Camillia" means: Admiration, perfection, longing for you.


Too soon, the petals loosen and fall, the cycle complete.

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