Friday, November 26, 2010

Stunningly Simple Sepia Sunflowers


Sunflowers from my sunflower, for Mother's Day Posted by Picasa

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~ Melody Beattie
Thanksgiving was a quiet day of reflection and personal gratitude. I am grateful that my parents, while elderly and sometimes exasperating, are still with me and able to go, albeit slowly, out and about. Sometimes a simple ride in the car to a beautiful scenic place is enough to be thankful for.

I am grateful that my sweet dog Daisy is feeling better. Yes, she has an enlarged heart and slightly elevated blood pressure and is probably at least five years older than I thought she was, but her breathing is better, she seems a bit more energetic and interested in food and even her cough is better, although the medication really shouldn't help that. She has no tumors and she has no evidence of pulmonary edema from the heart failure as yet. Perhaps I have a few more good years to help her make up for those horrid, frightening days in the gassing shelter and out in the elements on her own. She is sleeping right now, draped across Nyssa's giant stuffed teddy bear; a favorite spot I might add.

I am grateful for a brother who is without a doubt, my best friend. This was not always so. But we both outgrew our differences and now he has done so much for me, I would never be able to repay his generosity. I wish he could be here for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but that is the life of a world class opera singer... this year it is Thanksgiving in the air and Christmas in a performance of Tristan and Isolda in Tokyo. The time thing really confuses me. He has gone from being six hours ahead of us to thirteen hours behind us but a day ahead. Therefore, I have absolutely NO idea as to when he was to get there.

I am grateful for a beautiful daughter who works hard to further her education and has chosen a field with many different possibilities for gainful employment. She is kind and giving and while she doesn't call me as often as a mother would like, she surprises with gestures such as these beautiful sunflowers for Mother's Day. I tried to take several different shots to make an Van Gogh-ish arrangement of things and some turned out quite nicely. But this one in a monotone is one of my favorites. I love the boldly dark centers and shadows and how the petals stand out from and blend in with the brick at the same time.

I'll post the colored artsy pictures another time... probably when you least expect it and hopefully at a point in time when a breath of sunshine is just what you need.

(end of post)
Carmi's Theme ~ Sepia
Sepia Scenes

9 comments:

Sandra said...

stunning is the right word! and so glad to hear Daisy is feeling better today. naps are a good thing, i am headed for mine right now.

Beverly said...

Lovely.  I'm so glad your Daisy is better.  I hope she stays well and with you for a long time.  I hope your parents stay well too.  You are fortunate to have a brother, and i'm glad you are good friends.  Happy Day after Thanksgiving Day. 

kenju said...

Good to know Daisy is getting betterm and that you had a good day with your parents.

I will much prefer the yellow versions of the sunflowers!

Ginny Hartzler said...

I would like to see a picture of Daisy on that teddy bear! The sunflower picture is truly beautiful, and so soft! How often do you get to see your brother, and does he have any D.V.D.'s?

lynne said...

These are absolutely gorgeous..

Rambling Woods said...

Lovely post and the flowers are just stunning in sepia...funny I was thinking my daughter doesn't call me as often as I wish...and then a card arrives....she is such a good person and it sounds like you have raised one also...Happy Thanksgiving...Michelle

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

Beautiful effect with the sunflowers.

Darryl and Ruth :  )

PS - The garden your daughter never told you about is at the confusion corner, where Richmond Road meets Merchant Square at the edge of the soroeity houses.

Karen Sather said...

Your flowers are stunning yes, and dazzling while also quietly peaceful and exquisite...!  I enjoyed Melody's quote, I have some of her writing...very useful on co-dependent issues! Also brilliant! Thank you.

Carmi said...

Your daughter chose these flowers well. Then again, you raised her well. And Daisy is one blessed dog. And I'm thankful to have crossed paths with folks like you who so eloquently reflect - and improve - the world around them.