Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Tiny Woodland Blessings

Spring Beauty
(
Claytonia virginica)

Round-lobed Hepatica
(
Hepatica nobilis)

These tiny blooms are among the first wildflowers to come forth in the northern woodland, sharing the time of their blooming with Bloodroot, Dutchman's Breeches and the golden Trout Lily.

There is only one way to capture their delicate perfection, and that is to lie full length in the fragrant sun warmed leave matter with camera in hand, eyelash to eyelash and nose to nose with the tiny plants. It is only at such close quarters that one can take in the colors, count the petals and decide what she is actually looking at.

There is something to be said for looking at life and wild places from a slightly different angle once in a while. When I rolled over and looked up at the sky through the budding maple trees yesterday, the prospect was absolutely dazzling, and I felt like an otter cavorting in the sunlight.

6 comments:

Delphyne said...

You playful otter - this post made me smile!

Sally said...

Glorious photos-- it always amazes me how quickly your deep snow and blue winter scenes turn to wildflowers!

Tabor said...

There is a Robin Williams movie, I think called Carpe Diem, in which he has the students all stand on their desks so that they can gain a new perspective.

Anonymous said...

"There is something to be said for looking at life and wild places from a slightly different angle once in a while"......such a metaphor if I ever heard one. I needed that today, thank you once again. Lovely little blooms....perfection made tangible.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Cate, I understand - I am doing some of the same in my woods.
The tiny bloom looks like one that covers the ground in the woods.
Spring is wonderful!!!

kerrdelune said...

These hepatica turned out to be the round-leafed variety. Yesterday, the leaves were out far enough to see.