Unusual Flower Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

Mumsie and I went for a walk in the park last week.  We came across this flower.  And, of course, you can see the beautiful orange heart--just perfect for Guest Heart Thursday!

At first we thought the flowers had faded and were sliding down the stem.  But it turns out, that tiny delicate tendril upon which the flower rests--IS the stem.

This flower has a spotted belly and a funny looking tail.  Neither Mumsie nor I had ever come across the flower before.  Anyone have any idea what it is?  We would LOVE to know.
 

 
UPDATE:  Oddly enough, I was looking through some old postcards last week and was astonished to find one featuring the flower Mumsie and I saw.  It is a Spotted Orange Touch-Me-Not, more commonly known as Spotted Jewel Weed.  

It is a flower usually found in the Eastern part of North America. Its color varies--a warm yellow, grading to a deeper shade of orange.  Though the spots on the one we found are more orangish, in most cases the spots are dark red, or purple in an irregular pattern.  It flowers from July to September!  There are some species of flowers which are welcome to migrate westward--in my opinion this is one of them.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Hidden Flower Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

There are two hidden hearts in this photograph.  These bright, gladsome flowers grow in my garden in early summer.

Ah, how I long for summer, but in the meantime, Happy Valentine's Day!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday! 
 

Glowing Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

Yesterday on our drive to the chapel to make arrangements for Dad's memorial, there were thunderstorms everywhere.  We noticed a little sunbeam following us all the way into town.  Even when it was raining, the sun shone.  I just happened to catch this glowing heart in the skies.  I'm sure it must have been Dad blowing my sisters and me, his granddaughter and sweet Mumsie a kiss.

 
I could not resist putting up this picture of my beautiful sister and niece.  Yes, there was this electronic chair lift which went from the bottom of the stairs to the top.  I was lying in wait at the top.  Isn't this just the sweetest, most lovely picture of them?  They are both QUITE photogenic.

I took this picture last Friday.  It was so bright and beautiful--it reminded me of heaven and of joy.

Have a lovely Thanksgiving everyone.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Springtime Herald

The sun came out yesterday bringing forth the flowers and me with my camera. What better herald of spring than this miniature daffodil smiling shyly through the morning dewdrops! I think she has a boyfriend--notice she coyly hugs the stem of the budding flower next to her.

There will be more of them soon--we are to have three days of sunshine in the mid-60's. Amazing. But enjoyable...though I would have loved to have seen a little winter snow before the cold season ends.

Have a marvelous week!

Curry Blossoms

These are curry blossoms from my garden. The incredible beautiful detail of these blooms is rather astounding. Their leaves and stems remind me of lavender and Rosemary bushes.

Curry flowers, to me, have the sweet, warm aroma of brown sugar. Totally, unexpectedly lovely.

Vivid

This morning is grey and dark. The weather reflects the state of my spirit at this moment. So I chose this gorgeous, vivid flower for today's post. The colors of this picture fill my eyes. I don't know what it is about brilliant color and flamboyant composition, but somehow when my eyes behold a photo containing both, my heart is better for it.

Spring Has Sprung!

There are signs of spring in the forest. Mayflowers, Trilliums, violets and Johnny Jump Ups. It is heartening to see the delicate flowers of springtime peeking through the moss. My darling Sissy Clytie first spied this little beauty as we made our way down a woodsy hillside covered with fern and moss. This bright herald of spring is called a Johnny Jump Up.

I have often wondered where the name Johnny Jump Up came from. So far I've found a song about a strong drink called a Johnny Jump Up. I also discovered a reference to an ancient machine called a Johnny Jump Up, crafted in the late 1800's. So far, I haven't been able to find a desciption of what the machine was made to do.

If anyone out there knows the story behind this woodland flower's funny name, I'd LOVE to hear it!

Orange on Yellow

This is Elvis DeBoomba, sitting atop a bevy of leaves. This giant Main Coon loved the Fall. Leaves twirling down through the air were endlessly fascinating to him. He would chase them, play with them, toss them into the air--and sleep on them whenever he could.