We had another rainy week which gave me lots of opportunities to get my house in order, but after a while, I simply had to get outside for a bit.
I threw on the old yellow raincoat and hat, slipped on my rubber boots, and grabbed an umbrella. Yes, it was raining that much.
As I was standing at the edge of the garden, I spied the poppy I had been waiting for… it had decided to bloom in the rain. I guess it just couldn’t help itself.
I thought it would be a shame to leave it in the garden where I couldn’t appreciate it, so I snipped it off and popped it into this old blue bottle. I can’t remember where I found this bottle … but it’s a real treasure; old, blue, scratchy and filmy.
A real “find”!
This crazy poppy is so big I had trouble photographing it. I must have taken 75 shots and deleted 70…
It makes me think of a giant butterfly with its feathery petals and the wild way it opens them.
… gorgeous details…
… amazing details..
… it looks like velvet.
Speaking of rain. The southern part of our beautiful province of Alberta was hit by some of the most torrential rains it’s ever seen. Rivers went wild, spilling their banks and causing serious, widespread, and devastating floods. One whole town (population of over 12,000) is under water. Many more towns and villages are suffering the same fate.
The City of Calgary was hit hard too, and is still under a State of Emergency (as are all the hard-hit areas). The whole downtown core of this city of over a million people was evacuated, as well as thousands of others in various communities. The zoo was flooded. Giraffes were standing in water up to their chests. It’s being called a disaster. It’s going to cost billions of dollars, and at least ten years, to rebuild.
Four lives were lost (so far). There’s no rebuilding that.
One week later, news of more and more devastation continues to surface. As I write this, I feel tears welling up and I am fighting to control them. I hurt for the people of our province.
Our area was not affected (physically), and right now I look outside and see the sun shining, green grass, and pots and pots of cheerful flowers. I feel a lot of things, and one of them is gratitude. Gratitude for my family, my clean home, my beautiful yard, and even my life.
This word art is a brush in .abr format, which can be used in both Photoshop Elements, and Photoshop. Simply click on the graphic above to download.
Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com
kk_3003
Stephanie says
We are having so much rain here too. I feel I am missing the blooms in my garden and thought about going out to rescue some. After seeing your beautiful photo I will now have to do that.
Barbara Hurst says
what a beautiful pale shade of pink, looks so beautiful with the black. I can’t blame you for bringing this one inside, I love how poppies last a good while picked.
TexWisGirl says
life can change in an instant for so many. *sigh*
Roxi says
there seems to be more devastation in the most uncommon seeming places these days. We always think it won’t happen to us. I don’t listen to the news much these days but one would think it would cause people to get on their knees and thank God for what they have. Your poppy is amazing. Are they perennial up there?
girl friday says
You made these poppies dance!
How horrible to have to cope with floods and losing everything. That news hadn’t reached us.
No wonder you feel upset, especially when it is so nearby. And it does make one appreciate one’s good fortune to be spared.
Sylvia says
What a lovely bottle, Barb, and that poppy is gorgeous,
amazing details !
So sorry to hear about the floods and the lives that were lost …
Nice weekend,
Sylvia
Sarah says
So sad about all the devastation and loss. Sometimes I think will it ever end. Lovely poppy, glad you saved it from the rain.
R.F. Dietz says
I love your blog because it reminds me that I need to do more lady like things with my time! Inspirational!
R.F. Dietz says
I didn’t mention but I am very sorry for the ongoing devastation, rest assured you inspire me and others to be strong by you finding the beauty in life.
Karla says
Oh Barb, What a pretty poppy. I love the light pink crepe paper petals and all the details it holds. You have a lovely blog and I’m curious about your scrapbook class, so I will hop on over to take a look….. I too am enrolled in Kim’s class Start to Finish, as I know I’m going to love it as I do all her classes, don’t you?
Too bad I can’t bottle some California sunshine to send your way as I could use some rain in exchange.
Have a good day,
Karla
Viv says
The weather is so mixed up my heart goes out to all the people who have suffered….
Dotti says
Oh, what a beautiful poppy! All that rain sounds dreadful but I admire your diligence in doing housework. I usually play at the computer when it’s raining. Love your ‘mantra’, too!
Pieces of Sunshine says
We’ve heard of your dreadful floods here too. Pleased you are ok but it certainly is a disaster with long term implications.
She Who Carries Camera says
Oh my….it almost looks unreal! I hope it lasts awhile for you because it’s stunning! And, I thought we’ve had too much rain over the last couple of month…you’ve put it into perspective for me. Hope it dies down soon for all of you!
Tammy says
So sad to hear of all the loss. :'(
Your photos are beautiful and I’m downloading your brush! Thank you!!!
June says
Beautifully done, Barb! I hope sunny skies are heading your way!
Gunilla says
Gorgeous! Poppies are wonderful in detail.
Diane O says
Beautiful!!! love macro shots.
Deanna@Snippets from Springdale says
Oh I am so sorry to hear of the devastation…..giraffes with water up to their chests??wow. Glad to hear you are OK and not flooded. Your poppy is spectacular!! Love your little blue bottle, perfect with the poppy.
Denise Powers Fabian says
How lovely, Barb…the middle of that poppy looks like a little cupcake! I love the texture you chose and thanks for the brush! I will definitely use that one.
amy of four corners design says
what a beautiful poppy – I know when I see them in the garden they are so big…you did a spectacular job of capturing the detail…