Thursday, June 10, 2010

True Colours

"But I see your true colors shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you

So don't be afraid to let them show
Y
our true colors
True colors are beautiful

Like a rainbow."

~Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly

Spring is such a colourful time of the year. Below, are a few photos of some of the many hues I've seen over the past couple of weeks. I hope you enjoy them.



Up at the pond - a fifteen minute walk from home, white water lilies are in bloom. Can you see the downy goose feather off to the right?
"Rapaciously we gathered flowery spoils
From land and water; lilies of each hue,
Golden and white, that float upon the waves,
And court the wind."
~Wordsworth





Some of the neighbours got together to share these bright red lobsters and other goodies one Saturday evening. Hopefully, the crustaceans weren't clawstrophobic - they were packed in there like sardines.
“And like a lobster boiled, the morn
From black to red began to turn”
~Samuel Butler





One of the few purple-petaled irises which made it to full bloom in my front yard, this year.
"I think it pisses god off if you walk by the colour purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it"
~Alice Walker






This adorable yellow gosling was one of only two left to a mother goose up at the same place where the lily pads were blooming. They're very comfortable around people in that park, and came up on shore and settled down for a nap a few feet away from where I was sitting.
“Yellow-colored objects appear to be gold”
~Aristotle





The Blues Brothers - my handsome son, Alex holding our cool young neighbour, Winston. Both happened to be wearing blue sunglasses that day. Don't they make a cute matching set?
"Where did you come from, baby dear?
Out of the everywhere into here.
Where did you get your eyes so blue?

Out of the sky as I came through."

~George MacDonald





A beautiful orange poppy which grew in Frank's back yard. Their bloom time is short-lived but brilliant.
"Orange is red brought nearer to humanity by yellow."
~Kandinsky





I found this tiny silver flower on the pavement in the park. I think it was probably a child's press-on earring. I just like the way it sparkled. I might be part cat.
"Let the rain kiss you.
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.
Let the rain sing you a lullaby."
~Langston Hughes





This pink peony was photographed through the opening of a chain link fence. I never saw the little insect about to land on it until after I uploaded the photos. I also have one shot which shows the insect on the flower. Go on and have a quick look at that here. I don't mind waiting.
“Slow buds the pink dawn like a rose
From out night's gray and cloudy sheath;
Softly and still it grows and grows,
Petal by petal, leaf by leaf.”
~Susan Coolidge





I saw these green canoes (and that red-winged blackbird) stacked up when we went for a drive near Frank's place last week. He's used to me asking him to stop so that I can take a photo. Thanks, Frank.
"The Owl and the Pussycat went to sea
In a beautiful pea-green boat."
~Edward Lear

I hope you enjoyed my colourful day. Thanks for joining me.

67 comments:

Pauline said...

it is always a delightful surprise to read here - these images and quotes are so well matched. If you ever put a book together let me know - I'll be the first to buy one!

Brian Miller said...

some great pics hilary...wish my hair was as long as your sons, again. and what time is the lobster feast, i might make it there in time...smiles.

Friko said...

Gorgeous colour palette, an equally attractive collection of words. Both photos repay close study.

Which of the two handsome men is yours? Only asking.

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Hilary - I'm trying to pick my jaw off the floor ... fabulous pics!!
Love the poppy and iris - oh and the two cool dudes in blue sunglasses!

Maggie May said...

Wonderful colours and photos.
I'm quite envious of your son's hair!
Photos that stood out for me.......
canoes, lily, gosling and iris.
Great that you are so close to the lake.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Mental P Mama said...

As beautiful as ever, and that George MacDonald quote just blew me away....

Anonymous said...

You always have the most amazing photographs to share... if I wasn't a big grown-up girl I'd be very, VERY jealous!!!

Elisabeth said...

Terrific images - colours, people, animals and life.

Most of all I enjoy the picture of your son and neighbor in blue sunglasses.

I'm drawn to the personal. Stories emerge from them. Thanks, Hilary.

Tabor said...

Your spring reminds me of mine which is well on the way into summer. I have been tracking my flowers by posting a photo when they bloom on FB. I am almost at 100 an it is only early JUNE! I am afraid there will be little blooming in July and August at this rate.

Tabor said...

I forgot to add what a contrast your sons are! You must be one heck of a Mom!

Paul C said...

Thanks for reminding me of the Alice Walker quote about purple. You provide the perfect example- a breathtaking iris.

Leah J. Utas said...

Those are fabulous. I especially like the top one with the white against the blue. It's gorgeous.

Cricket said...

Great pics, as ever. Love that little insect who crept in. Love it more that you only found him after. That seems to happen to you quite a bit.

Of course, now I'm all hungry. A trip to the fishmonger may well be in order today. To paraphrase Will Cuppy: The Atlantic Lobster is a green-mottled, sea-dwelling crustacean. It ranges from Canada to Long Island Sound. It fears parsley, lemon slices, and melted butter.

I think a little John Coltrane My Favorite Things might do the job.

Unknown said...

This was the most beautiful way to start my day!!! I realized I wasn't following you, but luckily you commented on my blog so now I can!!!

I love the colors, they are beautiful and your neighbor is awesome!

Thanks again for the comment on my blog! I love that you spoke french! I'd love it if everytime you visited you shared a little french and I'll practice looking it up to determine what you are saying!! I loved seeing the french this morning, you made me all cheery!

abb said...

I always feel better when I stop by your little spot of the blogosphere. Love that bug coming in for a landing.

ellen abbott said...

I loved these. the iris and peony...so beautiful. And your son had me flashing back to my youth.

Anonymous said...

LOVE the green canoes photo. So reminiscent of a summer at the lake many years ago.

Di

Daryl said...

Oh I am salivating, no idea why intense coloUrs make me salivate ... and the poppy... its the same color as my toe nail polish

Sueann said...

I always love to join you on your journeys!! The pics are fabulous and the colors and hues are amazing!
I am so fond of Irises! And you captured a beautiful one.
Nice looking son you have...love the hair!!
Thanks
Hugs
SueAnn

Melis said...

What a stunning post - incredible photos and the accompanying words are just perfect. I read it three times over, just soaking in the beauty of it, and I'll probably revisit as many times as my day requires a little bit of inspiration. Thank you!

Lori said...

Oh Hilary these are so perfectly breath taking beautiful. How I have missed visiting you here these past few months and how thankful I am for this opportunity to stop by. I feel blessed. Thank you! XX

Pearl said...

Beautiful images with great lyrics/lines.

I dated someone in the 90s who looked remarkably like your son. :-)

Pearl

CiCi said...

This is a great way to display color, one by one. Each picture is different so they aren't competing with each other and each picture is interesting. I really like the cool dudes with the blue sunglasses. The quote by Alice Walker cracked me up. You have some great neighbors! What a fun time to share lobsters.

Frank Baron said...

A lovely array of shots and well-chosen accompanying quotes. I'm sure you share my enjoyment for the kind of serendipity that adds a fluffy feather or a descending mini-bee to add extra spice to a pic.

As an aside: I'm happy to see you quote George MacDonald. His book "Lilith", written in the late 1800s, introduced me to adult fantasy and began my life-long love affair with the genre. :)

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

I'm lined up to buy your book, too!

That first photograph of the water lily would really like to be framed and hanging in my dining room. Do you ever sell your work, and how large can it be printed?

Zuzana said...

What a burst of colours! The first picture is magnificent in detail and composition.
Your son is truly a very handsome young man; his long hair is incredible.;) If I was only twenty years younger, sigh...
xo

Bossy Betty said...

Oh my goodness? I am thinking of putting down my camera and walking away. You are the queen, indeed! Love that canoe picture!

Karen said...

Your pictures look almost 3-D, they are so good! Love that iris and your son's pic. :) Thanks for sharing.

Karen said...

Hilary, a strange thing happened. After I posted my last comment it showed up in my email, like a feed. I'm trying this again, and see if it happens, or just the internet imps playing around.

Karen said...

Okay, now I have two messages from me on my email. Don't know if anyone else has this problem?

Dawning Inspiration said...

This post just made me smile - with all the great images and thoughts... lovely!

Cloudia said...

Gosh you are a master!

I bow to (and enjoy) your blog massively!


(such shots!)

Aloha from Waikiki

Comfort Spiral

NJ said...

Such cool photos. It's been a beautiful spring!

ethelmaepotter! said...

The Langston Hughes, George McDonald, and Susan Coolidge quotes are my favorites, but the photos?...impossible to choose!

Why, oh why, can we nominate you for Post of the Week??!!

Speaking of POTW, I'd like to nominate Red Pine Mountain for "Wondering Why on a Cold Rainy Day."

http://redpinemountain.com/wondering-why-on-a-rainy-cold-day/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+red-pine-mountain+%28Red+Pine+Mountain+New+Feed%29

steviewren said...

You've had a very colorful spring. I love that photo of your son and his little buddy in those blue shades. The green canoes are a close second.

Dianne said...

so many wonderful words to go with all these amazing photos
Alex is hot ;)
tell him an old lady in NJ said so

the iris is majestic
the gossling is so sweet

sometimes when I view your posts I feel I should make notes because there's always so much I want to say about how things touch and delight me

Wendy said...

Oh, I see we both posted water lilies! Yours looks so exquisite! I need more practice - but it's all good (as my son says). Your son is a real hottie! And that darling he is holding too.

That insect in flight is a one in a million pic. Love that peony opening, but the insect is really the icing on the cake.

I could go on and on. Your pics are gorgeous. I so needed to come here and find comfort. Thank you for your kind words for David and me at this very stressful time.
Hugs

Joanna Jenkins said...

True colors is a perfect title for this post. Every picture is stunning. I especially like the canoes-- and your handsome son :-)
Cheers,
jj

Steve Gravano said...

Wow a rainbow post! I love the lobster photo... love to eat them!

Karen said...

Hilary, well, I Swuanee, I never even realized that box was there. Thanks so much. You're great!

the Bag Lady said...

Hilary, you are so amazingly talented with your camera!
These are all so good, I can't even pick a favourite (although the one of Alex and Winston definitely tops the list!)

VM Sehy Photography said...

You are so lucky to live near pond lilies. I try to get pictures whenever we go visit my sister-in-law in Oregon. I love the matching sunglasses. And the quote from the Owl and the Pussy Cat brought back memories. I read that so many times to my son I had it memorized. Sadly, I just tested myself and seem to have forgotten it. Well, there'll be grandkids someday and I'll have the perfect excuse to rememorize it.

Hilary said...

• Pauline, thanks kindly a book isn't in the plan.. but you never know. Thanks for the vote of support though. :)

• Brian, if you ever find yourself out this way, we'll be sure to have another lobster feast. So get cracking ;) Thanks always for the kind words. :)

• Friko, thanks so much for your warm words. My younger son is the big, long-haired sweetie on the left. The little guy is my neighbour's son. :)

• Bonnie, do pick your jaw up off the floor and gnaw on a lobster claw while you're at it. Thank you, kindly. :)

• Maggie May, your hair will be full and beautiful again before you know it. Alex says that one day, when he's ready to cut his hair, he'll be donating it to Locks of Love. Thanks for your kind words, my friend.. big hugs to you. :)

• Thanks, MPM. I've always love that poem of which those were the opening lines. I did a cross stitch for my son when I was pregnant which had the full poem on it. It hung on his wall until not too long ago.. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Elisabeth, welcome, and thanks for the kind words. You're so right about how stories emerge. I hope you'll be back soon. :)

• Tabor, yes. Our springs are very summer-like this year. One hundred flowers? Wow. I suppose they'll keep blooming as long as it's warm and wet enough for them. Let's hope. I'm laughing at your comment about my sons, knowing that I had very little to do with that.. except genetically. They are indeed opposites in many ways. It keeps life interesting. :)

• Paul, thank you so kindly. I'm glad you like both the quote and the image. :)

• Thank you, Leah. It's such a treat to see these bits of nature each day. That's a huge part of why I enjoy your own blog so much. I'm glad you enjoyed. :)

• Cricket, you're right. That does tend to happen to me a lot with my photos. What does that say about me? I'm totally unobservant while taking a photo .. but lucky - unlike the lobster fearful of lemon and butter. I loved that quote. Thank you for that. :)

• Thanks so much, Jen. I'm so glad you like the post enough to want to keep reading and following. I'm glad the French cheered you. I'll have to remember to parler un peux each time I visit you. Thanks for your kind words. :)

• TSannie, what a sweet thing to say. Thank you for that. :)

• Ellen, thank you. He has me flashing back to mine every so often too. Fun, eh? :)

• Snappy Di, I'm glad that the canoes brought back a fond memory for you. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Daryl, you're hungry.. go eat a poppy seed bagel. ;) And funny how nature can imitate fashion that way, eh? ;)

• Thanks, SueAnn. I'm always happy to have you along on my journeys, as you say. Such good company and such kind comments. My son has been beaming each time I tell him what folks are saying about him. Thanks for that. :)

• Thank you, Melis. Your very kind words mean a lot to me. I'm so glad you enjoyed the post. :)

• Lori, so good to see you back in the blog world. I've missed your wonderful posts. I hope you and yours are doing ok. I'm so happy to see you. Thanks for the kind words. I hope you'll be back again real soon. Hugs to you and your Littles. :)

• Thank you, Pearl. Funny that you dated someone who looks like Alex. I think it would be odd to see that kind of resemblance. Thanks for stopping by. :)

Hilary said...

• TechnoBabe, thanks for the kind words. I had fun compiling this one and I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks always for the visit. :)

• Thank you, Frank. You know that I do get a kick out of that sort of thing as you do.. we've had a number of those moments over the years. :) I'm glad you liked that quote. It's been in open view at my house up until this past winter. Never noticed it, eh? ;)

• KC, I don't know about a book, but I do appreciate the thought. I haven't given much thought to selling my work, but if you really love that photo, I might look into putting it up on Redbubble to see what size it can be printed at. I'll probably play with that tomorrow and let you know. No obligation of course. :)

• Zuzana, thank you, my friend. I've always liked long hair too.. and I especially love his.. except in the shower drain. ;) Thanks for the visit, Z. :)

• Betty, you're too kind.. really. I do appreciate your kind words. You take wonderfully, colourful photos which impress me greatly. So you keep on snapping shots and so will I. Thanks always for stopping by. :)

• Thanks kindly, Karen. Very much appreciated. I'm pretty sure you probably clicked on the "Email followup comments to" box and that's why your comment arrived by mail. I find it a handy feature when I'm reading blogs and want to see other comments on the topic, or the blogger's reply to mine. I'm sure you'll sort it out.. or learn to love it. ;)

• Stacey Dawn, I'm so glad that this post could evoke your smile. That in turn has made me do likewise. Thanks for that. :)

• Cloudia, you make me blush.. do go on. ;) Thanks very much for such a kind compliment. :)

• Thanks, NJ. It sure has. I'm loving it! :)

• Ethelmae, you're so sweet. Thank you for such kind comments. I'll be happy to include the post you mentioned in next week's POTW as your recommendation. Thanks for participating. :)

• Thanks, Steviewren. It's been a marvelous spring. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Dianne, thanks for your always sweet words. It always pleases me to know that you enjoy my posts. Now, I told Alex what you said and with tongue firmly planted in cheek, his response was "I didn't know there were cougars in New Jersey." ;) I love my son! :)

• Wendy, we were on the same wavelength with the lilies for sure. My son is getting such a kick out of all the women commenting on him. Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm so pleased that you found some comfort by stopping by. My best thoughts to you and your David. :)

• Thanks very much, Joanna. I quite like my handsome son too. ;) Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thank you, Steve. They were delicious! :)

• Karen, I'm glad you got that straightened out. :)

• Baggie, thank you so much, my friend. I really appreciate it. :)

• VM, I feel very lucky indeed to be surrounded with parks and ponds and nature. I'll bet that if you were to find and reread a copy of The Owl and the Pussycat, it would all come back to you in no time. Thanks so much for the kind words. :)

imbeingheldhostage said...

You never fail to make me stop looking and go back through again-- either with a colour or quote (The Color Purple, yes). These were fabulous, but the amazing thing was that you have a grown son! You look SO young!!
I love his hair, he is a handsome one :-)

Anonymous said...

I love your blog, and you pictures are lovely, as usual!

xxx

Indrani said...

Hilary, your photographs amaze me and stun me, quite often I forget to read, rather I am distracted enough not to read.

SIMPLY TERRIFIC SHOTS!!!

Suldog said...

I don't know that I have any good words about your photography that I haven't said already. Magnificent, as always.

Country Girl said...

It certainly was a colorful day for you! I'll be having one of those lobstahs soon when I go to Maine!

Linda said...

As always, great pics. I am hard pressed to choose a favorite. I favor the water lily. It reminds me of a magnolia of the pond. I also particularly like the rustic looking canoes. It looks like have traveled many a mile.

Anonymous said...

You are a true Artist, Hilary. Anyone can photograph a flower, but yours have something extra.
Lovely story too.

Mrs4444 said...

I love the photos, as well as the little hints to look harder at each :)

Came to visit by way of another blog on which you left the cute tooth fairy story :) I loved it!

Sandra said...

Very enjoyable, Hilary, as usual. My favorite is the water lily, but they're all beautiful!

Kappa no He said...

I so love your photos. They are always a treat. And your cutie-hawt son. *sigh* It was just yesterday he was on stage rocking out on his guitar.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

My soul FEEDS on color and music...and so this post for me was simply magical!!! Oh, Hilary...some of these photos are too fantastic to be real...and yet they ARE!!! The first photo in particular is absolutely incredible! And I love the quotes as always...Lewis Carroll, George MacDonald, Alice Walker...what's NOT to love??? Another post in which you nail it!!! Okay, I'm ready for the weekend now!! Love, Janine XO

Mage said...

WOW....such a lot of beauty. :)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Hilary: Beautiful set of captures, so colorful. Spring is a glorious time of the year.

Unknown said...

All very nice, Hilary: Nature, Good Friends, Family and a zest for living well!!! lol! :)

beth said...

your colorful day brightened mine....thank you !

Shammickite said...

Ah yes, more of your delightful photos covering all kinds of subjects in every colour. Arent poppies beautiful? I've never had much luck growing them, but my son's new house has them already established in the back yard... lovely!

Hilary said...

• IBHH, you're my new best friend. ;) Thank you so much for such a kind compliment. It made my day. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• MelRoxx, thank you kindly. Much appreciated. :)

• Indrani, thank you very much. Your kind words mean so much to me. I'm so glad that you enjoy them. :)

• Thank you, Suldog. Always appreciated. :)

• Kate, Maine lobster is wonderful.. I'm envious but very happy for you that you've got this chance to get away. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks, Linda. I quite like the canoes too .. they make me think about where they might have been. The lily was just sitting there looking so pretty as lilies do. I couldn't resist snapping a shot. I'm glad you like them. :)

• Moannie, thank you so much. You've made me smile :)

• Welcome Mrs4444 and thanks for the very kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the tooth fairy story and that you dropped by for a visit. I hope you'll return again soon. :)

• Thanks kindly, Sandra. Very much appreciated. :)

• Thanks very much, Terrie. It was yesterday when he was rocking out on stage. ;) He still loves performing. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Janine, you're too sweet. Thank you so much for your kind comments. I'm so glad you enjoyed the post. :)

• Thank you, Maggie. :)

• Fishing Guy, thanks very much. It's been a particularly wonderful season. :)

• Thanks kindly, Michael. :)

• Beth, thanks very much. :)

• Shammie, thank you. Yes, I love poppies with their paper-thin petals. I've never tried to grow them but they sure were profuse and lovely at Frank's place. They're so easy on the eyes. Thanks for stopping by. :)

SandyCarlson said...

I love your blog. What a treat. That baby resting near you. Wow. Your son and the little neighbor. Wow again. The flowers....The words....Thank you.

Hilary said...

Thanks so much, Sandy. And you know that the blog love is mutual. :)

SandyCarlson said...

Looking again at that head shot of the baby goose--he is smiling at you!

Unspoken said...

LOVE the bloats, the street crossers, and Frank's water views in Ontario.

Your son has GREAT hair!

Pat - Arkansas said...

Love the True Colors! Thanks for brightening my day.

Hilary said...

• Sandy, it sure looks that way, doesn't it? :)

• Amy, thanks very much. He and I are both getting a kick out of how many women love his hair.. his Mom included. ;)

• You're very welcome, Pat. Thank you for your visit. :)