Sunday, November 15, 2009

Sunday Stroll - Color Story

I didn't really take a leisurely stroll today... I ran out the front door into the cool breeze, and then across the road and down the hill through a stubbled field to take these photographs of bull thistle.


Looking back toward the east, I could just see the roofline of our little house against the cloudy blue sky.


I jogged back up the hill to wander, a little more slowly, through the gardens looking for color. Most of the Bells of Ireland in the corner of the herb garden are white and papery, but I found one still fresh and green.



Though the vegetables have been pulled from the garden rows, the wild mustard is still blooming and scattering seeds for next year's cheery yellow garden invaders.

In the butterfly garden the asclepius (aka Butterfly Weed) is releasing its seeds to the wind, just like its wild milkweed cousins.

In the front garden, peeking out through the bronze fennel, a tiny yellow mum flower opened this week.


Nearby, a sweet white pansy has rebloomed, giving her last "hurrah!" before a long winter's nap.


Sleepy bees are still visiting the mums.



As the flowers bow out of the color story, very gradually with this mild autumn that we have had so far, the skies are picking up the slack. In every direction, soft color lit our evening skies. Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you color and joy!



all photos by Aisling, November 15, 2009

21 comments:

Cloudhands said...

I read with a sense of urgency as you hurried out of the house to seek the remnants of color at ground level and then with awareness lifted your sight to the heavens and shared the colors of autumn as the sun painted the sky.
I enjoyed it all.

Marcie said...

Thank you. Me too. I really was just going to hurry through it. It was cold and I'm feeling lazy today. *grin* But, the beauty of it all slowed me down. Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed the stroll!

Farmer's Daughter said...

My pansies are blooming now, too!

I feel like I've had enough fall, and now I really can't wait for our first snow to go take pictures for my stroll. I love all the seasons, since just when I get sick of one another rolls in.

Marcie said...

Abbie, I expect you'll get your wish! :D

Pom Pom said...

Your photos reminded me of childhood Sunday afternoons. Gray skies, bare trees, and that sleepy feeling accompanied by a few fresh growing things, presents for those who never neglect the garden completely, all are there for nature lovers of all ages! I'd say your garden walk about counts as a stroll!

Marcie said...

Pom Pom, It reminds me of childhood a little bit too. I used to play in the fields with my brothers... regardless of the time of year.

Thanks for coming by to get a glimpse of my corner of the world!

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

I enjoyed the journey with you.
Photo's beautiful.

Marcie said...

Ernestine,

Thank you so much for coming by to share my little ramble. :)

Jessica said...

My grandmother's favorite flower was the pansy. Today is her birthday (she would be 90 if she were still with us). I miss her dearly...but when I saw your pansy giving its last hurrah, it made me grin. It was sort of like a not-so-subtle message from her. :)

Marcie said...

Jessica,

I share your Grandmother's love of pansies. They are like sweet little faces in the garden... What's not to love? I'm glad it brought a happy memory and connection for you. :)

L'Adelaide said...

alas, i remembered it was sunday when it was too late for a stroll and i had little energy for it anyway...your photos are lovely, your milkweed so different than what we call milkweed, which leads me to think it isn't [and perhaps you mentioned that before...], the white flower is magnificent and the sky....well, those sky photos are amazingly beautiful and so i am glad you got caught outside, probably freezing to death, taking them as it quickly got dark....very very beautiful and now, i shall say goodnight to you :)

L'Adelaide said...

and i see where your lovely way with words may come from ...

and now goodnight ...
xoxo

Marcie said...

Linda,

Your comments always make me smile. There is such generosity of spirit evident in what you say... as there is in your art. One of the many things I like about you! :)

Maybe you'll stroll next week. Hope you are feeling wonderful. I'll be by soon to catch up on the news in your corner of the world! I had a big test this morning and have been swamped in studying and preparation. It's done and over so... moving on!

Debbie said...

Aisling! You have some of the most beautiful skies where you live ;o)! I also enjoyed being introduced to some new (to me) plants.

Marcie said...

Prairie Star,

Thank you. The skies have been beautiful, and I'm never sure the camera is doing them justice.

Thank you for coming by to share my stroll.

Michele said...

beautiful as always, Aisling! Wish I were strolling with you there in person.

Marcie said...

Rapunzel, Any time you want to! I'd love to have you here in person, but am glad the internet has enabled us to share bits and pieces of our lives from a distance! :)

Anonymous said...

It is rather interesting for me to read this post. Thanks for it. I like such themes and everything that is connected to this matter. I would like to read a bit more soon.

Marcie said...

Thank you, Anonymous, for visiting and taking the time to comment! :)

Pom Pom said...

Hi A!
I watched "Arranged" last night. Thank you so much for suggesting it a while back! I LOVED it! I was so touched by the way their friendship evolved and how they entered into each others' lives. They were so humble with one another. It was a sweet little treat for me after a long week at school. (BIG HUG!)

Marcie said...

Pom Pom, Thank you for letting me know how much you enjoyed "Arranged." I think many people could learn something from the respect and warmth they showed one another.

Have a wonderful weekend!