Radiant

Up in the hills of San Mateo, Rizal I was so pleased to be feasting my eyes on this tree in full bloom. It stood proud and tall, defiant of the harsh heat, basking in the harsh rays of the sun. The harsher the days became, the more radiant it shown.  It seems to tell me that no matter the circumstances, we can always accommodate, go with the flow, and adapt to what is. 

Life is what we make it.

Summer Tableau

This snapshot is my first summer memento for this year. A perfect juxtaposition of the leafless fire tree and the passionate bougainvillea against the backdrop of sea, sky, and sand.  A vignette that I carefully file in memory for when I need an image to calm me. 

Dream Daisies

photo from cowparsleytheblog

It is hot and humid. Summer is definitely having a heyday this part of the world. How I wish I were in some remote beach paradise with cold drink in hand, lazing away the hours. Another fantasy is being alone in a secret garden where birds are free to alight on the ground to pick up materials for their nests. 

The above photo makes me daydream and as I write, I find the hot atmosphere slowly abating.  See how the daisies are content, left to grow with wild abandon. They look so happy catching the sun's rays and making it its ally to grow some  more.

Roselle

Got acquainted only recently with this plant with maple-like leaves and fleshy deep red flowers (Sorry for the poor photo quality). Saw it in a cart among the herbs being sold in the supermarket. It was labelled as Labog -- a not so glamorous name I should say. The label informed me that the Ilonggos mix its blossoms in with their salads . And according to recipes I've seen on the net, its leaves give a dish a touch of sourness.

Also known as Sorrel or Roselle, this plant is known  as a very good antioxidant (anti-aging!). Many tea preparations carry this ingredient. My thoughts: "must get plant, cultivate, enjoy home-made tea concoctions".

photocred: www.motherearthliving.com

Firecrackers in the Sun

What a sight for sore eyes!  I slipped out of our function room to take a look around the place and was pleased to chance upon this tree which was in full bloom. Really, it was my first encounter with such a tree and its pink/red blossoms that seem to be strung together. They remind me of many things: like leis, like chili peppers set out to dry, and like red firecrackers that are just waiting to be set off to celebrate some occasion.

Friendship Flower

The Alstroemeria or for better recall, the Peruvian Lily, is said to symbolize friendship. Its leaves twist as they sprout from the stem outward. The symbolism may have sprung from the same way the plant evolves. Interesting.  They come in many colors and nuances. Some are striped, some are not.

I remember a friend of mine who referred to her different groups of friends as her different tribes, each with their own subcultures and interests.  We belong to our own cliques, clans, factions, not necessarily out of tune with the rest of the world, just more drawn to those who have the same inclinations as we have. 

Wishes in a Vase

I admire the person who made use of these weeds. I have not seen anyone put these in a jar and display it the way someone in this cafe has.  He or she must be so free-spirited as to have some appreciation for the much dismissed, and ignored, bounty of nature. 

Just like the dandelion's florets -- they seem to be waiting to be blown away, be scattered by the wind, to land and begin life anew. They seem to sit there with an invitation to take as many as you need.

Today I need a handful.