Cosmos Within Reach

Breathing --- shallow. Heartbeat --- fast. So I'm upset. There are simply things beyond my control.  Let me take a walk outside and find a remedy to my disconcerting feelings. Good thing, I do not need any medical prescription or shell out a big amount to get to a place where I can find relaxation. An awareness of gifts from Mother Nature in our small community is all it takes for me to feel at ease. 

Marvel at this variety of Cosmos flowers -- bold purple petals springing from a dazzling yellow center. Different from the usual yellow orange variety. Happy to note that the Cosmos is said to be the flower of peace and tranquility. What a nice little gesture from the Creator of this wide universe!

Ladies of the Night

Contrary to what the title may imply these ladies are one-inch wild orchids our neighbor along our street had on her wall. Was on my way to the Sports Center for my usual fitness schedule when I slowed down to appreciate these beauties. I don't think the plant which was attached to coconut husks was in tiptop shape as its leaves were sparse and its flowers were just as scanty. But just the same, I found them so good to look at. 

Carnation Surprise

A less familiar variety of carnations, this kind looks closer to pencil shavings, See how the purple core has unfolded along with the white casing. One could almost mistake them for some school art project made from recycled material.

Marigold Lush

Luxuriant colorful heads of soft velvety marigolds are just the sight for sore eyes. These shots were taken from one of our work venues, a private vacation resort owned by one of our participants. I can't say that the resort was well-designed but I do admire the owner's penchant for flowering plants -- which more than makes up for the man-made structures. Well, nature always trumps anything man-made, I should say.

Vintage Appeal

The cluster of simple lilac-colored flowers remind me of those nights when people are lined up on the street to witness the parade of ladies all dressed in traditional finery, with flowers in their hair and flowers adorning their carriages. In the sweltering heat of the flickering incandescent bulbs the beauties are able to hold their own, mustering abundant smiles for as long as the parade goes. It is their night. After all, they were chosen from among the many for that year's Flores de Mayo, a much awaited Filipino festival.

Still Life With Dog and Flowers

It's just another lazy summer morning. Our dog is perched comfortably on our tiled stairs landing -- his usual hangout -- as it overlooks toward our small street (this dog always wants to be in on things). 

Since this dog is family, he gets special attention. Heavy clay vase with dried Statice flowers in the corner vamp up his space.

Silhouette of C

Can you guess what plant this is? It is the only one I have ever seen hereabouts. In one of my quick trips to the grocer's on foot this grabbed my attention. It was towering over me from a vacant lot. Impossible to miss because it was bursting with fluffy white fiber from what looked like capsules where flowers used to be. 

Sorry that the photo is merely a silhouette. It was taken under the harsh afternoon summer sun. But I love it still. I hope to capture a much better image when I pass that way again.

Cotton is it.