Friday, March 7, 2014

Stillness and Peace















As the heat of summer abates the desire to linger in the garden, to water and tame it, is slowly returning. The grevilleas are still flowering despite being totally neglected, the potted succulents continue to grow well. A second batch of Purple King climbing beans are just beginning to produce baby beans. 

It will soon be time to prepare to plant some peas and poppies and maybe more. I tend to lose touch with the garden during our long, exhausting, hot, busy summers - I feel the need to reconnect, to nurture both garden and soul.





Whatever your plans for this weekend, I hope you take time for some stillness and peace, for we all needs times of refreshing don't we.


Photographic Note for Erin: All photos above were taken with my Canon 600D DSLR with 50mm prime lens plus my clip-on Raynox macro attachment, with focus set to manual. The camera was on Aperture priority setting with aperture between f/4.5 (softest background) and f/13 (more distinct background). No tripod.

I’m not able to achieve such variety of aperture with my compact super zoom. This was one of the reasons I bought a DSLR a couple of years ago. I still use my super zoom for most photos as it’s smaller and lighter, quick and quiet to use.


Sharing at Reconnect with Nature, Macro Monday.





35 comments:

Dorothy said...

I loved those purple been shoots. So delicate and pretty.

Have a wonderful weekend, Karen. xx

s.c said...

Nice thoughts and pic's only the parrots are in the way of stillness I think. Thanks for showing us.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

You are right (again) SC. I worked on my thoughts and words after I had chosen my photos. I have removed them as they now don't really belong in this post.

Jeanne said...

Beautiful shots of these flowers. It has been awhile since I"ve seen your amazing flower photos, and glad your weather is improving and cooling a bit. The garden is a wonderful spot for refreshing your spirit. Hugs to you from Texas!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing these wonderful photographs! They could be made into cards just like this!
Very beautiful!
Esther
esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo com

Giga said...

Patrząc na Twoje piękne rośliny w ogrodzie, można poczuć spokój przebywając w nim. Pozdrawiam.
Looking at your beautiful plants in your garden, you can feel the peace of being in it. Yours.

flowersandhome said...

Gorgeous macro pictures Karen.
I wish you a peaceful weekend.
Marian

Fun60 said...

A well tended garden is a delight. That's probably why I don't feel so relaxed in mine, it just reminds me of all the work that needs to be done.

Cristina Ferreira said...

Encantadoras as flores.
Beijos

geanina said...

beautiful images!
have a nice weekend! :)

Sylvia K said...

Such lovely flowers and colors, Karen, and superb captures as always! Thanks for sharing the beauty! Hope you and your family have a great weekend!!

Beth said...

The flowers are beautiful Karen. I hope your weekend is blessed!

Dirk Rosin said...

nydelige nærbilder !

Kim Stevens said...

These are all fabulous, love all the texture!

Janneke said...

These flowerpictures are gorgeous, so are the words.
I wish you and your family a glorious and peaceful weekend!

Erin said...

Gorgeous! Photography Q - What setting did you use or rather did you shoot in manual to get the soft, blurred background?

Dzjiedzjee said...

Because of busy times and virusses I haven't been very active on my blog and the blogs of others last few weeks. I am sorry for that :-)

You posted some beautiful work lately! I enjoyed reading your posts!! :-)

Greetings from the Netherlands! ;-)
Gert Jan Hermus
dzjiedzjee.blogspot.com

EricaSta said...

Great captures ... Each picture is fantastic!

Wish you a veryhappy Weekend
Greetings by Heidrun from Bavaria

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Hi Erin, I have just answered your question by way of adding a photographic note at the end of the post.

diane b said...

I'm so glad to hear that you lose interest in gardening in dry hot weather..so do I. I was only thinking today that it is time to get back into it. Love your macro shots and thanks for the photo info it is very helpful for us budding photographers.

maryandpatch.blogspot.com said...

Incredibly beautiful pictures!

Joy said...

Wonderful pictures. The perfectness of God's creations.

Lisa Gordon said...

This is really a beautiful series, Karen.
Have a great weekend!

Kim said...

Again....more sublime images from you and your 'magic' camera, Karen!! Such lovely reminders of Autumn....a beautiful season filled with lovely changing light and glorious colours. Your photos do evoke a sense of peacefulness and stillness...they are just beautiful!!

Evelyn ~ Indigo Beach Art said...

A beautiful collection of images!I like how you've used a macro attachment for your 50 mm lens...

Rachaeldaisy said...

Beautiful flower photos! You really have captured stillness and peace in them. Autumn is such a lovely time in the garden. I'm looking forward to planting sweetpeas soon.

Anita Johnson said...

So fun to visit here and see what is in store for us this summer. It is above freezing today, but it will take more than one warmer day to melt all the snow and ice. Today I saw part of my driveway...a very good start to the week!

tinajo said...

Wonderful close-ups with awesome colors! :-)

http://tinajoathome.com/

amanda said...

I'm always thrilled to see your macros, Karen!!
Just beautiful.
I can't wait 'til we have some colorful life to photograph around here.

Erin said...

thanks for the extra info, sounds like I can't do it then with my super zoom though I'll open the books to see, I may be able to do something:)

Pearl Maple said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos, the colours and textures of the flowers are stunning.

Nikki said...

Karen, these flower images are stunning. I especially love the first two grevillea images. My garden is not looking too great at the moment. We desperately need rain. Most of the native plants are hanging in there though. Thanks for visiting my blog. Nikki

Jill Foley said...

These are all gorgeous!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi! I was wondering if I could have permission to use one of your photos to feature in next week's macro Monday? I would, of course, credit you and provide a backlink to your site! Thanks! Sarah at http://sarahcarlettiphotography.blogspot.com

Cheryl McCain said...

GORGEOUS macro shots and I love that you shared your settings. It's always interesting to read how someone shoots.
visiting from Macro Monday - http://cherylmccainphotography.com/macro-monday-and-my-birthday/

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