26 October 2020
Lens:
Summer Zinnia; All Rights Reserved 2020 Sally W. Donatello
Click onto image to enlarge. Let me know your response to this image. Prints are available upon request.
Pens:
“Ode to a Seed”
One small seed holds the universe in its soul.
One small seed brings untold bounty,
moving across time and space with tenacity, often overcoming.
Legacies come in multitudes.
The tiniest can be the bravest, the strongest, the most free-spirited.
Longevity pierces common sense, beating back interference and spreading branches of the ancestral tree.
The seeds of hope are the seeds of the past intertwined with the present.
Perfection is not the necessary response.
Continuance brings abundance for wherever it slides along the continuum of
life’s axis.
That smallest of the life cycle endures even without notice, and that not being seen
often reveals the essence of coexistence.
And as the seeds of yearly bounty float from the past, the universe takes heed
to listen and watch the treasures coincide with the present.
How long is longevity? How fierce is legacy? And when do we attend the warnings
knocking on the seasonal door of abundance?
The spellbound beauty of a crimson zinnia transcends its earthly reflection. And one small seed holds the universe in its soul.
Lens and Pens by Sally 
Hi, Sally. If you feel like saying, what led you to stop posting?
Steve, I know that you live in Austin and hope that your family and you are safe and well. To reply to your inquiry, I took a hiatus from blogging for several reasons. The main reason is my search for my path, my voice. During the pandemic I began an intense introspection to discover how I wanted to use my creative energies. There were various influences that produced a startling outcome. Even as the pandemic seemed to pause time, it really did not. It actually redefined time for me. Even as I thought that my creative process had stopped, it had not. I spent hours in an inner dialogue through image making/photography, writing and reading. But several outer forces with artists and other sources inspired my steps onward. Throughout pandemic time I produced an essay and a body of work. I felt and feel that the blog is not (for now) the place for this work. I am forging ahead with ideas and the work keeps me hopeful and productive. My muse, nature, has been my companion and instigator, but you probably would have guessed that she answered my inquiries. When I find the platform for this work, I will let you know. You’re one of the few bloggers that I continue to watch. Your nature portraits to archive local wildflowers is a public service and important work, which I admire and appreciate.
It is spellbound beauty. A miracle that something so beautiful can grow out of a inconspicuous and little seed. Beautifully photographed.
Zinnia are the star of my late summer gardens.
Hi Sally. Thanks for stopping by Beach Walk Reflections. I noticed that you haven’t posted since October. Nonetheless, good photography! I’m looking for photo collaborators for the beach walks. Thi link will explain more. https://beachwalkreflections.wordpress.com/collaborators/
Frank, thank you for the invite. I am in the midst of re-imaging my work to illuminate nature as the master of the universe. Certainly, the ocean is a spectacular part of of Mother Nature’s bounty. I’d be thrilled to get to the beach this summer (I can be there in two hours). If I do, will let you know.
Both the image and the lyrical verses are absolutely beautiful. Your image is stunning – the deep color is wonderful and your presentation of the flower as two identical halves is very creative. Loved your thoughtful ending.
Tina, I’m truly touched by your reaction. See you soon, Sally
Powerful words and image Sally
Su, hope all is well on your side of the world. At least that your family and you are well and safe.
Thanks Sally. The NZ whanau are well, but I’m worried about my mother and brothers in the UK.
Hope you are well and staying safe.
Oh, I do hope that they stay safe and well.
Hi, Sally. I hope all’s well with you. I love your image. Gorgeous. Your closing thoughts pose a wonderful question and offer hope.
Patti, doing as well as this uncertain world allows. Your response brings beams of light to my evening. Hope that you are doing well during this insane time.
A very special image, Sally
Cornelia, thanks, and stay safe and well.
I love that deep crimson color and the way you’ve captured the light — it’s mysterious.
Oh, how nice to hear from you, hope you all is well with you.
Beautiful indeed, Sally!
Amy, that’s lovely, thank you.
That’s a beautiful image, Sally! It gladdens my heart. I also enjoyed your thoughts on seeds.
janet
Janet, thanks for your response. I hope to visit Longwood Gardens next week. It’s been so many months and I cannot wait to stroll the outside gardens and meadows.
That is an amazing photo and shows so much detail!
Meg, thank you for your comment and visit. Hope that you are safe and well.