I’ve been testing my new camera and lenses. Yesterday, after learning more about how the camera focuses automatically in certain situations – like bright sunshine – it was the macro lenses’ turn to take a few turns around the Magnolia tree. I was impressed and excited. The camera exchange was a gamble, but I feel good one when all is said and done.

I have time to decide which of the two lenses I want to keep – the 85 mm portrait lens or the Sigman macro lens for “L” mounts. I hope to take some portraits at the Mansion tomorrow when Maria and I go to her art class and I begin returning to the world.

Flowers, I am learning, have their personalities. The Pansies are challenging and demand attention. The Magnolias are shy and dignified; I see them as moody.

The sun was sinking over the hills across the road; the light was intense and challenging. The camera didn’t seem bothered.

The Magnolias looked like little jewels sparkling in the sun.

I find the Magnolias graceful, even moody.

I overexposed this picture to capture the feeling of the sun lighting up these flowers, making them even purer and lighter.