I sometimes wonder what my father would make of my new turn as a flower photographer and writer. I doubt he would like it. He often told me I was failing to live up to my potential and lacked the character to play baseball or stop wetting my bed.
He was a basketball star in his youth and an athlete throughout his life; he was absolutely flabbergasted when I was hired to edit a newspaper or produce a national TV News show.
I always wanted to write a novel about a father who had a son he didn’t like and who didn’t like him. Don’t get me wrong. He was a good person, kind, honest, and compassionate, just not to me and my sister. I bear no grudges. He did his best and overcame many obstacles that would have destroyed other people.
But flower photography? No chance.
I’m proud of this batch of flowers. I was out in the sun for much of the day, and it was too hot, but I was happy with the results. Sorry, Dad. These are for you. I’m taking time to notice and honor the humble Buttercups, bright yellow wildlife flowers I’m finally seeing. I hope you enjoy them. With these photos, I am finally getting closer to living up to my potential. It’s a mix.
The Buttercups are radiant behind the sun. I’ve walked by these wildflowers all my life but have never seen them.
I love to mix the flowers up.
I’ve never paid attention to the wildflower Buttercups before. I don’t make that mistake again.
The special beauty of the Columbine
Anemones
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I’d like to thank the many flower and garden lovers who have read my blog in recent years. I appreciate their patience with me, as I misspell many of the flowers and don’t know the names of many others. These people are patient with me, always helping to help and guide me, never making me feel stupid and small. Thanks for that; I really appreciate it.
I recognized the buttercups immediately, as they are such a ray of pure sunshine…..and ours out in the wild pastures here are just now beginning to bloom, along with the wild lupines. Columbines…. I’ve never been able to grow them here, but they are a favorite of mine merely for their striking petal structure. Great pics!!!!!!!
Susan M
Hi Jon, I am a master gardener since 2007 and I will be 80 soon. I now have difficulty remembering names of flowers even though I have grown them most of my life, don’t feel bad that you can’t remember their names. Sometimes I remember their Latin name but not common name, but so it goes. But I still love all flowers and gardening, and I do the best I can. My husband, who will be 91 next month met you and me, in Greenwich at your book reading, also with Mary Oliver.
Jon Katz = True Flower Power