Tag: macro photography

Cactus Flowers in Waiting

~ oneletterup ~ 45 Comments

Inspired by Lens-Artists Challenge #72: Waiting

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Over 20 years ago I received a Christmas cactus as a gift. I was encouraged by the fact that cactus plants have a reputation for survival.

In other words, it would be hard for me to kill it. As I often did with houseplants – unintentionally – much to my continuing dismay.

I think it flowered that first year, but rarely did it bloom as advertised…supposedly at Christmas time. So there it sat on a living room shelf…near the window…or away from the window…for years. I pruned it. Or I didn’t. No matter what I tried, my cactus remained…well…green. Dusting the branches didn’t help either.

But thankfully it stayed alive. For the most part.

When we moved several years ago, it mysteriously started showing signs of color and bloomed gloriously at our temporary beach rental that November. I thought the placement by a sunny window made it happen. Or perhaps it was waiting for us to downsize. I’ll never know for sure.

This October, I pruned my aging cactus and pumped it full of plant food at its spot by a sunny window. And I waited.

Nothing.

Waited some more.

Until one day I noticed buds…sprouting on the tips of almost every branch.

My visiting grandson was dutifully impressed (as only a 3 year old can be) when I announced: LOOK! Buds! They will turn into flowers! This is so exciting!

Another week passed.

I watched and waited. Carefully watered. Not too much. Not too little (just guessing at how much “enough” really was)…

Then, last weekend I noticed an explosion of sorts from one of the buds.

blossom day 1
Day 1

 

Waited another day.

blossom day 2
Day 2

And finally today…two days later…

blossom day 4
Day 4

A complete flower…

…with more to come.

Definitely worth the wait!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunshine’s Macro Monday – Almost Underfoot

~ oneletterup ~ 34 Comments

Inspired by Sunshine’s Macro Monday #18

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During a walk in the woods a week or so ago, I remembered to look down.

Then I got a bit closer.

Let’s not forget what has fallen off those trees with the once gorgeous leaves and needles.

Before everything is crunched and flattened on the ground by wildlife or walkers such as myself.

Before it all eventually disappears…under the snow.

I believe there is always something eye catching in nature…even at the end of the life cycle.

Amber waves…

~ oneletterup ~ 12 Comments

October is here and along with it, a new squares challenge from Becky B: #lines&squares

For those interested, here are the guidelines…

The theme is #lines&squares, and your lines can be long, short, straight or curvy. They can also be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, perpendicular or even zig zag.  There again perhaps you might prefer them intersecting, natural, singular or in stripes. As you may have gathered there are no line rules, as whatever your line everyone is welcome in square photographs!

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I am still experimenting with my new camera…macro, end-of-day light and whatever catches my eye. Thanks to the wonders of digital photography I feel free to capture as many images as I can. Even when the breeze just won’t stop…

 

amber squares