My presence

in the

garden

for most

invokes

a smile.

My color’s

so

bright,

it glows,

but

falsehood

flows.

For

the

gardener,

whose hand

nurtured

me

to

grow,

did not

know

my

meaning.

It

is not

joy

in the

morning,

but

a bold

resistance,

sorrow,

and

mourning.

Hatred,

disregard,

and

retaliation

are my

obligation,

but only

by

definition.

The

root

of my

being,

no harm

could

ensue,

for

despite

my

spiky

appearance,

I

am

soft

and

fragile

and

grow

tall,

to

above

all,

assist

in

cooking

and

beauty,

and

keeping

you

healthy.

Thistle Budd

Color Glows

Thistle Standing Tall

For Cooking, Beauty, and Health

In the language of flowers the Thistle, also known as safflower, has meanings that do not at all reflect the  beauty and intrigue of the bud or flower.  The meanings of the thistle were featured in the poem above and include: misanthrope, defiance, vengeance, and grief.

I find it somewhat ironic that these words are associated with a flower that is so pretty and is thought to have useful medicinal properties such as: preventing heart disease and stroke, lowering fevers, treating coughs and breathing problems, tumors, pain, and clotting conditions, in addition to other medical uses.  The oil from safflower seed is used as a cooking oil.  The flower is used to color cosmetics and to dye fabrics.  Ref: WebMd

Please note that I am in now way recommending the use of the flower for any of the above referenced purposes.  However, I thought it of interest and wanted to provide a background for the poem above.

- W. Eugene Smith

Wishes for Happiness

Wishes for Faithfulness

Wishes of Love

Fly Away Wishes

In the Victorian Language of Flowers the Dandelion represents faithfulness, happiness, and love’s oracle.  To little children, a dandelion is a fuzzy flower with the purpose of wishing upon, or maybe, a pretty flower to give to Mommy, whom they love so much.    I thought the above quote was a nice compliment to the images of dandelions because the images of the dandelions summon emotions and thoughts of childhood memories and wishes made, and remind of the hope of wishes to come.  Because just sometimes, wishes do come true.

Atonement

Reconciliation

Hope

Purity

The above four words are associated with the Star of Bethlehem flower in the Victorian Language of Flowers.  When I saw the quote above I felt that it somehow linked the four words; atonement and  reconciliation of yesterdays and hope for pure love in the days to come.

Hope and Purity

Atonement

ardent love

sweet

lovely

pure love

a woman’s good luck gift

Sweet

Lovely

I hope your weekend is full of sweet and lovely experiences!

Blessings, Robyn

A Vintage Bouquet

A Vintage Bouquet II

With love for all

Upon rest and woe.

With her heart

She loves each little one,

And finds joy,

In each race won.

Her heart does love

The good and bad,

For even when they make her sad,

She finds a reason to stay above,

And goes not mad.

Each day that passes,

Her heart beats faster.

For at times,

The sorrow and frustration

Are very deep and seem

To lack salvation.

But, those little ones grow

With great intentions.

The chaos ensues

And her heart,

With joy,

Responds to each alteration.

And before she realizes

The days of complication

Have passed on to hours of contemplation,

For now she must recognize

That the hours are hers to characterize.

The sacrifice of love

She left behind,

To raise the little ones

Who now have grown

And left her on her own,

To be

More than a heart that bleeds.

 copyright Robyn Graham

Bleeding Heart

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the women in my life who have served as a mother figure, who have inspired me, who have encouraged me, who have supported me, and who have helped me become the woman I am today.  I appreciate your sacrifices of love, of time and of self, for me, as well as, for all people in your lives.

Stability in Healing

Stability in Sincerity

Stability in Faith

Stability in Confidence

Stability in Truth

The Stability Series, for now, is a two post series.  The images, shot using the same subject and background, are available in both horizontal and vertical formats.  Each image has a name representative of the color green and the color blue.  They were shot and named to be hung alone or as groupings.  The images are perfect for gift-giving for friends and loved ones going through difficult times. The names are meant to provide encouragement and inspiration for those in need of courage, strength or healing.

Stability in Wisdom

Stability in Tranquility

Stability in Integrity

Stability in Loyalty

Stability in Power

The Stability Series, for now, is a two post series.  The images, shot using the same subject and background, are available in both horizontal and vertical formats.  Each image has a name representative of the color green and the color blue.  They were shot and named to be hung alone or as groupings.  The images are perfect for gift-giving for friends and loved ones going through difficult times. The names are meant to provide encouragement and inspiration for those in need of courage, strength or healing.

]]> http://robyngrahamphotography.com/2013/05/08/2013-stability-series-01/feed/ 16 r5graham Stability in Wisdom I Stability in Tranquility Stability in Integrity Stability in Loyalty Stability in Power http://robyngrahamphotography.com/2013/05/07/2013-daffodil-series-09/ http://robyngrahamphotography.com/2013/05/07/2013-daffodil-series-09/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 01:50:12 +0000 RobynG http://robyngrahamphotography.com/?p=2881 ]]> All glory comes from daring to begin.  - Eugene F. Ware

The Dare To Begin Anew

Daring

Glory

Recognition of New Beginnings

Please take a moment to visit Susan’s blog where you will find beautiful images of her amazing travels.  You will fall in love with the people, places and creatures she finds along her way.  She captures each beautifully and carries their essence through her lens and camera and so gracefully delivers them to her blog.    You are sure to find a new world when you visit her.

Please take a moment to visit Linda at her blog and see what she is up to.

The Climb to Begin the Journey in Black and White

The Climb to Begin the Journey

]]> http://robyngrahamphotography.com/2013/05/01/2013-daffodil-series-07/feed/ 4 r5graham Journey to New Beginnings in Black and White Journey to New Beginnings http://robyngrahamphotography.com/2013/04/25/2013-daffodil-series-06/ http://robyngrahamphotography.com/2013/04/25/2013-daffodil-series-06/#comments Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:13:34 +0000 RobynG http://robyngrahamphotography.com/?p=2848 ]]> “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein

Imagination, Mystery and New Beginnings

New beginnings, like shadows, are Mysteries.

The heart knows not, what is to come.

The mind knows not, who will be along.

The soul knows not, what emotions will evolve.

Fear,

Courage,

Belief,

Strength,

Excitement,

and

Love.

The mystery of  a new beginning,

Will be a thrill,

  An exercise of will.

The past creates hesitation,

And so it is with anticipation

that

The heart will move from shadows

To accept the challenge with determination.

Imagination will drive

The will to begin and thrive.

A new beginning will take root

Away from the shadows of mystery

Which will don no refute.

copyright Robyn Graham

The Mystery of Shadow in Black and White

The Mystery of Shadow

The cup

Of life,

Stories told of

Love and strife.

All things

Pass through

And welcome,

Life anew.

The saucer

Of life,

Embracing the cup

Of love and strife.

A balancing act

To engage the fact

That all things past

One day

Leave way

to

New beginnings

Which ebb and sway

For life anew.

Copyright Robyn Graham

A Cup of New Beginnings

An additional thought for the day:

He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil – this is the gift of God.  I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.  God does it so that men will revere him.  Ecclesiastes 3:11-14

Fresh Beginnings

In the Morning Made New

Thanks Charles!

Truth in the Beginning

Small Beginnings

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with new beginnings and great things.

Daffodils represent new beginnings.  This post goes out to all in need of a new beginning, a renewal of self, a change of heart.

New Beginnings

New Beginnings in Black and White

Miracle of Light and Shadow

Bonners Ferry, Idaho

March 2013

The little specks you see in the upper right corner are Bald Eagles flying around the nature reserve.

Sunrise in the Valley – Bonners Ferry, Idaho

When I saw the above quote I thought it to be a nice accompaniment to this image.  It was certainly resolve to get out and shoot on this particular morning.  But more importantly, the quote is the precise message my husband and I have been discussing with our children this week.  It reminds me of the little train engine who resolved to succeed and kept saying, ” I think I can, I think I can, I think I can” and was finally rewarded by being able to say, “I did”.  And, low and behold, there are train tracks that run right along this scene.  Note, that the clouds are really the more prominent subject in the image.  They remind me of the quote in respect to the tests in life that create the need for continued resolve and constant determination.

Stress Enters.

Life becomes overwhelming.

Stress becomes life.

The world spins.

We forget to breath.

The world spins.

Then suddenly,

The spinning slows.

And we stop,

And breath.

Once again

Light guides us forward,

And we carry on.

Carry on.

copyright Robyn Graham

Image taken while hiking in Northern Idaho, March 2013.

Jack belongs to my in-laws.  He’s sitting in the bay window wondering why on earth we are all there distracting him from his usually peaceful, afternoon nap in the sun.

A Declaration of Love , the Vintage Way

It may be the old-fashioned way,

I declare the words that

I must say.

It may be the dated way,

I declare the words that

I need to say.

It may be the best kind of way,

To declare the words that

I long to say.

Someday, however,

Continued interest will sway

Your appreciation of my

Vintage declaration,

I love you.

 copyright Robyn Graham

The Old-Fashioned Way

The Dated Way

The Best Kind of Way

The poem above is written using phrases used for defining the word vintage and the meaning of Tulip in the Victorian language of flowers which is, Declaration of Love.  The images, although of the same Tulip, are unique in terms of composition.  Note the compositional elements: leading lines, curves, rule of thirds,  as well as the depth of field used in each image.

 “The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.” – Thomas Merton

Reflection of Others

“Reflection is a flower of the mind, giving out wholesome fragrance; but revelry is the same flower, when rank and running to seed.” - Desiderius Erasmus

Wholesome Fragrance

Reach for Love

Love Worthwhile

Love Goes Around

The Ride of Love

The Tulip series is getting a little long so I thought I would try something different tonight and post multiple images.  Yes, all are in black and white, this too is a change.  Although these images were lovely in color, they moved me in black and white.  I would love to hear your thoughts.  Do you like them?  Which do you like best?

The Heart Sings of Love

“The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring.” – Oscar Wilde

 The Consciousness of Love

The Orchestra

Sways

And Plays

I chose the quote above based on the fact that each image presents the same tulips in different ways.  The images reminded me of not only change, but of an orchestra swaying and playing.   Perhaps if we look deeply enough we can see an orchestra of change.

V is for Victory

Over Sin and Death.

V is for Victory

Resting on Old Wood -

A Reminder of the Cross.

V is for Victory

For Christ,

and the

 Grace,

Through Suffering,

He Bought Us.

copyright Robyn Graham

 ”The joyful news that He is risen does not change the contemporary world. Still before us lie work, discipline, sacrifice. But the fact of Easter gives us the spiritual power to do the work, accept the discipline, and make the sacrifice.” – Henry Knox Sherrill

- William W. Purkey

Declare to Dance Like Nobody is Watching. Declare to Love Like You’ll Never be Hurt

- Zig Ziglar

Declare to Tailor-Make your Responses

Dancing Tulips

Ghosts of Dancing Tulips

The love we share,

Is more than fair.

Some may not be aware,

Of the bond we share,

Not to be broken with time and wear.

Our love is not a snare,

But two lives that care.

Sometimes we stop and stare,

And wonder how life does dare,

To claim a stake on our un-paling air.

For when we sit within the same chair,

Because there is no spare,

You gently touch my hair.

And at that moment, I dare swear,

We are a pair,

Whose love does not compare,

To those who live without a flare.

copyright Robyn Graham

I Declare

Rising Up to Brighter Days

Rising Up to Brighter Days in Black and White

(Black and white flowers may not demonstrate the cheer and hope that colorful flowers do,  but, I loved this image in black and white.  Many, many years ago, black and white would have been the only option to present this image and I believe it would have had the same meaning – Rising Up.)

As today is the first day of Spring I feel myself rising up out of the winter doldrums.   The days are getting longer, the sun, when it shines, is shining brighter.  I am longing for warmer days and more sunshine.  As the tulip in the image is rising up toward the sunlight, my spirits are rising in hope that soon, warmer, brighter days will be here to stay for a while.  Let’s all open our eyes wide so that the senses will be reawaken in the days to come – with birds chirping, flowers blooming, grass growing, and children laughing.

Clover

Clover Glistening

Clover in Light and Shadow

Light Through Green Marbles

Circular Green

Green Light and Shadows

Green in Square

Green Trio

Green Light

Same flower, same light, different angles, different effects, all green.

When the days are long,

Think of me.

When things go wrong,

Think of me.

There will be days you don’t feel strong,

Think of me.

When those days arrive, breakout in song,

And think of me.

You’ll have woes to carry along,

And you may not feel like you belong,

Just think of me.

Sometimes relationships are not lifelong,

Some are, just think of me.

And when you think of me,

Feel the harmony,

Of nature, healing, and just, letting be.

copyright Robyn Graham

Think of Me

In Harmony

Green represents nature, healing, and harmony.  The white clover flower means “Think of Me” in the Victorian Language of Flowers. The “me” in the poem is representative of my faith, I always have someone to think of to get me through a long day.

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4

Learn from instructor and award-winning photographer

Robyn Graham

 What: 4 x 1.5 hour sessions of learning for anyone wanting to increase their knowledge of photography (Limit 6 Participants)

Dates: Tuesdays in April – the 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd, and 30^th  

Time: 7 pm to 8:30pm

Topics: From Snapshots to Timeless Treasures Exposure Composition Light

Location:     The Bucks County Project Gallery, 252 West Ashland Avenue, Doylestown, PA 18901

You will need:  Camera, Notepad, Pen

Price: $225

Register by: April 1, 2013

Registration and Questions:  Visit Robyn Graham Photography

until it’s time for growth.

Upon that moment,

it takes an oath,

To fill the earth with joy and hope.

copyright Robyn Graham

Truth

My goal for the week is to post images that are primarily green as a way of recognizing St. Patrick’s Day, which is Sunday.

Enchantment

Intellect – 1. The power of the mind by which one knows or understands; 2. A particular mind or intelligence, esp. of a high order; 3. A person possessing a great intellectual capacity.

Did you know the color yellow represents intellect?

Blessings to all for a wonderful week of learning through the heart.

Eternally

Together

Heaven we

Enter

Rendering

Elements

All-knowing of

Love

copyright Robyn Graham

Ethereal

Ethereal in Black and White

Would love to hear from you which you prefer and find to be  most ethereal – Ethereal, or Ethereal in black and white.