When I visited an unfamiliar nursery on a hot July 2022 day I saw this plant kicked over onto hot pavement. It was scrawny and parched. Yet, we connected in an unusual way. (Side note: There you have it. I talk with trees and connect with potted plants. Commit me now.) And you know what? Plants can talk back in the most beautiful of ways: They speak with colors, shape, and form. Their textures, scents, and flavors also convey their stories. 

 

After tipping the plant upright I placed it near the other blanketflowers. The price seemed exceptionally out of range. I looked around for my originally intended purchase yet kept thinking about this plant.

Not only did this one come home with me, I bought a second one. Perhaps the best purchases I made last year. As work time permits, I hope to unveil a series of these images. Sometimes I worked alone with them; other times Alan joined me. It was always pure joy.

This one, in its contrasting brokenness and strength, told me a story of lingering beauty, intrinsic worth, vulnerability, fortitude, and of having fulfilled a mission - not forgotten - of having brought beauty and joy into the world. This stem – along with its sister and brother stems – seemed to dance in front of the camera. I spent many evenings in an old little barn photographing different angles of this plant. It was a love affair. 

My immediate plan is to return to photographing the beauty and intrigue of human faces and portraits - another joy and curiosity. I am fortunate to spend part of my life in admiration and awe of nature, and in wonder of our human existence and presence. I'm very grateful.

What's been a seminal moment from your year so far?

In addition to last year's joy, this sweet plant has given me pause to celebrate again this year. Each year the North River Arts Society presents the "Festival of the Arts" on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. This year, we had a calendar conflict that weekend. However, I was delighted to have been here to receive the 1st Prize Award for Color Photography. Once again, grateful for the plant I nearly passed by because of a few dollars. 

There is another chapter of this plant that I'll tell soon. Do you have a story of a purchase you almost didn't make that ending up bringing you immense joy? It's wonderful to be compassionate and kind to our neighbors. Yet, every now and then I find it life affirming and enhancing to indulge on something unexpected. Something that celebrated the richness of life; something that evokes joy. 

What has unexpectedly brought you joy?