This is a Wild Fairy Iris. The very title evokes a mischievous pixie dancing in the forest. I can almost see her, can you?
As you probably have noticed, I take a lot of flower photos. I am in constant awe at how delicate, yet resilient they are. I often think taking photos of flowers would or should start bore me. But every time I go to a garden or walk along the street, I see flowers that fascinate me. The details: petals, pistils, stamens, and colors in endless combinations, astound me.
What also attracts me is the impermanence of flowers. See them now, appreciate them now, because soon they will be gone. Perhaps it is my adopted Japanese sensibilities that make enjoying flowers a poignant affair, as they remind me that life is in a constant cycle. From bursting with potential, to full bloom, followed by fading glory to death--it is a microcosm of ourselves. I find even in the fading that there is beauty. Flowers soothe my soul and remind me to embrace each stage of life. But I also think that we are more like the plant rather than a single flower, we continue to bloom and blossom over and over again--that is if we remember to nourish our body and soul.
This flower, is that the library. I think is an opportunist from a random seed. It is the only one in the bed and I have never seen it before. I love the reds against the the stone wall.