Saturday, June 26, 2010

(Day 177) Seize the moment!

It didn't look like a promising day for any sort of outdoor activities today. The sky was downright gloomy looking and a steady drizzle greeted us already early in the morning (so my wife reported - I didn't see it till a little later). The garden peas had been awaiting our return and needed to be picked for the freezer but that didn't look likely to happen either. However, just after lunch, the drizzle subsided and the sun even shone weakly through the thin overcast. Donning my rubber duck boots, I grabbed a pail and headed toward the garden.

As luck would have it, on my way to the garden I passed the pond, and there before my eyes a beautiful water lily had opened - probably in response to the bit of sun. Its siren song beckoned me to come have a closer look. I knew then that the peas would have to wait their turn as I got my camera so I could share the lilies with you. It was a good thing that I acted when I did, because I just got the peas picked after my little pond-side photo shoot when the heavens opened with a downpour that lasted most of the afternoon - when I went to check the lilies after the rain had finally stopped, they were closed up tight. Another little photography rule reinforced - the moment may not return!

(70-200mm  f7.1  1/400 sec  ISO200)














(70-200mm  f7.1  1/320 sec  ISO200)














(70-200mm  f7.1  1/160 sec  ISO200)

28 comments:

Teté M. Jorge said...

Fotos maravilhosas! As gotículas de água dão um frescor à sequência.

Beijos.

Rick said...

@teca - obrigado teca.

Beijos

darlin said...

Wow, your picking peas already! It's going to be at least a month until we get to pick ours... they have to grow first! lol

I LOVE your lilies, magnificent photos once again Rick. I am in awe of your talent for taking photos, I have yet to see ones which I didn't like!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Rick said...

@darlin - yes, I got them planted back in April - peas prefer cool weather, and they're now over 5' tall; I staked them on 4' high chicken wire - will need taller wire next year!

Thanks for your compliment Darlene *blush*.

Have a Super Sunday and don't forget Sunset Sunday ;-)

Carolyn Ford said...

Now, aren't you glad you went out on this gloomy day! These are divine shots!

Jesson Balaoing said...

nice post!

imac said...

Act while the iron is hot lol, and you did Rick, what beauty, love the last shot best, shows the rain drops on a beautiful lily.

Unknown said...

The third photo is really good - U should present it to some magazine :-)

Greetz,

Usually

Anonymous said...

Awesome photo taken on-time. Happy you did take the photo when you could. I love drops of water on it. Gave it a lovely tint.

Scott Law said...

That is a beauty. My favorite shot is the last one, though I don't know why I have to have a favorite. Nice work.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Good choice,first the photos and then the peas.LOL Not everyone would agree with me,but that certainly resulted in some good pictures for you.Hey,you got the peas picked,so that is all that counts.
Blessings,Ruth

S. Etole said...

It's amazing how quickly things can change ... the lily is lovely.

Jeanne Frances Klaver said...

Beautify shot, and such true words for any artist.

Rick said...

@Carolyn Ford - yes; and thankful that a window of opportunity opened up. Thanks Carolyn.

Rick said...

@Jesson And Rey Ann - thank you, and thanks for visiting. Look forward to your return.

Rick said...

@imac - it's a lesson I'm learning constantly mac; thank you for your comments.

Rick said...

@CarreraCaballo - thanks Joseph (Der Spiegel ?).

Rick said...

@M. Hassan - thanks M! The rain was useful for more than just watering everything. again.

Rick said...

@Scott - thanks Scott; sometimes beauty can be obtained even on dull days.

Rick said...

@Ruth's Photo Blog - LOL - I have my priorities straight (my wife may not agree !). All's well that ends well ;-)

Rick said...

@S. Etole - absolutely, and I'm learning to take advantage of the opportunities before they slip away. Thank you Susan!

Rick said...

@Jeanne Klaver - thanks Jeanne. Have a great week.

Katherine said...

Such beautfiul blooms ... they are really pretty water lillies. Thanks for sharing them with us and your capture of them is marvilous! Worthy of being framed and hung for all to see. I think I would go nuts taking photos on your property...so much natural beauty to behold.

Julia said...

Those are gorgeous lily pictures!!! Are you sure that isn't a fake one from Walmart or something?

Rick said...

@Katherine - thank you. I looked again today and counted at least a dozen or more that have yet to open (I hope I don't go nuts! ;-)

Thanks for coming by.

Rick said...

@Julia - no, they're the real deal! Thanks Julia.

Unknown said...

Stellar, stunning, and SPECtacular! :o)

Rick said...

@Krista - thank you Krista!