Sunday, July 31, 2011

Day of Rest

One of the great pleasures we derive from having a pond (actually, 2) is to look at the amazing, almost artificial looking, water lilies which we've 'planted' over the years. Each day new ones open, and old ones close up and return to the bottom. The rhythm of life around a pond is fascinating to watch, but it can't be caught in quick glimpses as you rush by. Sundays were given to us by the Creator as a day of rest, in which we could cease from our daily labour and reflect on the rhythm of life.

"This is the day that the Lord has made,
Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
(Psalm 118:24)

(70-200mm  f11  1/160  ISO200)

(70-200mm  f5.6  1/320  ISO200)


26 comments:

darlin said...

The water Lilies are absolutely beautiful Rick and what an amazing job of capturing them! I needed to see something like this tonight, thank you for sharing the beauty you're surrounded by.

Gabriela Pana said...

so beautiful...

Laura~Pretty Pix said...

Soft and beautiful!

imac said...

Grand shots Rick, I always enjoy a long weekend as I am semi retired,lol.

My name is Riet said...

Wat prachtig de waterlelies Rich
k en ze staan ook zo mooi op de foto'\Groetjes van Riet

Nancy said...

These are lovely shots, Rick. Have you found the lilies to be invasive?

Ruth Hiebert said...

Water lilies have an almost unreal look,but they are beautiful. I did not know that a flower only lasted one day.

Katherine said...

Heya Rick ... your water lilies are simply gorgeous. I love waterlilies & I have taken a few photos of them as well, they're just so beautiful not too. The water lily, also known as the lotus, is a symbol of the sun, enlightenment & rebirth in chinese belief. Quite fitting really!! Have a peaceful week Rick... cheers Kath :)

Unknown said...

Very well written, makes me want to stop by a pond and watch it live :-)

Greetz,


Joseph

Marty said...

Ton étang doit être très joli ! j'aime aussi les nénuphars! ceux que j'ai photographiés hier sont rouges!!
j'espère que tu vas bien et que tu profites de l'été !
et voici une corbeille de bisous fleuris pour toi !

Evanir said...

Que sua semana seja de muita paz,
que você seja abençoada (o)a cada minuto.
nunca esqueça que você mora no meu coração.
Que nossa amizade seja para sempre.
Bjs no seu coração,Evanir.

becky said...

Gorgeous captures, Rick. Yes, so much beauty happens around us, and it is far to easy to miss if we are in a rush. I am a big believer in taking the time (though that does not always fit in w/ society's mode of being productive!) Take good care.

Anonymous said...

Hallelujah! =)

don't see many pink ones, very pretty! =)

Saz said...

What beautiful photo's Rick. I absolutely love Lily's, unfortunately, my mum is allergic to them, so I can't have any around!

Tiago Braga said...

maravilhoso registo da natureza ;D
fantastico

Fábio Martins said...

They are a magic flowers :)
Beautiful click

pumpkydine said...

Beautiful pics and words Rick. Some of my favorite spots are small ponds on a Sunday afternoon. They are full of a variety of flora and fauna that change all the time as you said. Oh by the way, did you get your camera fixed?

Anonymous said...

wonderful pictures and really happy to see you back...

have a beautiful day!

hugs

Su.

Melissa Jo said...

Beautiful shots!

Check out my FREE fundraiser for my local humane society... http://birminghambachelorette.blogspot.com/2011/08/americas-next-pet-tv-star.html

Soraia Brito said...

Thank you!

Beautiful photos :D

Carolyn Ford said...

So so beautiful,Rick...wOw!

Rick said...

Thank you, Darlene - it's my pleasure to share. Thanks for visiting !

Thank you, Gabriela.

Thanks Laura - one of my favourite flowers.

Thanks, Stewart (I'm in the same boat so to speak).

Rick said...

Dank je wel Riet - we hebben veel plezier van onze vijver.

Thanks Nancy; no, haven't found them to be invasive - I think it's somewhat self-limiting due to amount of space available for them. We've finally achieved ~70% surface coverage which is optimum for a clear pond.

I agree Ruth - they almost look fake. I didn't mean to imply the blooms last only 1 day - they usually last 3-4 days.

Hi Katherine - I agree re: their beauty. I don't have the true lotus since they are quite large, and invasive (although if I could contain them I'd have some). I hope your week is going well - hope to visit soon.

Rick said...

You should try that some time Joseph - very relaxing and you'd be amazed at what goes on there. Have a great week !

Merci Marty - I must make it over to your blog - your photos are always beautiful and inspiring. In the meantime I will send a bouquet de bisous pour toi !

Obrigado Evanir ! Your words are very kind and I thank you for your friendship. May you also experience much peace this week !

Thank you Becky - I try to spend as much time in nature as possible - makes for a lot less stress ! I know you share the same passion.

Hi Tricia, and thank you - I have about 4 colours in the pond - yellow, white, pink, burgundy - they're such awesome blooms.

Too bad about your mom's allergy to them Saz - they're so beautiful to have around. Thanks for your nice comment.

Rick said...

Obrigado, Tiago !

Thank you, Fábio - I agree that waterlilies are beautiful flowers.

Thanks Randy - it's a great use of time, watching life in and around a pond, and very relaxing. Yes, I got the camera back but not much chance (or inclination) to use it due to recent events; the shutter failed.

Thank you very much, Su ! It's nice to be back among my blogger friends - you all have provided much support.

Rick said...

Thank you, Melissa Jo ! Nice to see you here again - I shall visit soon.

Thank you, Soraia !

Hi Carolyn, and thank you !