Hibiscus

This lovely hibiscus

is at the front entrance of the building

where I work.

What really got my attention

in the early morning light

was the shadow of the pistil and stamen.

This bloom was in the shade,

so... no pistil/stamen shadow.

Taken 11 September 2018.

Hibiscus Plus

I have come to the conclusion that hibiscus is my favorite flower.

I have a hard time not snapping pictures of them

wherever I find them.

These were on the edges of a parking lot

on Sanibel Island, Florida.

Taken in March 2017.

This bicycle seat in the same location

was equally irresistible.

SUPER SOFT...AHHhhh

Courtyard Hydrangea

These hydrangea

grow in the courtyard of the

apartment complex

from which

we just moved.

In fact,

I was carrying

boxes out to the car

and decided

to stop on my way back

to snap a few pics

of these striking blooms

with my phone.

The bright pink,

which I think is called

'Amethyst,'

and the lavender,

which may be

'Dooley,'

are growing on the same

bush.

Truly lovely.

This is the courtyard.
The brilliant hydrangea in the first pics
are on a bush that is outside the frame
of this photo.
 

Taken on 1 July 2016 with my Samsung Galaxy S4.

Blooming Ice Plant

Magenta spokes

radiate from a yellow hub;

sparkling strokes of life

to brighten and cheer

the ponderously passing pedestrian.

Perhaps

they will pause

and look more closely;

invest a moment or two

in the brilliant natural splendor

of the ebb and flow of beautiful life.

The beauty of life is all around us.

Daily we can wonder

and smile and

feel it.

Life that rises

from deep within

to remind us,

we are flowers, too;

that bloom with a glorious splash

to brighten and cheer

the passers-by.

Taken 6 December 2011.