October 26, 2012

Fallen Angels.

Sitting in our kitchen, I watch the birth of a new day, knowing that the pink horizon will very soon burst into a glow of light.

We are way past mid-fall and nature is at its flamboyant best, the turning foliage shinning bright in the light of the first sun rays.
The ultimate showdown in colours is in my part of the world intense and fleeting. Yet every few years the display is simply more vibrant. This autumn thus falls into that category and currently my commute to work is undertaken through painted landscape. The views passing my windows outdo each other in brilliance and parade by in nuances of fire, copper and gold.

I am alone again, facing two weeks of solitude. My husband is in sunny California, refurbishing his skydiving skills as a part of his occupation.
His absence comes across as a doubled-edged sword.

On one hand it is a welcomed intermission from my novel life. That busy, messy, hectic, disorganized and unplanned yet so life-affirming and joyful existence that I have grown to love. Knowing this seclusion is only temporary, I find my alone time highly revitalizing.

With this said though, I dislike to be separated from my husband. I absolutely love to be in his presence and when he is not by my side, my world crumbles. Additionally, as much as his skills and his profession fascinate me and carry a great deal of appeal, attraction and pride in my eyes, they also give rise to a constant concern and worries, causing me to succumb to moments of distress and even occasional panic.
This is an area of my reality I still need to work plenty on, trying to learn to accept that which I can not change, facing the unknown with courage and being the strong woman my man deserves by his side.

Thus trying to pass the time - and actually enjoying to be having enough of it for once - I do what what makes me happy. I again find my solace in nature, photographing the flamboyant fall beauty that surrounds me, while I write down my thoughts and impressions fueled by my solitude. I finally also have the opportunity to compile the multitude of images that I have accumulated over the past months, spending hours cataloging these, creating photo books and calendars, the Christmas gifts that my family - near and extended - love to receive.

Among my many photographs are hundreds of macro images of fuchsias, captured recently in the garden of my father in law. These enchanting plants are his passion and pride, adoring his property in hanging baskets or in pots, creating oases of stunning beauty.

At extreme close up, the dazzling flowers of the plant resemble small, fragile dancing ballerinas, swaying in the air, flaunting their multicoloured, ravishing dresses. The texture of the blossom comes across as almost textile - soft velvet and silk.

While immortalizing these delicate creations of nature, I noticed that some of the blossom has fallen to the ground. Upon closer look, mesmerizing artwork unfolded in my view and my camera lens. The flowers fell randomly, yet their positions felt prearranged, as if an unseen artist walked there before me. Resembling fallen angels, sleeping among autumn leaves and moss, their colours only intensified against the earthy canvas, creating masterpieces of epic proportions.

Just like in life, the most enchanting beauty is hidden from view, only to be discovered if we look deeper, look closer, look from a different angle and look differently.








27 comments:

Cro Magnon said...

I'm also having two weeks to myself. Lady Magnon is on a shopping trip to London, so I'm alone with the dogs, cat, and hens. I love it.

Rahul Bhatia said...

Your post was a feast for eyes! I am sure your prayers will keep your husband going to pursue doing what he likes best!

Brian Miller said...

love your pics of the flowers...and i hope that the next two weeks go by quickly for you...these times while tough do really help i think...and give you all the more reason to show them how much you love them when they return...smiles....

i love autumn...and it passes so quick...there is a chance of snow early next week which would def signal the end for us....the brilliant colors are my fav and we are at the peak of them here...

Kath said...

I love the latest photo you have added, I see your glorious hair is getting very long again. Your darling man must love it!

Anonymous said...

Being able to discover the best in any given circumstance is what makes life enjoyable. Beautiful photos! :)

Myrna R. said...

The photos are gorgeous. When you seek beauty, you find it.

Sorry that you're alone again Zuzana. It seems that's going to be a big part of your life Considering your hubby's profession. I guess it will make you appreciate your moments together that much more.
For now, enjoy your alone time.

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful flowers...the colors are amazing! Nature offers much solace in quiet times. It's beauty always shines and brightens our days.

Elizabeth said...

Gorgeous pics my dear sis., don't worry to much, your husband knows what he is doing.

Enjoy your weekend. e.

Ruby said...

Gorgeous flowers. Very vibrant colours. The shades are brilliantly captured Zuzanna!

A Lady's Life said...

Oh I feel so sad to see a perfect flower fall on the ground. It feels like a tragedy of sorts.

Sky diving is pretty scary. Men like that sort of thing and my son talks about doing it while I keep encouraging him to keep his feet on the ground. lol He laughs but I am sure if there ever came a chance for him to try it he would.

It is always nice to have some time to yourself. It makes reuniting so much more meaningful and loving
I remember having the same feelings you describe every time my husband left on business trips but I got busy doing things and time flew.:) xoxoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous photography, Zuzana. A wonderful pastime with beautiful results.
It is difficult to be apart from your husband, but so sweet when you next meet.
Hugs,
Zuzu

Kim said...

JDC said...

Used to have those flowers in my childhood home. Miss them.

Sumandebray said...

loved the post
and the pictures too

Rebecca said...

Zuzana -

Such gorgeous flowers. Thank you for sharing the photos of them. The colours here are now gone, so what comes next makes me sad. I hope that you can find strength in your obvious love for one another over the next two weeks. I know the feeling of being alone causing panic and anxiety... deep breaths friend. He will be home soon.

Unknown said...

Hi Zuzana: Flamboyant--such a great word for foliage and the appreciation you have for everything arond you! Another great post! xoxoxo!

SandyCarlson said...

Your photos are amazing. He is a blessed man, your husband, to have a wife with so much heart. I wish him godspeed for you.

Rajesh said...

You are alone, but it is good that you have such charming surroundings to accompany you.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely feast for the senses! Those fuchsia shots are amazing - so gorgeous as are your thoughts.

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Zuzana,

Your writing and photos are wonderful and love the colours of the sunset/sunrise.
Also how pretty the fuchsias are.
Enjoy your alone time and hope your husband will be back before you know it.

Sending hugs
Carolyn


Jeane M. said...

Nothings much sweeter than mornings and fresh flowers. Love the photos in here. Sending warm hugs from here, be safe. Got my eye on your next posts.

Hilary said...

Perspective is indeed everything.

I know the feeling of needing to keep worry at bay. A couple of weeks back my air force son phoned to say that he was going to be going somewhere (he couldn't say where) for about two weeks (it turned out to be just a few days, thank goodness), that he wouldn't be able to be in contact and to not worry. Ha! I was happy to hear from him a few days later.. back at his base, safe and sound. I know the feeling well.

Amanda Summer said...

what beautiful images, zuzana, and how interesting to learn about your husband's latest travels. i have no doubt that it would be very stressful to have a loved one involved in this line of work. but you also must be very proud of him, and know that he is superbly skilled at his job. perhaps this might lessen the anxiety you have to endure.

sending blessings for a beautiful week ahead and especially a sacred samhain!

xoxo
amanda

lilybets said...

I feel that you know very well the deep sufference of loosing someone who love,this was an important discovery of your soul,so, you live your true love in your hearth with joy and panic at the same time.Also I could do it.What would you receive as a little little gift from an Italian friend?You will make me glad to suggest me what you would like more.Please, take care that when someone give you something by his heart you have to accept it ! :-)

A Plain Observer said...

we learn to love change in our life. Those moments of absence provide a balance, the low and high, the noise and the silence, and that balance allow us to love more intensely.

A Plain Observer said...

Zuzana, I read there is a way to print your blog if you want to turn it into a book.

steviewren said...

Such gorgeous flowers. They look like they would be at home in Costa Rica rather than in Norway. I love the brillance of their blooms.