Wednesday, September 2, 2009

The Last Rose Standing


(Click on the thumbnail for the bigger, better version)

Not surprisingly, I became quite attached to the only rose that was spared in The Great August Massacre. Now, it probably qualifies as the most photographed rose on the North American continent. I wasn’t thinking about insects as I focused the macro lens on this occasion, but these wise guys popped into the frame. I decided to humor them.

Originally, I toyed with the idea of going black and white for this one. When that didn’t seem right, I opted for the muted tones. When you consider how addicted I am to color, I wonder what this says about my state of mind. Maybe it has something to do with all the dreadful news from the Los Angeles area. It’s difficult to manage a light-hearted attitude with the fires devouring acre after acre.

5 comments:

  1. Anita, I believe your decision to go with muted tones was spot-on. For me, I get a sense of fragility (of the bloom) from this photo and I believe the tone have much to do with that.

    That looks like a large yellow-jacket or hornet.

    I was thinking of you as I watched the news of the terrible fires. I believe you're located well north of them but can you see any of the smoke?

    My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.

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  2. Earl - You are right, of course, about this being a yellow-jacket. I must have had one of those brain farts when I put "bee" in the labels. Maybe bees in my brain causing an electrical disturbance. I don't have a good story.

    I am pleased that the muted tones work. The fragility and determination of that one bud had spoken to me.

    The Los Angeles fires are almost 120 miles south of us, but feel so much closer, since they are quite near our previous neighborhood. The scenes in the pictures on television are painfully familiar to us. Moreover, there are fires to the north of us and all of them are sharp reminders that, like most everyone in California who doesn't live in the heart of a big city, we are vulnerable.

    It's comforting to know that there are more thoughts and prayers with all those people. They certainly have been heavy in our hearts the past few days.

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  3. Yes, having been stung multiple times several weeks ago by some cranky yellow jackets--definitely them!

    Prayers most certainly for those fighting and surviving the fires. Most frightening and sad. Glad you are safe, Anita.

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  4. Mary Ann - Yikes, I had forgotten that it was these vicious little critters that got you. This photo must have brought up unpleasant memories for you. I'm sorry about that.

    Thank you for the good thoughts. I know every part of the country—indeed, the world deals with some type of major disasters that recur. When you choose a place to live, you more or less "name your poison". I must say, however, that we get a double dose out here. Earthquakes are plenty, thank you. Add the fires and it's a bit over the top. We will all be gratful when this drought has run its course. This doesn't appear to be the year. Maybe 2010.

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  5. That precious rose, only a few petals left, still graceful as new-sprung. The little bee or wasp looks a bit cranky, like: what ARE you doing here. Maybe it is protecting what is left. They must have been upset too, seeing those underground animals going bezerk on their roses.

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Anita