Now that the pandemic is hopefully behind us in the rear-view mirror and restrictions have lifted for the most part, do you feel like you have finally emerged from some alien cocoon? Like this image of a molting dragonfly nymph emerging into its adult body… ?
I know I do and I am grateful that we can travel more without fear (but still be smart and careful), freely visit our loved ones, and simply be free to roam the Earth.
Last year, as we moved into our new home in March 2021, and while I was (im)patiently waiting for decent internet service, Marsha of Always Write graciously guest-hosted Sunday Stills for three weeks. Because I missed this theme, I wanted to explore this wonderful theme again, so perfect for spring and fall depending on your hemisphere of choice.
Spring Flowers are Here
Last week I shared various images of fabulous florals, many emerging from bud to bloom. As I also described last week, spring had a slow start, at least it has in the mountains, and many bloggers who participated in the challenge described a similar story.
Has spring finally sprung? Driving through a nearby parking lot tells me… YES!
I always love capturing flowers as they emerge from their buds. Below is the noxious weed (not my description), the Arrowleaf Balsamroot, or wild sunflower that grows beneath the pines. Stay tuned as I bore you share them in all their glory over the next few weeks.
“The madness of spring is so enticing. I love it when things are opening up and emerging from the ground.” ~ Ross Gay
But there is more to “emerging” than just flowers.
Spring is Literally in the Air
Spring skies in Eastern Washington are wild, weird, and wonderful. But don’t let them open their maw and eat you!
A recent storm from February.
What Else Emerges?
I do…from a slot canyon in the Valley of Fire (State Park) near Las Vegas, Nevada (in 2019)! Going into the short “narrows” as it is called, then out!
In February, I mentioned I’m working on a “pet project,” a large totem pole that I purchased. I began painting this week now that our spring weather is warming some.
A bald eagle is beginning to emerge as I add the white paint to his head. I started on the brown for his body and the bear’s body below. Next, I will add the yellow paint for the eagle’s beak and claws, with the eyes being a light yellow like Wayne’s eagle shown below. I still have a lot to do and I’m carefully choosing the colors.
Not-So-Emerging Author Toni Pike’s New Book
Fellow blogger and established author, Toni Pike, asked me to read her recently published book Linda’s Midlife Crisis available here.
“Linda’s character is authentic, and I believe any midlife woman (or man) reading this can relate easily to her situation. This is an easy-to-read novel detailing the ups and downs of midlife that ends with satisfying outcomes and with Linda getting her heart’s desires.”
My Goodreads and Amazon Review
Here is a brief snippet borrowed from Toni’s book description:
“Meet Linda Lockwood: fifty, fat, frumpy, and bullied by her horrible husband Ron and the vile students and principal at the school where she teaches English. But her life is about to undergo a total transformation. With her own determination and the help of friends and family, she starts to turn her life around. Her own success might be the best revenge, but life still has some more surprises for Linda.”
Pike deftly weaves a tale of one woman emerging from sadness and insecurity into a life full of joy, new experiences, and self-love. Toni writes a variety of entertaining books and I highly recommend them to you if you haven’t yet made her acquaintance!
Photo Challenges this Week
Each week I am inspired by my fellow bloggers’ photo challenges. I find it fun to incorporate these into my Sunday Stills weekly themes.
- Bushboys Changing Seasons
- Cee’s Flower of the Day
- Dawn’s Spring Festival
- Johnbo’s CellPic Sunday
- Lens-Artists: Rule of Thirds
- Marsha’s Writers Quotes Wednesday: Writer’s Choice
- XingFu Mama’s Whatsoever is Lovely
Sunday Stills Photo Challenge Reminders
A huge thank-you to everyone who linked their fabulous florals to Sunday Stills this past week. With over 35 links, I see how much we all love our flowers! As you emerge into spring or fall, enjoy it with gusto!
- Remember to title your blog post a little differently than mine.
- Please create a new post for the theme or link a recent one.
- Entries for this theme can be posted all week.
- Tag your post “Sunday Stills.”
- Don’t forget to create a pingback to this post so that other participants can read your post.
- I also recommend adding your post’s URL to the comments.
This Week’s Featured Bloggers
Sunday Stills is a wonderful community of bloggers and photographers who desire to connect with one another. Below are this week’s links from bloggers who shared their posts on the theme of emerging. I edit these all week as new links are added.
- YOUR NAME HERE!
- Always Write
- Blog of Hammad Rais
- NEW Brashley Photography
- Bushboys World
- Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
- Cee’s Photo Challenges
- The Day After
- Deb’s World
- Easin’ Along Image shared in comments
- Frost on the Moose Dung
- Graham’s Island
- Horse Addict
- Hugh’s Views and News
- Kamerapromenader
- LifeLessons
- Light Words
- Light Words
- Loving Life
- Musin’ With Susan
- Now At Home
- Peaceful at Dawn
- Philosophy Through Photography
- Retirement Reflections Image shared on Instagram
- Stevie Turner
- This is Another Story
- Travel with Me
- Wide Eyed Wonderings
- Wind Kisses
- Woolly Muses
- Working On Exploring
I look forward to your “emerging” posts and encourage you to be creative with images, stories, poetry, and music if you wish. Come back next week as we dive into May’s color challenge teal and aqua.
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