“Luminous”
“In the end there is only light and dark. And the two are not so far apart.”
― Thomas Lloyd Qualls
Yesterday it was the roses putting on their show, today, a single lily decided to open fully. Until that point, I had no idea what colour it might be, other than something pale. This one, as you can see from the photo is white with a pinky-cream tone and even some notes of pale yellow, depending on how the light hits it.
Despite the scar on its stem, this lily is, in my opinion, nearly perfect. Fresh to the world, the blossom is pure and unblemished. I suppose I’ve always had a ‘thing’ for lilies, with their large but delicate petals.
Strangely, growing up with a German family, lilies represented death, which always confounded me. How can such a beautiful flower represent an ending, when to me, it symbolises birth or a beginning?
Well, our lives do travel in circles, and as I write these words, I’m reminded that though this flower bloomed today, it’s also eight years ago that my adopted mother passed away. I’m not one to remember the exact dates for such events but hers stuck with me, since she passed on Friday the thirteenth, eight years ago, and it was not till I looked at a calendar, that the significance of this day registered with me. So, in a way, the German tradition lives on, and today, the lily reminds me of one particular death.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
0.6sec, f/25.0, ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
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Ed Lehming Photography 
That is interesting about lilies representing death. I had not heard that before. Condolences on your loss.
Thank you.
As you note, our lives often seem to circle round, sometimes in surprising and unexpected ways. The blemish on the stem seems fitting. There is a long tradition among many religions and cultures regarding the intentional imperfection. The reminder that nothing is perfect, that everything (including us) is in flux. So, too, the lily.
Absolutely agree with this observation. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
All is actually perfect and it is our perception that it is not, and yes, agree,.. flux, change, flow…a constant… weighing what you wrote re. intentional imperfection…first time reading that.. good observation re. blemish… beautiful flower and wonderful reminder of that someone special…nice! Great comments, post, and photo!!
Wow! Thank you for this wonderful comment.
Coming from Northern England I have always believed Lilies symbolised death. Not sure that that is typical with all British people though. I also believe in Karma, in what goes round comes back around. My Grandaughter is called Lily, as was my Great-grandmother. Maybe it was fate that you selected this beautiful flower on this particular day in order to remember the passing of your loved one. Anyway, love the photo, it speaks for itself.
Thank you
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These images of flowers in the studio that you have posted recently are great! The lighting and processing are perfect. Well done!
Thank you. I’m really enjoying the process.
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