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A Wildflower Woman
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She didn’t fit in with the regular crowd
ones that painted their nails and faces
Her hands were busy creating natural beauty
A wildflower blooming in a private oasis
~
Though not often seen by the populace
She secretly flourished under creation’s care
not showered with worldly waters on cue
A wildflower dependent on heavenly fare
~
While the others rushed about around her
living the daily grind of grab and gain
She delighted in an alpine simplicity
A wildflower at peace without a ball and chain.
~
Wendy/2013
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One of my goals for this summer was to climb Mt Becher. These wildflowers are from that climb.
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I am posting them in the order that I photographed them. They were the carrots that helped me keep going when I felt exhausted…
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It was a delightful surprise to find such a variety. Ian was patient as I stopped, and he even pointed out some for me to capture on camera.
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This is a wild lily with an old retired chairlift in the sky above it. (I felt like retiring after climbing up the steep ski hill part.)
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The views behind us were incredible. But I am saving those pictures for the next post. Today we’ll focus on the flowers.
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As we got closer to the top I was a bit nervous to look back. Then I started to daydream about a helicopter meeting us at the summit to take us home.
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Ian had let me know that we could turn back anytime I wanted. I wanted to reach the top. One group of people did turn back within 30 minutes of the peak. I felt sad for them that they had not completed the journey.
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I had trained all winter on my step machine with this mountain in mind. Quitting was not an option unless absolutely necessary.
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As we got closer to our goal, the air was cooler and there were patches of snow on the ground. I put some under my hat to cool off even more.
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The flowers in this picture were growing in a marshy spot that we had to cross over by a rickety “bridge.”
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These pink lovelies were on the summit. They are by my feet in the final picture…
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Over the top Blessings ~ Wendy
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What was your goal for the summer?
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Lovely Wendy! And well done… it looks glorious!
Thank you, Sue! It was wonderful on the top.
Beautiful Photos!
Thank you! Nice to meet you. 🙂
Pretty Wendy I missed you!!!
Thank you, Shazza! 🙂
Well done, Wendy!! I love your wildflowers, especially the white clock-like ones (a kind of snowdrops?). Beautiful! 🙂
Thank you, Camilla! I need to get a wildflower guide book so I can name all these…(not that I could pronounce the names). 🙂
Great series of pictures, especially like the last with the rocks rising beyond the flowers. Congrats on he climb–the view from he summit is breathtaking. Enjoy the rest of our summer.
David
Thank you, David! I rested the camera on the ground for that shot… I need a mini tripod. 🙂
Wendy is that a picture of you? How precious is this?! Simplicity…just what this girl is needing now in her life♥
Yes, Laurie, it is me in my frumpy but comfy walking clothes…:) No sunburn for this gal. xo
I loved this post!! Congratulations on making the climb!!! Thank you for sharing with us. The photos are beautiful.
Thank you! I think wildflowers are gold that breathes.
It is obvious that your trek was inspired afresh with each new wildflower. However, I think “They are by my feet in the final picture…” is misleading, as these ‘pictures’ will continue to unfold in fond memories.
Indeed, Steve, they are next to my heart as are my family and friends. 🙂 I appreciate your insightful words and friendship.
These are beautiful pictures.
Greetings
Gabi
Thank you, dear Gabi! 🙂
So many beautiful flowers! I can see how they helped to keep you going 🙂 What a view in the last photo. Making it to the top feels always so amazing and so worth it. You are tough, so well done!
Thank you. I confess that I am more stubborn than tough. 🙂 It is so rewarding to have a dream and then live it.
Always a fan of wildflowers. I don’t think I ever climbed anything that high, even in Peru, but it amazes me what beauty grows in such windswept and wild places! Thanks.
Peace
Your comment reminds me of authors such as Hannah Whitall Smith whose writing is rich with grace and depth which I suspect came from her experience with a “windswept” life. Trials can carve beauty.
Beautiful photos, glad you achieved your goal!
Thank you! I have my eye on a higher one, now, that may be out of my “range” of ability.
Beautiful flora and poetry!
Thank you! 🙂
A post of sheer beauty in word and image. Inspiring and uplifting, Wendy, Thank you.
Thank you, Don! I admire both the words and pictures you pen.
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
A…WILD…FLOWER WOMAN????????? 🙂
OOOOOOOOOO!!!!! (Have I said that before?) 🙂
No you haven’t said it here before, Jonathon. 🙂
Blessings to you and your family. Thank you for the reblog!
Lovely post Wendy. What an incredible view in the background behind you. So good that you didn’t turn back. Congratulations and thank you for sharing photos of the beautiful wildflowers that many of us would otherwise never have had the opportunity to see.
Thank you! I had no idea there would be so many flowers on the hike. They were a beautiful blessing.
Dearest Wendy, what a marvelously encouraging post. You kept my attention on your words and pictures. While reading, I was hoping you would show us a picture of the summit. What an incredible reward. Thank you for sharing that with us.
Heidi, you make writing and posting a blog worth every minute of effort. Thank you for your encouragement. May you feast generously on His heavenly fare, dear poet friend. 🙂
Your post reminded me that I started re-reading Pilgrim’s Progress a few months ago and never finished…I am glad you reached the summit of that beautiful mountain. The journey was challenging, but you had prepared, you had an encourager at your side, there were wonderful blessings along the way, and you knew it would be worth the effort. How true this is of life, especially of the Christian life. Just tonight, V told our son that those who aren’t following God may appear to have an easier life…but even L piped up, “it may be easier, but there is no joy!”.
You asked about goals for the summer…my goal has been to help our family adjust to this move. We are just over an hour from our old home, but it has been very challenging for L. He misses his school friends dearly, and has been more emotional and even down…he starts school next week, so I’m praying for new friends and a great experience.
One goal that I had, that seems to have come to pass, was getting Little A out of diapers. Something finally clicked last week and suddenly she only wears diapers at night.
I am still itching to see mountains again–it has been far too long! Keep posting pictures so I can remember the terrain of my youth and dream of trips yet to come!
Blessings–Alison
Thank you, Alison! I am posting mountain pictures next Friday as I share pictures from this hike. You would not believe how many clicks of the camera I can get in on a hike… now I need to sort through them.
How awesome that your daughter has made the big step. My experience with my children was so different with each one. We were living out in the country and had no pressure from anyone…so it was pretty laid back. I could never offer advice to anyone on this topic, except to say that it will happen before they move out. I was lousy at toilet training kids; however, I taught the two youngest to read before they were four. 🙂
My heart goes out to your son. I had to switch schools in my elementary years. It was hard at first. But I became close friends with the girl who would pray me into faith and who is still one of my closest friends. My kids call her an aunt as she has been so kind to them since birth. God has your son’s heart in mind – I am sure of this.
Blessings, dear friend
Thanks for the encouraging words for the kids–I am very excited for Little A, because I can see her growing and changing so quickly these days. As for L, I know God has his heart in mind…and I am eager to see what’s in store!!
I adore these phrases, Wendy –
“…of grab and gain…” and “…without a ball and chain…”
Peace and blessings,
Eric
Thank you, Eric! Keeping up with the latest fads is a ball and chain since today’s so called cool stuff ends up as tomorrows junk. 🙂 Peace of mind never depreciates.
A wildflower at peace without a ball and chain….love this
~a beautiful post..Wendy..
thanks for sharing
sriram
Thank you, Sriram! Freedom from materialism brings peace. I am striving for this simplicity.
Wendy, this wildflower lady is the kind of friend I like to be with. I live in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and wild flowers abound when the conditions are right. And spending time in the SoCal desert (sadly, where the wild fires have been devastating this year) there is nothing quite like a year when the rains coax out the blooms of desert species. Your photos and words are refreshing.
As for goals, mine has been to get a volume of poetry up on Kindle. I’m finishing that. My daily walks with the dogs along the river keep me in touch with nature, my main source of inspiration.
Beautiful post.
Victoria, what a great idea to have a Kindle volume published! Good on you. 🙂 I agree that nature is inspiring. Even when I am just taking my dog outside I tuck my little camera in my pocket – just in case… Thank you for your visit.
By the way, I think about half of Canada joins us in the desert to get away from the cold…at least half of the retirees, that is. We’ve made wonderful friends! :0)
I don’t blame them for heading south. We live in a mild area; however, even rain can get on one’s nerves. I am so glad I have writing to turn to in the winter. 🙂
Beautiful words and flowers! I’m thrilled that you met your goal, enjoyed the journey, and made it to the mountain top!
Thank you! I enjoyed the journey. 🙂 May your life’s journey be filled with joy.
Hello Wendy-Lee!!
Great poems and look how pretty you are!
The photography is just beautiful. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Hugs Paula xxxx
Hi Paulama! Thank you for your visit. 🙂 My oldest son and I found a lovely and safe swimming spot in one of our local rivers today. It was glorious since it has been warm lately. It still doesn’t get as hot as Australia or inland Canada. xo
I’m dying for the sun to come back! Lol xxxxx
Beautiful photos! Congratulations for making it to the top…and taking pictures along the way…impressive!
My goal for the summer is to get back to dancing Monday – Friday, beginning this week.
\o/
That sounds like a fun goal to seek after. 🙂 Enjoy!
Love the photos ..and inspiring story and most of all the poem.
🙂
My goal was to keep a peaceful house above all and send my daughter off to kindergarten with that peace…letting some other less important goals wait. She started A couple days ago. And she is having a great time. ..
Blessings –
Laurie
Thank you, Laurie! I am so glad to hear that your daughter is enjoying kindergarten. The play kitchen area and finger painting are my favorite memories of those days.:)
♡
I love your wildflower woman. Congratulations!
Thank you! I enjoyed discovering all those flowers.
Congratulations on your victories, you’re such an inspiration! My goals this summer is to have lots of fun with my family, holidays, fun day out and work on my books and live life to the full! Great post with excellent shots, I love it!. Much love Wendy!
🙂
Seyi, I admire your ability to not only lovingly raise a family, but also to be a successful and published author. You climb an impressive mountain each time you write and launch a book! xo
Thank you Wendy, it’s by the grace of God!
Blessings. 🙂
Spend time writing…but that is always…
greet a new grand baby, spend some quality time with my hubby, and work on cleaning up the tree that fell in our back yard.
I have actually started walking, just around the block…I’d like to get up to a couple of miles a day. But with the rain this morning that was put on hold.
I really enjoyed your photos. And I am happy for you that you made it to the top.
Hugs, Jules
I love your to do list, Jules. Walking is my favorite free time thing to do (especially with a camera). Congratulations on your new grand baby! 🙂 xo
After the rain, I did the 3 mile round trip to my PO box. Got my work out for the day 🙂
🙂
Hi! I nominated you for The Versatile Blogger and I Am Part Of The WordPress Family Awards. Please get the badge at http://drkiranacharya.wordpress.com/2013/08/13/encouragement/ and get more info. Have a great day. 🙂
Thank you, Kiran, for the encouragement. I no longer participate in awards: however, I appreciate the thought. 🙂
You are welcome:)
I love your poem. 🙂 Your photos are terrific and I admire you for your summer accomplishment. I can only think of the challenge as tough. 🙂
Thank you, Imelda. I have no interest in climbing something like Mt Everest… yikes!
amazing pictures as always – loved the poem particularly “a wildflower dependent on heavenly care”…
Thank you, Freya! 🙂
Beautiful pictures and words.
Thank you, Elizabeth! 🙂
Your photographs are wonderful. Really enjoyed them. Thank you.
Thank you, and nice to meet you!
Love the photo of the wild lily!
Thanks – I was surprised to find it. 🙂
Thank you for visiting my blog. Much appreciated. You are really blessed with your creative poetry and photography. I do enjoy God’s beautiful creation and you have shared very generously and succinctly through your writing!
Thank you for your visit back. 🙂 I enjoyed reading your poems.
Stunning Photographs!
Thank you for sharing…
Take Care..
)0(
maryrose
Thank you. Nice to meet you, Maryrose! 🙂
Hi There
Thank you so much for following my blog. It is an honor for me. I can’t say much about your blog. only one word : Beautiful!! I really love your photos 🙂 Once again thank you so much for following me. Blessing.
I am honored by your kind words, Karina! It is my pleasure to follow your inspiring blog and to meet another sister. 🙂
What beauty!! You are a reflection of the Master’s creation.
My favorite flowers were the white star like ones. Thank you for your visit, Gracie!
They are all so beautiful. Lucky you. And I love your verse!
Thank you, and nice to meet you!
Wendy – You are so very talented. One of my favorite areas in my garden is the unplanned wildflower portions. I’m pleased you made it all the way to the top of the mountain. What a wonderful accomplishment. Congratulations.
Sheri, I also love the wild flowers that show up in my woodland garden area. They are gifts. 🙂 Thank you for your kind words.
So much beauty, both pictures and words.
Thank you, Linda! 🙂
Reblogged this on bbgardensblog and commented:
“She didn’t fit in with the regular crowd” . Such a spiritual poem , very like Wordsworth’s lovely lyric “She dwelt among the untrodden Ways.”
I empathize with the walk to the top of the mountain and then sharing the scenery and the delicate flowers with us, Well done.
Thank you for the lovely comment and the reblog, Bobby! 🙂
I am in awe of your determination! The photos are wonderful. I felt I was climbing the mountain with you but without the exertion; just the pleasure 🙂
Thank you! It’s a lot like childbirth in that I told myself I would not do it again; but I have plans to now that I have “forgotten” the pain. ( We have 3 children…) 😉
Well, I am happy to come along on another photo excursion any time 🙂
Beautiful photographs and words!!
Thank you, Ellen! I adore wildflowers.
Your adoration shows!!!
Loved these! I miss summer already.
Brenda, I like summer too… thank you!
My pleasure!