Wildflowers are waking up, dotting the caliche roadside. Mostly yellow for now, although Tom said he spotted some small blue ones. (He cheats – he has bifocals and can wear his glasses all the time.)

So yesterday morning I switched camera lenses and turned my attention from the treetops, where I'd been searching for birds, hoping for at least one sharp, close-up portrait, to the ground, searching instead for those splashes of color. Flowers are model subjects, remaining perfectly posed, unless the wind feels mischievous, unlike those birds who taunt me with their song, but refuse to show themselves, or fly at the first lift of my lens in their direction. 

To my surprise, I found quite a few baby blooms of different types yawning and stretching out their petals that I swear weren't there just a few days ago. It's as if an alarm clock rang, and they all arose at once.

And that's why I chose this one for my Friday Favorite… a drop of light against the lingering grays and browns of winter.

I'm dedicating it to the people of Japan, who are suffering the effects of this morning's earthquake and tsunami and mourning loved ones, as a reminder of the light that can conquer darkness, that can survive the cold clutches of winter. I pray for the souls of the deceased and for peace in the hearts of the survivors. I pray they find light in this darkness. 

"When tough things happen, God is not an accomplice; He’s a companion."

~ Gregory Boyle 

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18 responses to “Drops of Light in the Darkness”

  1. Ladyfi.wordpress.com Avatar

    A lovely thought. I pray for them too.

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  2. cynthia eloise Avatar

    gorgeous, great contrast.

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  3. Bella Casa Avatar

    That’s funny…cheating because he has bifocals…I’m still laughing at that one.
    Jan @ BellaCasa

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  4. Debbie B Avatar
    Debbie B

    What a beautiful prayer for the people and country of Japan.
    And I found a few blue wildflowers around here this week..Spring is definitely marching in.

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  5. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    And I am so glad!!

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  6. Jillsy Girl Avatar

    Lovely post, Barbara. I was so self-absorbed the first half of the day, I didn’t even know about the quake until I saw a reference to it on someone’s post. I need to break away from the blogosphere!!
    What are those yellow blooms? They look like daffodils except for the greenery.

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  7. Hilary Avatar

    A lovely image and so beautifully dedicated.

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  8. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, Hilary! It's just heartbreaking.

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  9. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I only watch television first thing in the morning, so saw it when I first turned it on. What a shock! I lose track of the world the rest of the day (unless I see something on a blog or Facebook!) I don't know what these are – I tried to find them in my Texas flower book, but so far, no luck. They are shaped like daffodils, but smaller and really low to the ground.

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  10. Rae Sinor Avatar
    Rae Sinor

    Beautiful flower and tribute Barb. Hey, did any of those pics turn out any good from our morning walk last Friday??? Love you!!!

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  11. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Yes, I got some good ones! I'm so far behind on posting my pics, but I'll try to get to that this week when the boys are off camping.

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  12. Carmie of the Single Nester Avatar

    What a lovely quote and so true. He has helped me many times.

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  13. linlah Avatar

    A very nice dedication, my thoughts are with those affected by the tsunami too.

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  14. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks – I can't imagine what they're going through (and I'm grateful for that!)

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  15. Todd Proffit Avatar

    So inspiring and encouraging. Thanks for the wisdom!

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  16. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks for reminding me about that post and that quote. Perfect timing!
     
    From: TypePad

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