tulips and tempests
I am finding the contrast between the warm, vibrant colours of my tulips and the horribly cold, changeable weather very bizarre (sometimes we have sun, rain, black cloud, hail, wind, thunder and lightning all within the space of five minutes). And I think that's why I've chosen outdoor, dark, natural backgrounds for the photos this year - they somehow convey the cold and wet of my morning tulip-picking time.
I have a huge bunch of these 'Apricot Impression' tulips on the windowsill from where they cast a warm glow on the kitchen. Although they do have an apricot colour when picked, by the time they have opened up and expanded to wonderfully dramatic proportions, they have changed and acquired that particular mix of red/pink/orange which is peculiar to pomegranates and which makes me think of exotic banquets and exotic climes.
The flowers appear wonderfully defined and hyper-real next to the general backdrop of cold, wet stones, wood, gravel and weather,
and this is what they look like indoors - surrogate suns shining at the window while we wait for the clouds and storms to pass.
They are so beautiful. I love their vibrancy of color and how delicate they appear against the stones and the wood.
I wish that I had had some with me this weekend. It was the first truly sunny and warm weekend in Portland, but I spent the whole time in the library, working on my junior qualifying exam. It was not very fun, and now it is cloudy again.
Posted by: Sherry | April 14, 2008 at 04:12 PM
I adore tulips. I believe they are my favorite flower to plant and watch grow. These are especially beautiful.
Posted by: Courtney | April 14, 2008 at 04:25 PM
What lovely photos of the tulips outdoors. I agree that the contrast of colors helps convey the changeable weather. Besides which, I love the dark, wet stone and wood colors. It reminds me of trips to the north coast here, which I love.
Posted by: Ruth | April 14, 2008 at 04:35 PM
My, I wish my tulips and daffodils would bloom! They are so close...but it's been so unseasonably cold they don't seem to know what to think, or do!
Anyway, thank you for the vicarious pleasure of your beautiful Apricot impressions!
Posted by: CashmereLibrarian | April 14, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Do these have a scent? I remember 'Apricot Beauty' having a subtle spicy scent...
If you don't want tulips to flare open when you have them in a vase, you can put a penny in the vase. Something about the copper...
love the sludgy, dark backgrounds.
Posted by: NancyG | April 14, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Beautiful! I can't wait until the flowers around here start blooming. The contrast is lovely as well.
Posted by: Mackenzie | April 14, 2008 at 07:09 PM
The tulips are gorgeous and I miss them. I live in California and it isn't a good place for tulips. We don't get cold enough in the winter. Your pictures are always stunning.
Posted by: Peg | April 14, 2008 at 07:33 PM
The colors are exquisite.
Posted by: Luisa | April 14, 2008 at 09:01 PM
So absolutely beautiful! Stunning against the dark background.
Posted by: carrie | April 15, 2008 at 12:05 AM
I saw this and thought of you:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox
There would be the cost of shipping, but it *is* five Cary Grant movies for $20. But the deal is only for today.
Posted by: Sherry | April 15, 2008 at 09:43 AM
i love tulips, they are growing in my garden right now!!!
Posted by: kosenrufu mama | April 15, 2008 at 12:10 PM
gorgeous tulips and fabulous photos. orange tulips are my favorite.
Posted by: cindy k | April 15, 2008 at 02:12 PM
I don't think I'll ever look at a tulip quite the same again ... in the past, I've seen them as rather stiff and cold in their beauty, but you've shown their warmth and grace in brilliant detail. Thank you!
Posted by: Michaela | April 15, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Gorgeous. Thank you for the delightful color, just when we need it most.
I had no business sitting at the computer today, too much going on this week for blog reading but I decided to check in on yours. It has been too long.
Thanks again.
Posted by: LynnH | April 16, 2008 at 03:50 AM
I'm a new fan to your blog, and am slowly but surely backtracking to read your archives to catch up. I look forward to your bright and cheery photos and your thought-invoking words.
The socks! I'm thinking what a lovely idea it would be to knit (or is it crochet?) beautiful socks for friends for special occasions ... like it being Friday, or anything else. You've created in me a longing to give vent to my own creativity ... you are an inspiration! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, your ideas, and your talents with us. ^_^
Posted by: Michaela | April 16, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Jeesh. I think I have a new favorite color. That second pic is truly stunning.
Posted by: Alicia P. | April 18, 2008 at 07:50 PM