Waiting for the bus, I looked to some large dandelions nearby.
And then. I decided to have a little fun with the macro settings on my camera phone. Most impressive, and revealing!!
I will have more fun with this, again and again for random days ahead.
I recently visited the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Northern Washington State on a gray day this April. Some of that was detailed in my previous post, Colorful Views…). As amazing as the tulip fields were, I was also impressed by the Roozengaarde display garden area. Here, there are “90+ varieties of tulips and over 150 flower bulb varieties in total. Included are tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, muscari and other specialty flowers.”
The colors this time of year stand out, and a worthwhile attraction for tourists and locals in the Pacific Northwest. According to its website at tulips.com, the display garden is open all year round. Seeing these with the fields during the festival, is just an added bonus.
I now share some pics of the wonderful display garden below (click on each for the bigger picture):
The admiration and picture-taking was a joy, but personally seeing this for yourself is the best experience, especially with friends or family. For more info, click here and check out the Roozengaarde official site at Tulips.com for more info about tulips and purchase options
– Orion T
A few days ago, me and local friends ventured out north in the Washington state to the rural area of Skagit Valley by Mount Vernon, to check out its annual Tulip Festival. This wonderful time throughout April is when the tulip farms are at their colorful peak, growing miles of freshly blooms tulips and daffodils. Designated areas for up close viewing are open to the public, with a small admission charge
For the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival of 2018, there are multiple areas to visit and check out, as I entered the Roozengaarde Display Garden and Fields. Stunning place it is, even with the gray weather and muddy grounds (rained hard the day before). I admired and learned much of the tulip life and care that goes into them. I also took some pictures, of which the fields are shared below (click on each to fully appreciate):
The festival time goes on until the end of the month. The tourism on the weekend can be a bit heavy, especially if the rain is gone and the sun is shining. So, be ready for a slow drive when close and lines at the entrance and foot court. It’s all well worth it with friends and family.
For more info, check out tulipfestival.org.
I meanwhile, also show many great up-close shots of the tulips in their enclosed garden area, of which I will share in another post. Look forward!
– Orion T
Just a lazy Sunday for this time, where nothing matters but the wildflowers in the breeze. The time is around 5:30 pm.
Such is a peaceful moment, after waking up from a long nap on a random chair in Olympic Park, Seattle. The weekend has been kind, with the summer weather I wanted, and time away from the troubles of the world. The cruise ship in the distance is large, with at least six or seven stories above deck. I watch it move slowly across the sparkly waters of Elliot Bay. Such a life I imagine for those many on board; to worry not on things, for the moment.
– Orion T
The picture was taken from my outdated smartphone. However, It does well for closeups. See…
Above is a time last week, between the sunshine and gloom. The morning brought some Spring rain, gentle and calming for an otherwise busy week.
I passed a tree with fresh pink blooms, a casual wonder to behold. Upon the ground, were freshly fallen blooms still wet from their recent shower….
The location is within Freeway Park in downtown Seattle, by the Cultural Landscape Fountain. You may find me there on the weekdays, walking through on the morning or evening. Sometimes there, I sit down on a nearby bench and ruminate.
Orion T
Summer for 2016 will be at its end soon, with a little of the season to show…
Yet, that flower is much like me, a little tired and in need of great rest. While much of it has been productive providing a place for bees or whatever to deal with, there has been much endured over the unusual yet varied temperatures of the summer, ranging from sudden rainstorms to the oncoming wind. There was the sunshine, but not as much as one could hope for. The garden around was a bit crowded, as the flower constantly had much to do. The Fall is coming, and then adaptation will be needed, from the roots to the very top of its next born stem. Perhaps, next year will be a livelier summer.
Meanwhile, here are some friends made. There is a little summer left in them too..
– Orion T
A snippet of the little world around us, with much of that similar to ours. We see interesting things under construction. The workers around them play a small part, as they provide for their community, families and themselves…so I would think through observance. Soon growth will develop, and such will be noticed by the world around them in admiration. The workers I suppose will benefit, but for how long? I think as the process repeats, they and new generations could be there to partake in and around new constructions. That could be enough to live by. Such, is another cycle of life.
– Orion T
I captured this pic at a small garden in front of the Seattle Space Needle landmark. It’s wonderful to see a small sight under a big sight, to be just as grand.
The Earth is always listening..
Never forget that.
– Orion T
There goes the day, mostly gray..
What matters is what one does with the time involved. For me, contacting loved moms I know, wishing them the most of this wonderful day. Also, getting much motherly advice in return for my sickness recovery (yes, yes I’ll get vitamins and soup, but it’s too warm to bundle up).
So, Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there from here in Seattle. I dedicate the above today pic (and bonus below) to all of yous…
– Orion T
Yesterday, was one of the simple days.
I sat on a wet bench in front of the Apple Store, somewhere in the Univeristy District of Seattle. I was a bit early for my “Genius Bar” appointment, to see to a small problem with my mobile tablet. I looked for anything around me, that wasn’t based on commercialization and our addictions to technology. The sky welcomed my sight more than the flashy allure of that new Apple Watch on display. I enjoyed the solid gray for most of that time in wait.. Then, coming back down to Earth..I noticed more people on my bench. A child was sitting backwards, looking behind the bench, to the colorful small garden behind almost touching the back of my head. There, I admired the beautiful, colorful flowers, still dripping from the recent pouring rains.
Then, I took a few pictures (featured below). I do not know the classification on these flowers. Any help in the comments is welcome.
The “Genius Bar” appointment went well. As usual, I get wonderful service from Apple when needed.
– Orion T
Noticing more colorful blooms this later Winter season. This time, a little hidden by some bushes on a street divider at Denny and 4th. You can notice them easy on a sunny day like today, as the blue skies mingled with big fluffy clouds here in Seattle. Hopefully nobody stomps on these little ones while crossing, as I would love to see these continue. I will be checking as the Spring season nears much closer..
If reading this today on 2/14, then Happy Valentine’s Day!
I admire the early blooms of this winter now. These are reminders of changes, and how every month has signs of the next ahead. The weather lately is a little less chill as the days go by, and a bit more relaxed..for now. The rains pass by with light long pours, usually in the night with just enough to leave the ground soaked for a day or two. I see a lot of mud, and reflections of the grey skies above.
Meanwhile, some plants in various gardens around the city are presenting their first blooms of 2015. I have been told that some of the great cherry trees of the Northwest are showing signs of early Spring. These natural presentations are great, as I have been a bit too comfortable with these short days of grey. Perhaps, the time for early change in this season, is a sign that I must bloom early as well. I have set multiple goals for myself, of which I hope to have active by this Spring. Much like these new blooms, I can not wait.
Endure.
Can’t wait for the end of Winter..
… Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
That’s all for today outside my hectic schedule, which I think says enough.
The world is busy outside, as many of its inhabitants are hard at work. Some people out there need to sell some flowers. The passerby may at least appreciate their bouquet arrangements for the colorful display, maybe snap and share a picture. Then, move on.
TRAVELING ORION 