Matilija Poppy II

To answer Out on the prairie's question about my previous post, I went back and looked at the other photos from that day. Here's one of a different bloom that includes a bit more of the foliage. I also found a good image at this link. It does not resemble thistle the way prickly poppy does. I know prickly poppies also have some pretty good stickers (they are named appropriately). You can see that this foliage is darker, and more smooth and "friendly" than that of its prickly cousin.

Matilija poppies are also quite large—they grow up to eight feet tall. The ones in my photographs were only about waist- or chest-high. Now, for those of you who are wondering what a prickly poppy looks like, CalPhotos has some good examples of a variety that's native to California.

Thanks for asking—I always like learning new things about flowers!

Matilija Poppy

This is always one of my favorites. Love how big and bold they are, and those crinkly petals. You can't help but smile when you come upon them. This one was dancing in the breeze, so I was very pleased when I got home to find it was in focus.

Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri)

With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.
~ William Shakespeare

Happy Friday

Wishing you a lovely weekend.

bush anemone (Carpenteria californica)

Charm is a glow within a woman

that casts a most becoming light on others.

~ John Mason Brown

Cactus Monday

It's a dreary, drippy day here in Southern California,
so how about a bit of color?

Mojave Mound / Claret Cup (Echinocereus triglochidiatus)

As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life.

~ John Lubbock

Be sure to visit Terri's Painted Daisies for more cactus beauty.

Happy Cactus Monday!

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing all mothers a very special day today!

Who ran to help me when I fell,

And would some pretty story tell,

Or kiss the place to make it well?

My mother.

~ Ann Taylor

Lady Banks Rose

What flower was I photographing while making the roadrunner in my previous post so nervous? This Lady Banks rose. It was mostly past its prime, but the blossoms were lovely anyway. The profusion of blooms provides a refreshing oasis in the dry desert.

A beautiful lady is an accident of nature.

A beautiful old lady is a work of art.

~ Louis Nizer

Beep! Beep!

I am by no means a wildlife photographer—usually my photos of wild critters are blurry at best. But I had such a fun encounter with this roadrunner that I thought I'd share a couple photos that turned out okay. This gal (or guy) was very focused on trying to lure me away from her nest and babies. I knew I was invading her territory, and was being very respectful and careful while I took a few photos of flowers. The entire time she "clacked" and scooted about in a hilarious display, getting more and more brave.

Disappearialis quickius*

Finally, when she jumped up on this old cart I was standing next to, almost within arm's reach, I gave her the space she wanted. They are truly fascinating and beautiful birds.

* from "Zoom at the Top," a Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner cartoon

Cactus Monday

How about a delicate beavertail bloom for this Cactus Monday...

A woman should be like a single flower, not a whole bouquet.
~ Anna Held

Happy Cactus Monday!

For more deserty delights, visit Teri's Painted Daisies.