Narcissus, In Hiding

Narcissus, Spring Flower in Madison Wisconsin Garden

Narcissus, In Hiding © 2011 Bo Mackison

Usually these are perky spring flowers, eager and willing to stand erect, raise their faces towards the sun. But the daffodils are feeling a need for some protection, so they are bent low to the ground, staying closer to the warmer earth, staying out of the wind gusts.

Nature is filled with wisdom. When the wind dies down and the sun pops out of the clouds, these daffodils will pop right up too. Undefeated by a little fickle weather.

A good lesson to learn. When faced with blustery conditions, keep your head protected and weather the storm. When the wind shifts, and the skies show blue, you’ll be in position to take on the day with a smile and renewed determination.

 

Narcissus

Narcissus Macro

Narcissus Macro © 2011 Bo Mackison

The narcissus is a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings, a harbinger of spring. To many of us living in the northern climates, the narcissus–also called the daffodil– not only proclaims winter’s end, but gives us reason us to appreciate the present moment, this time of blossoming.

I have a bed of spring-flowering bulbs that is partially protected by the eaves of my house, and this afternoon I was able to take a few photographs of the garden flowers between raindrops and snowflakes. But I kept one eye on my botanical subjects and my other eye on the lightning streaking across the sky.

Once the hail started bouncing off the sidewalk and thunder began rumbling, I called an end to my outdoor photo-shoot, and decided I would continue to appreciate this spring moment from the interior–and safety–of my house.