Each morning since I first noticed the scales on the buds of my Flame Azalea beginning to swell and flex I’ve peeked out of my front window with anticipation. The small dark buds made think of embers smoldering beneath the ashes of last year’s flame. I knew then that very small changes were taking place.
For a couple of months I watched as the buds slowly changed colors. The scales on the bottom of the buds would open slightly and then close back up again.
I began to think of the buds as tiny Phoenix eggs that would rock and sway as the gift inside continued to mature.
And then as if kindled by the light and the breezes the Phoenix hatches. Born in a shroud of flames!
In a moment of burning glory the Phoenix spreads her wings takes flight with the rest of her brood.
The opening of my Flame Azalea is one of my favorite spring events. I’ve never actually named a flower like I would a pet before but I have named this little bush “The Phoenix”. Each spring she fills my property with the most wonderful scent and draws in all the bees and butterflies as well as the hummingbirds. More than once I’ve been outside and hear rapid high pitched noises coming from Phoenix and looked to see the hummingbirds competing for her nectar. Like the Fire Pink the bright colored Azaleas are a natural and native food source for hummingbirds and butterflies. And truthfully they’re probably healthier for them than sugar water. Even if you discount the red food dye that harms hummingbird kidneys it stands to reason that sugar water has no Flavonoids or Vitamins for them. All of God’s creatures need vital minerals as well. Certainly put out your hummingbird feeders and use the best ingredients you can purchase to fill them with. ( Exclude the artificial dyes please!) But also plant the native species that were designed by God to feed hummingbirds. It’s really what they crave.
Good night friends and be blessed throughout your days.
Announcement 2.0
For those who have been following me on Facebook and know of the struggle content providers have to get circulation from big tech I’ve been recommending for people to adopt MeWe as a social media platform. One of the problems I’ve run into on MeWe is that people don’t know how to navigate the platform. So to help with that I’ve created a permanent page on my website as a basic Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe I’ve tried to anticipate all basic questions there and You can bookmark the page to have as a reference and if you have any questions or suggestions don’t hesitate to contact me. I do still have a day job and I help admin several pages on both platforms so replies might be a little slow but I will answer you.
We also have the Lloyd’s Lens Photography Discussion Group on MeWe that is set up as a fully functional community. There you’ll not only be able to see and connect with me but you can also make your own posts and interact with each other.
I want you to join my group on MeWe: https://mewe.com/join/lloydslensphotographydiscussiongroup
Click the link below to jump to the Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe.https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/guide-to-mewe/embed/#?secret=GJGnIQEVHc
Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!
To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.
If you’re enjoying my blog and don’t want to miss a post then you can sign up for email alerts on my website.
https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/embed/#?secret=ZBipPVJdZw
Have you checked out the Zazzle Store?
I’m now using Zazzle to fulfil orders. What this means for you is a secure way to place an order, discount codes & a broader product selection! Simply use the contact form on my websiteand tell me which image you want and I’ll reply with a direct link to where you can place the order.
LLOYD'S LENS PHOTOGRAPHY LLC 