I Hope I Didn’t Get a Tick
Along the parkway in flip flops, lured to pull over by wildflowers, I hope I didn’t get any ticks while trudging through the grass to capture these beauties.
I tried to zero in on a bee and not think about the Lyme Disease story I was working on back at home.
I thought about the butterflies that were on their way and how much they would add to the artistry of the swathes of open grasses along the Parkway’s scenic route.
I had escaped from the chair at the computer desk! Now I was just another wild thing in flight, transported by the most exquisite birdsong I had ever heard and the honeyed light of the coming sunset.
Black cohosh is white. The orange butterfly bush (aka pleurisy root) is a milkweed. I was surprised to learn that flaming stars, like the ones I have in my garden at home, are wildflowers. There was wild bee balm in the mix, and the purple crown vetch made me smile. I used to eat it when I was girl growing up in Massachusetts.
It will never be quite the same again, no matter how many times I return. I still drive by the spot on Robinson’s Mill road where I came upon 100s of monarchs feeding on milkweed. I look but have never seen even a single one since then.
I know there will be new flowers, new butterflies to follow. They’ll be new slants of light and scenes that bring happiness. I just have to be ready to recognize and appreciate them whenever and wherever they come.
_____Our World Tuesday
July 12th, 2015 10:23 pm
It is obvious, if anyone will be ready it will be you. Though your question I read is more posed at us. And it is a proper question to ask. Thank you for this.
July 13th, 2015 6:25 am
ALL so very Beautiful Colleen……Wild Flowers can be more beautiful than anything. And your pictures are Heaven! I hope you didn’t get a tick, too……Such a mean disease that Lyme.
July 13th, 2015 4:59 pm
Beautiful floral photography! I love wild flowers! My favorite!
Happy Week to you,
artmusedog and carol
July 13th, 2015 6:53 pm
I was up that way a few years ago taking tons of wildflower photos, many of the cultivars are in my yard. I love that area and your ticks are not as dangerous as ours!!
July 13th, 2015 10:16 pm
Catching up on your blog. I’ve been away too long and need to stop by more frequently. I’ve missed so many interesting post.
July 14th, 2015 12:53 am
A lovely relaxing post, Colleen.
July 14th, 2015 3:19 am
Lovely blooms captured!
July 14th, 2015 8:35 am
Gorgeous wildflowers, I love walking while listening to the birds singing. Sounds like a great day!
Enjoy your day and the week ahead!
July 15th, 2015 2:29 pm
I love wild flowers. Most of them are as gorgeous as cultivated ones. Loved your images and I don´t think you got ticks. They are usually not on flowers 🙂
July 15th, 2015 9:09 pm
[…] 8. Along the Parkway in flip flops, lured to pull over by wildflowers, I hope I didn’t get any ticks on me, trudging through the grass to capture these beauties. More HERE. […]
July 19th, 2015 11:36 am
[…] – More wildflower shots from a post called “I Hope I Didn’t Get a Tick is HERE. ____Our World […]
August 16th, 2015 11:08 pm
[…] I take a sharp turn onto the Blue Ridge Parkway, where I keep my eyes peeled for wildflowers. Just a few weeks ago it was lit up with yellow coreopsis, milkweeds and bee balms, tiger lilies and a few purple blazing […]