Narrow Leaf Penstemon, A Colorado Wildflower

Penstemon is a very large genus of North American wildflowers also known as beardtongue. I have found the narrow leaf variety growing all over the foothills and plains of Colorado wherever sandy soil is found. Besides being a pretty flower that is very hardy and drought tolerent it was believed that Native Americans used penstemon roots to relieve toothaches.

Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light. -- Theodore Roethke

Penstemon

This narrow leaf penstemon comes in many hues of purple, lavender, violet, and amethyst.

Colorado Wildflower

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

A Wish for Spring Cherry Blossoms

Spring! A time of renewal, rebirth, rejuvenation! After a winter of stark whites and tired browns the sudden resurgence of green to the landscape is uplifting. When the first tiny little buds appeared on the tree outside the kitchen window of my new home I was watching with excited anticipation. I had thought from the shape and bark of the tree that it might be an ash. But as I watched those buds unfurl it soon became apparent that this tree was going to blossom. And then I had the quick realization that one of my wishes had come true. I had a cherry tree. 

 

Spring 

The first touch of green adorns a springtime cherry tree. 

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Cherry Blossoms 

Sweet fragrant cherry blossoms on a sunny spring day. 

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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about editorial, photography, and anything in between in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Black and White or Color Photography?

There are times when I can not decide whether I like a photograph better in black and white or in color. This photograph was one of these times. There are good reasons for both approaches. The subject matter of the old truck and windmill seemed to be out of the past granting a perfect excuse for transforming a modern image into an "aged" black and white photo. On the other hand the rusty old truck was a beautiful reddish burnt orange against a blue Colorado sky.

In general do you like color or black and white photography better? Which do you prefer for this photograph? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

If you are curious about seeing more of my black and white and color photography please visit my shop on Etsy.

  

Truck and Windmill

 Old truck photo, a Colorado prairie windmill landscape art print, of an abandoned old truck resting next to a prairie windmill on the High Plains of Colorado. Perfect for adding a touch of western prairie to your home, office, or bedroom decor. Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

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 Truck and Windmill BW

Old truck black and white photo, a Colorado prairie windmill landscape art print, of an abandoned old truck resting next to a prairie windmill on the High Plains of Colorado. A modern photo given an "aged" patina, perfect for adding a touch of vintage western prairie to your home, office, or bedroom decor. Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about editorial, photography, and anything in between in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Friday Favorites - Earth!

This week's theme is Earth! and the competition was fierce. There were many gorgeous pieces to choose from in lovely earthy hues. Many items represented stone or wood and were elegant and beautiful. I wish I could post everyone's wonderful work! Be sure to click and visit the shops of these extremely talented artisans for more great items. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

If you would like to be entered into Friday Favorites check out submission information below.

Nature Lover Charm Bracelet
alteredbeauty

Mother Earth Necklace
Katiesbasement

Sundown
AnikaEaster

Modern Wood Branch Centerpiece
DivineLionesss

Autumn Past
photogypsy320

Silver, pearl and stone necklace
jbEbert

Next week's theme is "Birds of a Feather." Submit your BIRD INSPIRED items. It's an easy TWO steps.

1. Leave a comment below on your favorite items in today's Friday Favorites.

2. Hop on over to this Etsy Forum and post your items you would like to submit for next week's Friday Favorites.

Good luck!

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Golden Seed

Golden Seed

This is a macro shot of the Western Salsify seed head with the afternoon sun creating beautiful golden rays of light along the delicate filaments.

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