I spent four and a half hours at the Naples Botanical Garden yesterday – about twice as long a normal. I paid the pain price but oh it was sooooo worth it. It was one of those beautiful days when everything seemed more, well sensual.
My goal was to walk to the edge of the garden where they are preserving the wetland, to see if there were wading birds. The color and texture in the succulent garden was my first distraction. In previous years I have tried photographing these plants, but I didn’t feel the passion I am feeling this year.
I am drawn to the beautiful curves and colors.
Yesterday, I played tag with the sun that dappled the thick, fleshy leaves as gossamer clouds rode the wind.
I watched an artist sketch those parts of the landscape that have also caught my eye on many visits. We talked for a long time about composition and golf bags.
The subtle colors of vegetation slowed me down and kept me from my destination. How could I possibly choose to walk to the water’s edge when so much beauty was right before me?
What could be more inviting and sensual than the petal’s curl of a blooming rose or an orchid?
I had a lot of other distractions from my goal, but the most inviting and sensual was my lunch. I usually stop for a cup of tea and scone before I leave, but yesterday it was later so I ordered a mango chicken salad and an iced coffee.
The salad had a wonderful herb I couldn’t identify but the blend of flavors brought a smile as I savored it with the tender fresh lettuce and crispy toast. And the iced coffee was extra special with the cream I added.
This adventure fed all my senses. On mornings like this I rejoice at being alive.
A New Day: Living Life Almost Gracefully 
I rejoiced with you, Pat! Your happiness was infectious and your photography superb 🙂
The Header is stunning too.
LikeLike
What a special day, thank you for sharing it with us! Your photos are incredible.
LikeLike
Sensuous indeed! Certainly fed all my senses!
LikeLike
Such beauty!
Hope that you’re feeling ok today.
LikeLike
If I have a fun active day, the next day is always slow to let my muscles recoup. Just the rhythm of my life. Going after beauty is always worth it. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Succulents have such great shapes and textures. Your photos make me smile – you have an eye for beauty.
LikeLike
Thanks, Barb. I won’t tell you how many photos I have taken that didn’t work. I really enjoy going to the botanical gardens every week because I can retry those things that didn’t work. Sometimes it is frustrating to see beauty but can’t capture it with my camera. I appreciate your comment.
LikeLike
Sounds like a perfect morning. And an even better lunch. How nice it would be to enjoy chilled food outdoors!
I think some of the best times with the camera are when you’ve been distracted away from what you thought you came to make images of. Those are days when the whole world is new again!
LikeLike
So nicely put, Heather. There are days when everything I look at is interesting and has potential for a photo. I took over 400 pics at the garden. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh my! That creates its own set of problems 😉
LikeLike
Lovely, sounds like a perfect day! Apart from the pain, that is, but you know that that is part of who you are now…
LikeLiked by 1 person
All beautiful, but the orchid is soooo special!
LikeLike
Thanks, Cindy. I have more! 🙂
LikeLike
Very, very nice.
LikeLike
Thanks, Julie. I wish you had been with me.
LikeLike
I love the pictures and what a beautifully presented lunch. Hope you recovered.
LikeLike
Thanks, Nora. A good night’s sleep usually helps a good bit, and then a day of rest makes me ready for another adventure.
LikeLike
Oh good grief, Pat. These photos are just luscious and beautiful. I especially love the 3rd one. Wow.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jan. I am eager to get home to my photo printer to get some of them printed. Luscious is just how I feel about them. 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful post. I felt the passion in your words and saw it in your photographs.
LikeLiked by 1 person