Adrift
by Connie Handscomb
Title
Adrift
Artist
Connie Handscomb
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Fine Art
Description
I was reduced to pure concept. My flesh had dissolved; my form had dissipated. I floated in space. Liberated of my corporeal being, but without dispensation to go anywhere else. I was adrift in the void.
~ Haruki Murakami [fr. Dance Dance Dance]
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Cyclamen (Persian Violet; Sowbread)
Family : Primulaceae
Cyclamens grow from tubers (the corms were fed to pigs to enhance the flavour of the pork,hence this pretty flower has the rather unfortunate nickname Sowbread). Different blooms vary with the seasons.The petals can be red, pink, white, or fuchsia; the leaves a contrasting green, white and purplish colour. When the petals spiral up and open over the plant, they look like they are standing in a strong wind (or a ballerina in a tutu).
While it prefers cooler temperatures, at least 17 species grows as a wildflower in the warm Mediterranean, east to Iran and Russia, and in Europe from France through to Yugoslavia, preferring the deciduous mountain forests. Cultivation of this plant began in the 1890's, although the pot plants are not as hardy (most potted plants originate from Syria).
Medicinally, it has been used for centuries. The Greeks used it to heal wounds. During the Renaissance, it was used for earaches. Homeopaths make tinctures from the tubers to cleanse the bowels.
This plant was popular, and plundered; its natural population severely dwindled so that today many species (such as the European Purple Sowbread - Cyclamen purpurascens) are protected by law in many European countries.
It has been said that if you place a cyclamen next to your bed, you will be assured a good night's rest : it will chase away bad dreams, protect you from negative influences, and release pain you might have from your past.
Symbolically, the cyclamen can mean diffidence or resignation.
Sources:
The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Magical Plants [S. Gregg]
Wildflowers Of The World [Everard; Morley]
The Wild Flowers Book [E. Tomanova]
Clay Perry's Fantastic Flowers [Text M. Perry]
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This gentle bloom with its upswept petals appears to be removed from its environs, as if emerging slowly from its earthly slumber, and lazily drifting skyward ... a shy, floral ballerina preparing itself to perform the entrechat ... :)
Captured in natural light .. unedited; uncropped; nature in all its splendour ..
Uploaded
June 23rd, 2016
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