Paraglider
by Connie Handscomb
Title
Paraglider
Artist
Connie Handscomb
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Fine Art
Description
If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes.
~ Charles A. Lindbergh
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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). 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.
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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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :
All Art Welcome
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Exploration Photography
Uploaded
January 18th, 2016
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Viewed 315 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/25/2024 at 5:23 AM
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Comments (28)
Caitlyn Grasso
Sepia certainly becomes this cyclamen! An very elegant treatment of one of my favorite spring flowers. L/F/t
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you so much, Caitlyn; I've grown quite fond of it myself over the last while .. it has the most graceful shape, which continues to fascinate me.. :))
Abstract Alien Artist Stephen Killeen
Soft and subtle.. delicate, beautiful and curvy... just the way I love... :)) L/F
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you, my friend Stephen! let me see... yes, it is curvy! {teasing} .... :)))
Elizabeth Tillar
Connie, this image is so powerful in the most graceful way. I love the all-white presentation, and I was very captivated by the description as well! l/f/g+
Connie Handscomb replied:
What a lovely phrasing of words you have paid me a wonderful compliment with; thank you so very much, Elizabeth :))
Glenn DiPaola
Wonderful choice of tone, glowing under a beautiful light. Excellent framing and focus. L/F
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you, Glenn; I have realized tonight that my comments are wayyyyyy farther behind than I realized .. I knew I was but not to the extent that .. oh well, thank you so much, Glenn! :)))
GEORGIA SHERON
Beautiful image Connie. Like watching a ballet in motion with dancers in long gauzy skirts. Excellent capture. cheers, georgia
Connie Handscomb replied:
Oh, Georgia, what a beautiful comment! So sorry I didn't see this earlier but now that I have , do know that my late response & huge thanks to you is very much sincere :))
Nick Boren
I love your title dear Connie and your flower image. It's very beautiful.. ;-) Thanks for all the nice comments you make on my work dear friend... I appreciate it so much. ;-)) FV
Connie Handscomb replied:
Paragliding is something I've never done, Nick ... nor will I ever .. I'm too much of a scaredy cat for that ; thank you for your own very wonderful comments! I'm always pleased when you come to visit me..:))
Judy Vincent
Gorgeous capture of this delicate flower! Love it in the sepia tones!
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you, Judy! .. I may post some in their coloured garb .. in time.. perhaps.. :))
Gabriella Weninger - David
What a GORGEOUS Image Connie... it's just perfect in the sepia tones... AWESOME work!
Deb Halloran
Connie, What a beautiful image and the tones are so lovely....soft and gorgeous. Nicely done. v/f
Jerry Bokowski
Lovely B&W, Connie. The benefits of the presence of this flower seem like a dream come true!..............FAV / LIKE