Chocolate Sunshine
by Connie Handscomb
Title
Chocolate Sunshine
Artist
Connie Handscomb
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Fine Art
Description
I cannot pretend to be impartial about the colours. I rejoice with the brilliant ones, and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns.
~Winston Churchill :)
A tree of virtuous blossom, virtuous timber, and rather less virtuous fruit, except for the purposes of cherry brandy.
~ Jane Grigson [1958]
* ----------------------------- *
Cherry
(Prunus avium - wild cherry)
In Japan, since 400's CE, the cheerful tradition of Hanami - picnicking under cherry trees - continues to this day. Whereas initially it was a custom of the Imperial Court, it eventually became popular with all people and a multitude of trees were planted.
It is believed this tree was cultivated in Egypt 600-700 BC. The Greeks and Romans used the cherry tree and its fruit, and wrote about it.
The wild cherry in the United Kingdom used to be sold in London on the branch. It was used for making cherry brandy. The sticky resin from the trunk can be chewed as a chewing gum.
Romania, the US, Germany and Italy are leaders in the production of cherries, either for fresh fruit or for preserves, canning, confections and distilleries for brandies and liqueurs.
The wild cherry is an hermaphrodite plant, which means it is self-fertilizing and pollinated with bees and other pollinators. The fruit stalks are astringent, used for tonics to treat cystitis, ,dyspepsia, and anemia. The resin from the trunk is used as an inhalant for coughs.
It is believed that flower petals are a direct communication from nature, encouraging us to link directly with its energy. As such, the wild cherry essence is calming for both the body and emotions.
~ * Cherry Brandy * ~
Loosely fill a preserving jar with cherries. If they are sour, sprinkle with a little muscovado sugar, then top up the jar with brandy. Latch the lid down tightly and shake the jar well. Turn it upside down every few days to keep the sugar from settling at the bottom. After three months, strain and bottle. Enjoy at your leisure.
Sources:
The Romantic Language Of Flowers [Davies;Saunders]
Glorious Harvest [Bianchini; Corbetta]
Food For Free ... guide to edible species [R. Mabey]
The Flower Healer : Flower Essence Medicine For Healing [B. Olive]
* ----------------------------- *
The Winston Churchill quote made me smile, so I had to include it here. I love the colour Chocolate (as well as the real yummy chocolate).
I'm hoping Sir Churchill would have changed his mind if he had seen this image ... Captured in natural light; uncropped ... an edit to the colour, adding a tone of Chocolate ... nature in all its splendour;)
* ----------------------------- *
♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :
Pictures For Present
Phenomenal Club
Uploaded
May 4th, 2017
Statistics
Viewed 216 Times - Last Visitor from Shadyside, OH on 04/10/2024 at 9:55 PM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Comments (17)
VIVA Anderson
Ohh, how exquisitely delicious this celebration. I drink to your beautiful sensitivity..........fv.........VIVA ...you always bring out the best in me by example.....thank you !
Michael Mirijan
This delightful picture is featured on the Master page of the “PHENOMENAL CLUB” group, and may it be known, that the author is a full member of that exceptional group. Hearty congratulations to the great artist.
Jeanie Mann
Lovely image and your title is perfect Connnie! It is reminiscent of old lace and fabric. You are a great designer!
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you so much, Jeanie, for such a lovely compliment! And I like your reference to old lace ... :))
Michael Mirijan
This wonderful picture is featured on the homepage of the "Pictures for Present" group.
Linda Lees
This is one that sneaks up on you, the colors don't scream look at me, but when you do take the time, the details and tones are gorgeous! I love the backlighting showing off the beautiful detail. Great work Connie! L/F
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you, Linda! I was experimenting with different tones, & this one resonated the most with me; I'm so pleased you like it:))
Rachel Morrison
Happy!! Full of wonder and springtime joy! So pretty!
Connie Handscomb replied:
Oh , good! So pleased to hear, Rachel! I'll take 'Happy' any day ; thank you so much!:))
Malanda Warner
Connie, I love the unique colour and composition here! Unexpected and enticing! LF
Connie Handscomb replied:
As chocolate should be:))) thank you so much, Malanda! The weather is improving here, & things are blooming... I hope to be out with the camera more now ; unfortunately have some unexpected medical issues/appointments taking up precious lens time! If it's not one thing ... it's another, hmmm? .. :)))
Deepa Sahoo
This is amazing capture Connie!! L/F
Connie Handscomb replied:
Good Morning, Deepa! Thank you! {our morning sun is a tiny bit sluggish today ... a little bit like me!} :)) 🌤
Slavica Stajic
Wonderful image Connie, enjoy your day!
Connie Handscomb replied:
Wonderful Slavica, enjoy yours! Thank you so much for your ongoing support, I'm truly grateful!;)