The Promise
by Connie Handscomb
Title
The Promise
Artist
Connie Handscomb
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Fine Art
Description
Whoever lives true life will love true love.
~ E.M. Browning [fr. Aurora Leigh]
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Plum Tree Blossom
Prunus cerasifera ; Prunus domestica
Most domestic plum trees are thought to be from an ancient hybrid between the blackthorn and a cherry plum, originating from eastern Europe and western Asia. During the Roman Empire, settlers planted trees and shrubs they were familiar with, such as the plum, and it has since been cultivated for centuries.
There are several uses for the plum tree, one of them being this interesting natural old time remedy: The leaves from the tree boiled in wine was apparently a good mouthwash and throat gargle (with its wine base, I'm guessing its use was a popular one!). The leaves in our modern times are still used as a diuretic and to treat fevers.
One of the first trees to blossom in the chilly breezes of springtime, the plum is an important symbol in Chinese culture, representing endurance, depth of experience, growth in inner strength, and unyielding courage.
In the language of flowers, receiving a bouquet of plum blossoms means one is to keep a promise.
And, finally: Dreaming of plums is, apparently, a good omen ... so may you be blessed with plum dreams.
Sources:
The International Book Of Trees [H. Johnson]
The Origin Of Plants [M.Campbell-Culver]
Culpeper's Color Herbal [Ed.David Potterton]
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I love our little plum tree, and while it normally blossoms in mid-February, this year buds began to appear the last week of March, until it finally bloomed the first week in April. It seems to like the cooler spring weather we are experiencing this year. It certainly has more endurance with the colder temperatures than I've ever had !
Captured in natural light, uncropped, unedited ... ... until I decided to add a grainy film effect for a touch of drama ... a memory of love from the past, and a promise of enduring love in the future.
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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to Black And White Photography for featuring this image
Uploaded
April 10th, 2017
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Viewed 314 Times - Last Visitor from Ottawa, ON - Canada on 03/25/2024 at 7:10 AM
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Comments (18)
Nancy Griswold
Handled with such mastery, the light and tonal values tell a magnificent story here, Fav
Connie Handscomb replied:
I'm not sure about the "mastery" , Nancy, lol .. I just trying - but sure is a lovely comment to hear! Thank you so very very much! :))
Cheryl Rose
The simplicity of this image of plum blossoms and the beauty of the depth you captured are truly captivating, Connie. Love the sense of quiet, calm, and a dreamy mood. Well done!! l/f/tw :)
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you so much, Cheryl! It took a while for our little tree to get going this year but at last she did; a cool spring but the plum tree sure liked it !;))
Lucinda Walter
Really love the tones and the mood here. Stunning work, Connie! l/f
Connie Handscomb replied:
Easter Greetings, Lucinda! & my very many thanks to you! Have a warm & wonderful day!;))
Glenn DiPaola
Great simplicity in this beauty. The tones are so subtle and work perfectly with this light and shadow. The background flowers (which are the future of the foreground flowers) are focused in such a way that they could be butterflies. Excellent work. L/F
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you so much, Glenn! I'm somewhat partial to this one ; I love your butterfly reference .. :)))
Linda Lees
So dramatic! A beautiful, dark and moody image Connie. L/F
Connie Handscomb replied:
Good Easter Morning, Linda! Thank you! Hope you have a light, & happy 😊 day!;))
Abstract Angel Artist Stephen K
Very striking, Connie! :)) L/F ♥
Connie Handscomb replied:
When the mood strikes ... , go for it:))) thank you, Stephen! Happy bunny 🐰 day!;))
Eva Maria Nova
~ It brings a sense of nostalgia to me, dear Connie ))) It's like remembering something you truly loved ))),...and,... "Only one who loves can remember so well" ~ Anton Chekhov ))) ~
Connie Handscomb replied:
Exactly, dear Eva! Thank you so much... ! The Chekhov quote suits perfectly! Happy Easter 🐣, Happiest fresh beginnings to you every day!;))
Rima Biswas
Love the treatment...
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you, Rima! I'm so pleased your talented self found pleasure in this image ; Happy Easter!;))