Ellipsis: Carnivals

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

A Photo A Day For 6 months: Day 130~ The Last Moments Of Summer

"Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people. For those few months, you're not required to be who everyone things you are, and that cut grass smell in the air and the chance to dive into the deep end of a pool give you a courage you have the rest of the. You can be grateful and easy, with no eyes on you, and no past. Summer just opens the door and lets you out."

~Deb Caletti, Honey, Baby Sweetheart

Is there anything sadder than an empty carnival? When I pass scenes like this, I sometimes wonder if maybe there are ghosts riding on the Farris wheel, and perhaps tossing rings in the pursuit of stuffed poodles. LOL. Yes, I am ghost obsessed, but you have to understand, there is cinnamon brooms everywhere, and there are pumpkins beginning to turn orange in the fields in Half Moon Bay and Marin County. And YUM... isn't hot spiced apple cider amazing on a cool autumn morning?

Shoot... lookie there... I am all but ignoring my point. Summer's End. Summer has grown on me in recent years, in fact I have to admit I kinda love it. Or maybe it's the older I get the more I take less for granted. Summer has it's charm, and now that I have given it a chance, I do find it's ending sad. Like no other season, including autumn, you can feel a distinct mourning about it in the air. Fitting I suppose that the very next season gives us one last amazing burst of color and flavor.

When I think about the things I have taken for granted, I want to spend every day making up for lost time. If only my energy level were as enthusiastic as my creativity! LOL.

:)

~Me

Today's Link Comes From My Pal JR. He's AWESOME!

JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/09/apadf6-126.html

Thursday, January 17, 2008

A Winter Carnival Of Colors

"The flower is the poetry of reproduction. It is an example of the eternal seductiveness of life."

-Jean Giraudoux

This past Tuesday, I visited a special exhibit at the Conservatory Of Flowers, in Golden Gate Park, called, Color: A Winter Carnival. Any visit to the conservatory will probably leave you in a better mood then when you walked in, but this visit was something special. It is a lovely, gentle, beautiful place all on it's own, but this special exhibit was nothing short of spectatular! It is truly one of their very best of recent years.

The special events room, which is located to the far left inside the conservatory, was transformed into a scene reminescent of a Victorian carnival of flowers, complete with a working "Wheel of Fortune" that children can spin, to learn more about plants and flowers featured in the exhibit. As you walk among the fabulous assortment of plants, flowers and citus fruits, you are treated to some old fashioned carnival music! "Let Me Call You Sweetheart, I'm In Love With You."

Beautiful. A truly perfect day for the amateur photographer who is currently winter logged. LOL. Orchids of every color combination you can think of from, creamy white to vivid red! Citrus trees, potted plants, and large silk lanterns make a splash of vibrant color at every turn. Among the natural plants are whimsical touches such as the silk lanturns, colored crystal teardrop trees that refract the ample lighting that comes through the conservatories many windows, and the special feature of some amazing carousel animals, crafted by a local artist.

I can easily see both small children and adults enjoying this special exhibit. The entry into the conservatory is a mere $5.00, which includes the carnival exhibit. The Conservatory Of Flowers is one of San Francisco's great buys for your spending dollar. If it's a sunny day, consider bringing a picnic lunch like Alan and I always do. You can't beat the grounds around the conservatory as a place to eat a leisurely lunch. while enjoying the natural beauty of the park!

Here are a few photos from my visit. But I have to admit, I really didn't do it's beauty justice...