Hugs to you, Stellaa, and thank you.

I think we can all use a little soul soothing.... thank you.

Gorgeous, Susan.

sumptuous. has the feeling of a fine oil painting - but it's a photograph?

isn't it strange that in the worst situations we find our greatest capacity for love ~ xoxo

Thank you, all. It is a photograph that I took of my neighbor's perfect bearded iris. There was an area (where the petals are their lightest) that was a little washed out from the sun, so I processed it a dab to bring down the highlight so you could see that area. It is a closeup in sharp focus which can tend to look a little like a painting.

Would that I could paint that well.

1Mom, it really is true that tragedy tends to cement bonds and to bring out humanity (the good kind) in most people. Although I think of you as one of the people who always has a good and kind spirit.

No matter what Jody says ;~}

Gorgeous.

like a beautiful, perfect flower hug..

I meant to say thanks by name, as I do think that it is appropriate to do so when someone takes the time to leave a comment, so...

MiddleAgedWoman, I so agree. These have been mean times for a lot of people.

Thank you, Sarah. I hope that anyone who is not familiar with your "A nice thing..." will stop by and read. They are very soothing and uplifting and a good reminder that we can find nice things every day if we pay attention.

Thank you, Frank. You could probably use a little soothing, too, as you have been going through the birth of a novel. Pushing those out can feel pretty uncomfortable, I hear ;p

mamoore, that's such a wonderful way of describing this. Thank you.

Ooh - that is fabulous!

My soul is thanking you.

Wow!

Thanks, j lynne. You seem to be an admirer of things floral so I am very glad you like this one.

anna1liese, it is my pleasure. Wish that there was more I could do to soothe all the hurting going on these days.

Steve/Procopius, I'm always happy to have you stop by and I always appreciate a "Wow!" when I can get one ;)

Lovely, Susan.

Thanks, Rob. I have been really enjoying your photos from Madeira. They bring back a lot of memories of that remote but beautiful place.

Oh, Susan, what a beautiful photograph--the detail is fabulous. And what a beautiful sentiment, too. I like you, girl. I do.

I love purple and yellow in flowers...

Tenderness. Strength. Grace. Hope. All there.

Thank you for this.

Thank you, Curious Canadian ;p I don't yet have the equipment (and mad photo skilz) that enable me to super size my prints successfully, but I've definitely become a master of the tight crop and sharp focus. I am a bit obsessed with capturing tiny details, maybe because my eyes aren't so good.

The iris itself gets more than half the credit for the success of this photo. I'm lucky to have a retired neighbor who loves to tend her flowers.

Thank you, Other Susan from Jackson. I'm fond of you, too :)

Lainey, purple and yellow are indeed a lovely combination in flowers. Note also that with the green of the background we have... Mardi Gras colors! Seems fitting since Deven's husband Dan was a New Orleans native.

Hi wakingupslowly. I'm glad this spoke to you in such wonderful words.

I agree Cindy--nature can work wonders for our wounded souls :)

Just incredibly lovely. Thank you for reaching out with such beauty.

This is lovely Susan. thanks for a beautiful image to soothe the soul.

Beautiful. And appreciated.

Thanks, Sally. Beauty can't overcome all the pain out there, but it can give us a bit of solace now and then.

Gary, you put such joy and beauty out in the world with your art. I'm glad I could send a little bit back your way :)

mypsyche, I'm glad that you enjoyed this!

I am soothed. Please make me stop reading OS for the night right now on this soothing note!

Very beautiful photograph Susan, thank you.

Thank you, Kellylark. I hope that you have drifted off to peaceful sleep now and are not still reading OS! Some things mean to soothe, but some things here are meant to agitate and we don't need that right now.

Deep breath and ... goodnight :)

Thanks. Loving this.
I might never have looked as closely before,

Kim, that's what I love most about photography--seeing things that I simply can't see without my camera!

ame i, I'm very glad this started your day right. As a bonus it is Friday and whether you are employed in the Mon-Fri job or not there is just something about knowing the weekend is imminent that cheers me up. (My fondness for getting enough sleep on occasion maybe?)

mmm, so pretty.

lovely

My absolute favoritest flower Susan. What a lovely Iris!