Weekly Photo Challenge: Spring

Spring comes in waves, I guess you could say. It moves upward through the U. S. turning on flowers and powering up outdoor activities as it passes through the lower South headed north.  The Weekly Photo Challenge: Spring has me thinking of where we Knoxvillians are in the season.  And I guess we’re right smack dab in the middle of it — the beginning has come and gone, but the spring finale of showy magnolia blossoms is not here yet.  Make no mistake about it, though:  spring is in the air!

First, consider nature.  Daffodils and tulips begin the show; then dogwoods burst forth in Knoxville, jump-starting the Dogwood Arts Festival.  Right after that, the Tennessee state flower — the iris — makes its appearance. We toured a friend’s garden this weekend, marveling at the show of white, peach, lavender, and deep purple iris. Sure sign of spring!

Pale peach iris

A mass of white iris, Knoxville, TN

Second, the Knoxville Museum of Art has held us all at bay with promises of a major art installation by Richard Jolley, renowned glass artist. And this spring, “Cycle of Life” is here, already causing a stir among artists and patrons around the world.  A true spring awakening!

KMA brunch -- celebrating Richard Jolley's "Cycle of Life."

Sunday morning brunch at Knoxville Museum of Art celebrating Richard Jolley’s new installation: “Cycle of Life.”

Third,  unaware of flowers or art, my granddaughter welcomed spring with her own agenda.  At long last, the chance she was waiting for finally arrived:  the chance to ride that Christmas-present scooter in the warm, fresh air!

Spring on a scooter!

Spring on a scooter!

Ah, spring!

For more entries in the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Spring, click here!

 

 

About Oh, the Places We See

Met at University of Tennessee, been married for 47 years, and still passionate about travel whether we're volunteering with Habitat Global Village, combining work at Discovery with pleasure, or just seeing the world. Hope you'll join us as we try to see it all while we can!
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23 Responses to Weekly Photo Challenge: Spring

  1. Mabel Kwong says:

    That iris is so gorgeous. Great shot, you can actually see the crinkles on the petals. It’s so captivating to see how the hues all blend seamlessly into one another.

    “Spring comes in waves”. Spring definitely comes in waves where I live in Melbourne, Australia. It always starts of cold – cold left over from winter – and then heats up. As we get closer to summer, we almost always have a cold wintry spell for a bit – and we’re always caught off guard 😀

    • Rusha Sams says:

      Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. Those irises are still beautiful but waning. Glad I happened upon them when I did.

      • Mabel Kwong says:

        I couldn’t tell they were waning at all, Rusha. You make a good photographer 🙂

  2. gallivance.net says:

    Rusha, what gorgeous photos! That iris is just stunning.

    We wanted to let you know that thanks to your great post on Fat Mama’s we went there for lunch last week. Wow, it was great! So we’ve written a post thanking you and sending folks your way. It will be published tomorrow, May 8, 2014. Thanks again for this wonderful post and recommendation. 🙂

    All the best, Terri & James

    • Rusha Sams says:

      Wow! Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the restaurant — and I know you got plenty to eat. Portions were generous! Best wishes for continued great travels. Don’t you just love the South?

      • gallivance.net says:

        Here’s the link to the post Rusha. Thanks again for the great recommendation. ~Terri

        http://gallivance.net/2014/05/08/knocked-naked-in-natchez-at-fat-mamas/

  3. suzjones says:

    I love irises. Such a lovely photo you have shared.

    • Rusha Sams says:

      Thanks. I love irises, too. In fact, my friend offered to dig up some of those white ones in the photo and share with me, so I’m looking for a place to plant them. Next spring might be even prettier!

  4. Gale Pettit says:

    Beautiful pictures and beautiful granddaughter…… I love your blog

    • Rusha Sams says:

      You are so kind, Gale. I love my granddaughter, too. She puts a spring in my step, for sure. And now that she can fly on that scooter, I’m panting to keep up with her!

  5. NW Frame of Mind says:

    Great photos, Rusha! I’ve never seen an Iris in this shade of peach before, it’s lovely!

  6. Amy says:

    Wonderful, uplifting spring post, Rusha! Love the smile of your granddaughter. 🙂

    • Rusha Sams says:

      I do, too. If I could just have spring and fall, I’d be happy. But then we couldn’t build snowmen or sand castles. Let me rethink that statement! Thanks for visiting!

  7. LuAnn says:

    No better way to reenergize than experiencing nature in spring! I know how your beautiful granddaughter feels as I just bought a new bike and I feel like a kid again! 🙂

    • Rusha Sams says:

      Good for you — buying that bike! I’m not sure I could ride for long without toppling off! Spring does give me renewed energy, however. We’re headed to a local nursery to get flats of begonias. Hope that energy holds out!

  8. Kimberley Thomas says:

    Nothing says springtime quite like helmets and knee pads! Loved the thumbs-up photo of your granddaughter, Rusha!

    • Rusha Sams says:

      And wouldn’t Disney be proud that I’m showing off their Princess line of safety stuff!!! Thanks so much for reading/commenting!

  9. foreignsanctuary says:

    I love spring and all the beauty it brings! The flower pic is so lovely!

    • Rusha Sams says:

      Thanks so much. I only had my iPhone with me, but the picture turned out pretty well anyway. Appreciate the comment!

  10. peteallman says:

    A beautiful and uplifting feeling with nature. Pete Allman.

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