Knapweed Frost Blooms- East Missoula, Montana

slumbering knapweed 

a mimic of summer self

at Frost’s brush edits

-c hull

Last Best Lilacs - Missoula, Montana

"The true beloveds of this world are in their lover's eyes lilacs opening, ship lights, school bells, a landscape, remembered conversations, friends, a child's Sunday, lost voices, one's favorite suit, autumn and all seasons, memory, yes, it being the earth and water of existence, memory."

-Truman Capote (1924-1984), from Other Voices, Other Rooms

Blooming Spring Tuesday - Missoula, Montana

On any Tuesday after a holiday Monday, I must repeatedly remind my self, "Self, today is Tuesday, not Monday..." 
And oh, what a glorious Tuesday it's turned out to be! 
Off I go into the lingering sunshine!

Summer Whites - Missoula, Montana

"I used to be Snow White, 
but I drifted."

- Mae West (1893-1980)

Lilies Blooming Where Transplanted - Missoula, Montana

In the last several years before my mum died, she shared lily and fritillaria bulbs to plant in the garden at my little Hamilton town cottage, where they still bloom gloriously and faithfully. After my move full-time to Missoula, Montana, several years back, I transplanted some of those bulbs to our Missoula yard, and then watched nervously each subsequent spring to see if they survived.  Yesterday, we were delighted to see the first lily blooms since the replanting. (Well, at least I was delighted; The Best Husband Ever was intent on washing our cars; his key observation was, "You better finish taking pictures now and move, or you're going to get wet.") 
This August marks ten years since my mum was herself transplanted, shall we say, to enjoy the beauties in Heaven's gardens. My heart is happy to again see in my front yard these living, blooming reminders of her gracious and giving nature. 

Brave Crocus - Missoula, Montana

"Fair-handed Spring unbosoms every Grace; throws out the Snowdrop and the Crocus first." - from Spring Flowers by James Thomson (1700-1748)

Downtown Flowers - Missoula, Montana

More evening strolling found me admiring downtown Missoula's most gorgeous flower display. Created in a blah boulevard by the entirely volunteer efforts of a local street vendor, this curbside garden continues to flourish, and has also inspired floral improvements on other corners. Hurrah for such a vibrant reminder that the positive actions of one person can change the view for so many others!

Wildweeds Bloom - Missoula, Montana

These wildweeds have progressively bloomed along my lunchtime walk route for the past couple of weeks. The float and shift of seeming whitecaps in a hovering-shimmer sea of anchored green stems draws the eye, compelling me to (finally!) stop for a photo.

Bright Whites - Missoula, Montana

"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." - E. B. White (1899-1985)

April Snow - Missoula, Montana

Ahh, spring in Montana!
Just as blossoms lull to thinking it's really time to put away the winter hats, we wake to an April skiff of snow.
Always a surprise, ever a delight.

Petite Meadow Flowers, Missoula, Montana

Earlier this week we enjoyed the layered delight of a perfect summer evening: friends you count as family, a cooling breeze to temper the heat, laughing dogs and children, tri-tip barbecue-roasted by a master, and un-birthday cake. It doesn’t get any better, and for all these blessings, I am truly thankful.
 
After the cake-and-ice-cream course, we walked up the little hill meadow. 
Waving atop thigh-high grass stems, these petite blooms glowed in the evening sunlight, each cluster no bigger than the end of my thumb. 
Ahh, the grace notes of life, waiting to impart subtle sweetness, if we but notice.