Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Flowers and Insects of Dana Point

California has always been on my list of places to visit. Thrilled to finally have the opportunity, it did not disappoint. I quickly became intoxicated with its beauty. God really anointed this part of the country with amazing flora and fauna, and spectacular views that are mesmerizing. It's hard to put into words the joy I felt being surrounded by so much radiance. As Lewis Hine said, "If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera." So, here is Part Deux of my journey:
Beautiful vases of flowers greeted us as we entered the Ritz Carlton.
This is a swanky place, y'all. Somehow I felt right at home there;
normally places like this make me nervous.
I must have 20 different angles, exposures, and focal lengths of this Bird of Paradise.
I could not stop photographing it!
Bee buried in bloom
You be my sunny day
I'll be your shade tree
You be my honeysuckle
I'll be your honey bee
(Honey Bee by Blake Shelton)
The only country song I know because he performed it on The Voice
Skipper on Calla
The bougainvillea was stunning.
I edited this with a lighter exposure because I felt the areas surrounding the bougainvillea was too distracting.
Someone please help me identify this flower! Is this some kind of verbena?
A blue-eyed bumble bee. Who knew?
I bet he's the Leo Dicaprio of the bee world.
Amaryllis, also known as the belladonna lily, the naked lady, or an amarillo.
Amaryllis means "sparkling" in Greek. In Greek mythology, Amaryllis was a shepherdess who loved a conceited shepherd. The shepherd said he would only love her back if she created a flower. In return, she stabbed herself in the heart in order to create a beautiful blossom.
The first honey bee to attempt planking.
This plant reminded me of gumdrops. I have no idea what this is called. It's some sort of succulent, I believe. Anyone? Bueller? 
Skipper
More bougainvillea. This is the location where I spotted the first hummingbird. 
Stay tuned for surfers and scenic views! Hope you all have an awesome day.

A HUGE "thank you" to Hilary at The Smitten Image for including my Double Trouble post in her Post of the Week! I am truly honored. If you do not read Hilary's blog, drop what you're doing right now and go have a look-see. That's Texan for "go check it out!" She's witty, warm, friendly, and has some amazing photography for your viewing pleasure. Thanks again!!!

18 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

these are beautiful snaps! my thought on that first unidentified bloom was maybe some sort of lantana, but i'm not expert!

Leslie said...

All great shots. You have a good eye.

the wild magnolia said...

The orange and yellow flower is Lantana.

Your photographs are amazing. I love to visit.

Michelle said...

Wow...all of these are so pretty!!!!!

Nancy said...

I also vote for Lantana. Gorgeous shots and congratulations on your photo being chosen. I'll have to check out that blog. Thanks!

Dee said...

Gorgeous pics!!

Lisa Gordon said...

Gail, these photographs are gorgeous!
Truly a photographer's paradise.
LOVE that first bougainvillea shot!

Rosemary Aubut said...

Beautiful series once again! You are on a roll, More, More!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Gail, every single image is breathtaking! I know what you mean about the Ritz. I've been lucky enough to have stayed in their hotels two different times and they totally spoil you!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! So many wonderful macros and flowers. You must have had a ball while away.

Anonymous said...

gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! again, i can't pick a favorite!! love your commentary, too.

Barbara said...

Oh, and congrats on POTW! I need to hop over there - thanks for the reminder!

hootnonny said...

Gail, these flowers make my day! Your work is impeccable! It's time for a photography show!
Did you use the big lens on these?

Hilary said...

Gorgeous photos, Gail.. just lovely. Thanks so much for the kind shout out. :)

Sara said...

Amazing macro shots, gorgeous colours!

Rosie Grey said...

Gail, these photos are stunning!! Wow! Still now eye rolling on my part ;-)

Unknown said...

Now I don't know what to say, beautiful sounds too lame I need something more powerful like freaking gorgeous:) For example amaryllis shot is amazing, it is so bright but it is not over exposed anywhere, there is tones everywhere and the picture before amaryllis...uuh it is like studio picture, I really love these.

septembermom said...

I could look at your photos all day. Beautiful, inspiring, and happiness-filled.