Weekly Photo Challenge: FRESH and Travel Theme: SPRING

“See as a child sees. With freshness and acknowledgement of wonder.”

Minor White

(4 Photos)

AGAVE CLOSE-UP

Our challenge this week, as spring once again breathes new life into our longer, warmer days, is FRESH. Kiawah Spring (as highlighted by Ailsa on her challenge this week) brings nesting birds, newborn fawns, verdant green grasses and blooming blossoms. But we are right on the cusp of the season at the moment and those wonderful gifts are still a bit elusive. So this week I’ve featured instead a favorite series from last spring – a macro study of an agave plant still showing beads of water from a refreshing spring rain.

AGAVE AND FLOWERS

“Thy friendship makes us fresh.”

William Shakespeare

Agave are often thought to be members of the cactus family, I suppose because of their prickly edges. In fact, they are closer to their cousin, the aloe. Interestingly, while aloe is often used to treat skin irritation, the agave is known to cause it. A nasty case of dermititis can result from touching the juice of the plant, and its effects can be felt up to a year later. On the other hand, it is known to have been treasured as a food source for prehistoric tribes in the US southwest including the Hohokam and Navajo peoples.

AGAVE DRIP

“If art has a purpose, it is to interpret life, reproduce it in fresh visions.”

Catherine Drinker Bowen

In fact, my agave study resulted from a photo shoot with professional photographer Brenda Tharp, who inspired us take a fresh look at the beauty around us despite the rainstorm that might otherwise have spoiled our sunrise shoot. I will admit, as those who follow Travels and Trifles know, that I am not a morning person. Getting up for a sunrise shoot only to see black clouds and rain is not a combination that puts me in a happy state. But thanks to Brenda’s irrepressible good nature and excellent leadership skills, I learned the look beyond the obvious and find the gifts that the rainstorm brought to us that day.

GREEN AND YELLOW

“If you exchange one form of wisdom for another, you obtain fresh knowledge, and at the same time keep what you possessed before.”

The Talmud

Let us be thankful for the cold of winter; only because of it do we appreciate the freshness of the spring that inevitably follows. Let us also be thankful for the rainstorms of spring, which bring the freshest of her bounty. For more interpretations of the Fresh and Spring challenges, click on the links.

Tags: weekly photo challenge

100 thoughts on “Weekly Photo Challenge: FRESH and Travel Theme: SPRING”

Pingback: Fresh | My Atheist Blog
Dalo 2013 on April 3, 2015 at 7:16 pm said:

Your macro study of the agave makes me want to dust off my macro lens! I love the beads of water on the plant, and if it wasn’t morning here would enjoy these photos with a little nectar from the agave tequilana species. It was also great to hear you mention Brenda Tharp, as I went to Egypt the first time with Amer. Photography and she was one of pros ~ talented and very nice. Cheers Tina to a great weekend.

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on April 8, 2015 at 9:44 pm said:
  
  How fun that you shot with Brenda, she stayed w me while she was here and was great company. I think a bit of tequila would be a great choice from this lovely plant Randall!
  
  Reply ↓
  - Dalo 2013 on April 9, 2015 at 9:18 pm said:
    
    Nothing quite like a nice tequila ~ use to be the drink of choice during harvest season way back when… 🙂
Jim Caffrey Images on April 1, 2015 at 3:45 pm said:

Tina, these are beautiful.

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on April 8, 2015 at 9:42 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Jim
  
  Reply ↓
Madhu on March 28, 2015 at 1:53 pm said:

Fab shots Tina. Especially ‘green & yellow’

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on April 1, 2015 at 8:11 am said:
  
  Thanks Madhy!
  
  Reply ↓
Uday Narayanan on March 27, 2015 at 11:40 pm said:

Beautiful macros Tina!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on April 1, 2015 at 8:09 am said:
  
  Thanks Uday!
  
  Reply ↓
happyface313 on March 27, 2015 at 4:35 pm said:

🙂 The first pictures expresses freshness so well that I almost get goose bumps – it looks almost chilly! Beautiful! 🙂

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on April 1, 2015 at 8:10 am said:
  
  Happily we are now done with chilly and soon will be missing it as southern humidity sets in! Thanks for stopping by Happyface!
  
  Reply ↓
Pingback: Spring has Sprung in Kathmandu | rfljenksy – Practicing Simplicity
Ruth on March 24, 2015 at 2:33 pm said:

Your photo/quote pairing exemplary. Lovely photos, deep thoughts. Can’t beat it!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 24, 2015 at 9:13 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much Ruth!
  
  Reply ↓
restlessjo on March 23, 2015 at 3:57 pm said:

Incredibly imaginative shots, Tina 🙂 There’s an Abstract challenge they would be perfect for too.

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 24, 2015 at 9:07 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jo! Will check it out.
  
  Reply ↓
Vicki on March 23, 2015 at 7:50 am said:

Stunning images, Tina.
I love the 1st and 3rd images particularly. The light is just magical.

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 23, 2015 at 7:51 am said:
  
  Thank you Vicki, the light really was magical once the rain had stopped.
  
  Reply ↓
Linda Wyatt on March 23, 2015 at 7:30 am said:

You are always taking “a fresh look at th beauty around us” and making us do the same. Thanks T

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 23, 2015 at 7:50 am said:
  
  😊😊 thanks Miss Linda!
  
  Reply ↓
Iñigo Boy on March 23, 2015 at 6:04 am said:

Beautiful photos!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 23, 2015 at 7:49 am said:
  
  Thanks indigo boy!
  
  Reply ↓
Marie on March 23, 2015 at 3:40 am said:

Wonderful shots. I love the drip. I wondered what agave was. Thanks for the info as well as the beautiful pictures.

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 23, 2015 at 7:47 am said:
  
  My pleasure Marie, thanks for stopping by!
  
  Reply ↓
atureaud on March 23, 2015 at 2:49 am said:

Enthralled with the close up photos of the agave… Refreshing interpretation on the theme Tina!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 23, 2015 at 7:47 am said:
  
  Thanks Atureaud!
  
  Reply ↓
Cecilia Mary Gunther on March 22, 2015 at 9:53 pm said:

fantastic images, very abstract.. c

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 11:06 pm said:
  
  Thanks Celi – sometimes something a bit different has its own appeal, don’t you agree?!
  
  Reply ↓
deepdishlife on March 22, 2015 at 9:07 pm said:

Great closeups! And I love your Minor White quote as well! Are you a fan of his work?
Best
Leslie

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 9:27 pm said:
  
  Thanks Leslie – I’m a fan of anyone who can make a profound statement seem so simple! And yes, I admire his work, particularly his landscapes.
  
  Reply ↓
Andrew Seal on March 22, 2015 at 6:10 pm said:

Gorgeous macros Tina. I love the Shakespeare quote, which could easily apply to the virtual friendships we all make with each other through our shared love of life, love and the beauty all around us. Have a great week 🙂

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 9:18 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Andrew! Yes the virtual friendships are a lovely by-product of this whole blogging thing, and a very pleasant surprise indeed. A wonderful week to you too!
  
  Reply ↓
Grace on March 22, 2015 at 12:28 pm said:

Lovely as always, Tina! 🙂

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 9:15 pm said:
  
  Thank you Grace!
  
  Reply ↓
Amy on March 22, 2015 at 11:50 am said:

These are fabulous! Detail, texture vivid; composition striking. More macros please!!!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 8:58 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Amy – lovely compliment!!
  
  Reply ↓
Heyjude on March 22, 2015 at 11:17 am said:

Nicely detailed shots – I like the agave plant – a great structural plant. And I like spring 😀

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 8:55 pm said:
  
  Me too, and me too 🙂 Thanks Jude
  
  Reply ↓
Svetlana Grobman on March 22, 2015 at 1:39 am said:

Wonderful interpretation, Tina! Love your agave drip!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 8:51 pm said:
  
  My pleasure Svetlana, glad you enjoyed!
  
  Reply ↓
Mabel Kwong on March 22, 2015 at 12:31 am said:

Beautiful shots, Tina. Well worth the early morning call. The agave does look rather menacing with its spiky leaves, and oh dear, rub it the wrong way and you will the effects for a long time to come :O So it’s a case of “see no touch” in the presence of this plant. Happy Spring. Enjoy the warmth coming your way. We’re on the cusp of winter here in Melbourne 🙂

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 8:48 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Mable – somehow the early morning wake-up is always well worth it in the end but I still dislike the alarm at 5 !! Sorry your winter is soon to be upon you. Hopefully it’s much milder than here in the states. My area is fairly tropical so we have a bit of cold but nothing like the midwest or the northeast thank goodness!
  
  Reply ↓
loisajay on March 21, 2015 at 10:18 pm said:

So, we’ll meet up at 7 tomorrow morning for coffee and to discuss agave vs aloe? LOL! I always love all the thought you put into your posts, Tina.

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 8:31 pm said:
  
  🙂 I have a meeting at 9:00 and I’m not even happy about that hour LOL!!! Thanks Lois.
  
  Reply ↓
treesshrubs on March 21, 2015 at 9:47 pm said:

And I on the bottom of the world am relishing the coolness and fresshness of the early mornings here on the south coast of oz….beautiful pics! : )) trees

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 8:28 pm said:
  
  Enjoy your Aussie spring which I suppose we would think of as fall – oh I’m SO confused!!! Thanks for stopping by Trees 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
april kanew on March 21, 2015 at 9:22 pm said:

really refreshing & new…..just love these photos….so happy spring is finally upon us!!!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 8:25 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much April – and Happy spring to us all!!!
  
  Reply ↓
Truels on March 21, 2015 at 8:04 pm said:

Wonderful macros!!! And the first one is a super-shot – I love this spring-mini-“landscape” 😉

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 8:24 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much Truels, glad you enjoyed.
  
  Reply ↓
pattimoed on March 21, 2015 at 6:18 pm said:

Stunning shots and beautiful quotes. Thanks, Tina!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 8:21 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Patti, glad you enjoyed!
  
  Reply ↓
maamej on March 21, 2015 at 6:15 pm said:

Well all of your followers should thank Brenda because her inspiration and guidance have resulted in stunning shots. They also show the value of observing closely and fit perfectly with your first quote. I remember that feeling of the world being new and fresh & am always looking for experiences that enable me to feel it again.

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 8:16 pm said:
  
  Thanks Maamej, she was a wonderful mentor and very inspiring. I still remember many of her lessons both large and small.
  
  Reply ↓
Dina on March 21, 2015 at 5:51 pm said:

Lovely, lovely shots, Tina. And so well quotes and wisely worded. Welcome Spring! (Today was more a return to winter, though … 😦 ) Spring, do you hear us, please come, you’re weeeelcome.!:-)

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 8:10 pm said:
  
  Thank you Dina! I’m happy to report that spring is here to stay where I live, but so far it’s been rather a wet one! You know what they say about April showers tho, so hopefully the flowers are sure to follow!!
  
  Reply ↓
Nurul Lubis on March 21, 2015 at 5:38 pm said:

Is it aloe vera? I am not so expert in biology.. If it is, it’s one of plants with multifunctions for health.. Nice photos, Tina..

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 8:01 pm said:
  
  Hi Nurul, no not aloe but a closely related plant. Thanks for stopping by!
  
  Reply ↓
Diane on March 21, 2015 at 5:00 pm said:

First one is my fav. Peacefully pretty monochromatic!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 7:56 pm said:
  
  Thanks Diane! It was a fun day, watery start notwithstanding!!
  
  Reply ↓
poppytump on March 21, 2015 at 3:24 pm said:

Love the personal touch in here with these lovely photos Tina … you have taken some glorious morning sunrise shots but I do appreciate it just doesn’t happen EVERY time with weather conditions ! Let’s say a big hello to Spring !

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 7:56 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Poppy – and amen/about time on greeting spring!!
  
  Reply ↓
rxfrazier on March 21, 2015 at 3:18 pm said:

Great photos and quotes – as you always have. Especially fond of the first one.

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 7:55 pm said:
  
  What a nice comment, thanks very much!
  
  Reply ↓
Jane Iwan on March 21, 2015 at 2:53 pm said:

Great post. I was especially drawn to the first one. It’s mysterious.

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 7:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jane – I liked the raindrops on that one myself.
  
  Reply ↓
norasphotos4u on March 21, 2015 at 2:50 pm said:

Love the green/yellow one. I agree with you on the season change – each one ushers in another with it’s own beauty

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 7:52 pm said:
  
  Thanks Nora – my favorite also 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
Chillbrook on March 21, 2015 at 12:47 pm said:

Lovely photos Tina. It is indeed because of the winter we can appreciate the spring. It’s been glorious here in the UK the last few days.. may it continue! 🙂

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 7:51 pm said:
  
  May it continue indeed Adrian. I think winter is finally finished, at least where I live and hopefully for you too.
  
  Reply ↓
Amy on March 21, 2015 at 12:37 pm said:

Great photos, Tina! Love the angles of these photos. Very cool!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 7:40 pm said:
  
  Thanks Amy, glad you enjoyed this one.
  
  Reply ↓
dogear6 on March 21, 2015 at 12:20 pm said:

You did good – the pictures all turned out great! Richmond is also on the cusp of spring and I need to get my post finished from last weekend’s shoot before the trees all leaf out!

Nancy

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 7:39 pm said:
  
  Thanks Nancy! It was a really good lesson in turning lemons into lemonade 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
thephotoseye on March 21, 2015 at 12:02 pm said:

These are fabulous! I especially live the first two shots -Agave close-up and flowers – they have a very abstract look. I actually love to shoot in the rain – and after – and the cloudier the better. I have attempted with camera in one hand and umbrella in the other – a true balancing act – I also try to balance the umbrella on my head – sounds crazy but it worked a few times. Rain and clouds can be very wonderful!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 7:33 pm said:
  
  I agree Debby, I love shots in the rain, especially abstracts near the water. But not when I’ve awakened at 5 to catch a sunrise! You can make great rain shots ANY time – I’d have preferred to have slept a bit longer 😄
  
  Reply ↓
tgeriatrix on March 21, 2015 at 11:40 am said:

Greats pics!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 7:31 pm said:
  
  Many thanks!
  
  Reply ↓
robert20359 on March 21, 2015 at 11:33 am said:

hi tina, love how you have implemented the theme.

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 7:29 pm said:
  
  Thank you Robert – appreciate your visit and comment.
  
  Reply ↓
lensandpensbysally on March 21, 2015 at 11:27 am said:

Nicely captured close ups of a succulent that intrigues.

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 7:28 pm said:
  
  Thanks Sally – yes, a most interesting specimen.
  
  Reply ↓
photobyjohnbo on March 21, 2015 at 11:26 am said:

When we first came to Arizona, there was a beautiful agave in our front yard. After a couple of years, it developed this huge stalk. At that point, our landscaper promptly pulled the plant. It was then I learned of the plant’s life cycle. Like a salmon, it puts everything into that last burst of reproductive energy and then passes.
Beautiful images of mother nature’s handiwork.

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 7:22 pm said:
  
  Yes, I learned that exactly sequence (including the landscaper’s actions) from my brother at his home outside of Phoenix. He had 3 beautiful Agave that sprouted gloriously and then died. What a sad ending they have. Just when they get glorious they are at the end. Sigh.
  
  Reply ↓
sustainabilitea on March 21, 2015 at 11:02 am said:

Marvelous macros or clever close-ups, whichever you prefer, or both, Tina. I love mornings, so I have lots of morning shots. But it IS worth is every so often to either get up early or simply go out at a different time, as so much more than the time is different.

janet

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 6:02 pm said:
  
  I agree Janet – I hate the getting up and out part but the light is so wonderful and so different in the early morning. Sunsets are a bit easier for me 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
Mary on March 21, 2015 at 10:27 am said:

Love all those!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 5:59 pm said:
  
  Thanks Mary!
  
  Reply ↓
Jane Lurie on March 21, 2015 at 10:26 am said:

Beautiful close-ups, Tina. I’ve always liked the green and yellow agave “V”.

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 5:57 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jane – I suppose that would make it AgaVe 😄
  
  Reply ↓
sweetykannoth on March 21, 2015 at 10:25 am said:

Beautiful !

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 5:52 pm said:
  
  Many thanks!
  
  Reply ↓
Frank on March 21, 2015 at 10:24 am said:

Yes spring, as I sit here on the first day of spring with 4″ of fresh snow on the ground! Driving range still not open and we leave for Phoenix on Wed.

Sent from my iPhone

>

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 5:50 pm said:
  
  Oh my, hopefully it’s the last of the snow and when you return from Phoenix spring will be well underway!
  
  Reply ↓
Stefano Scheda on March 21, 2015 at 10:24 am said:

Great close-ups, Tina!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 5:49 pm said:
  
  Thanks Stefano!
  
  Reply ↓
thirdeyemom on March 21, 2015 at 10:21 am said:

These are stunning Tina!

Reply ↓
- Tina Schell on March 22, 2015 at 5:47 pm said:
  
  Thanks Nicole!
  
  Reply ↓