Lens-Artist Photo Challenge: Weather

Pat

February 16

The weather changes drastically and frequently in Michigan. In spring there are frequent storms, and this photo shows the dark sky moving off to the south as the sun is beginning to illuminate the bright green winter wheat and new leaves of Spring.

I remember when this photo was taken. I had gone out for a morning photo outing and thinking that maybe I should have stayed home when all of a sudden this photo opportunity opened up. I tried to capture the surprise of seeing the bright green spring contrasted against the frightening threat of a very dark sky.

In Michigan it doesn't take long for Spring days to turn into the hot sunny Summer days that produce wildflowers along country roads.

I am drawn to wildflowers and sometimes try to capture the essence of a wild bouquet, formed only by nature's pollinators and the weather that drives the cycles of nature in temperate climates.

At other times I am drawn by an emotional need to capture the beauty of individual flowers apart from the ecosystem in which they grow. But even as I focus on the individual flower, I am aware of the environment that allowed this one flower to flourish in this particular place. I rejoice in all of the protected areas in my corners of the world but am burdened when I think of what we have done through the years in the name of progress; how we have polluted the environment and have changed the weather patterns so much that many plants and animals are becoming extinct.

The weather in summer brings plants and flowers through their full cycle so that in July and August fruits and seeds are produced so that the life of these plants can hopefully be repeated, if environmental conditions are conducive.

This is the time of decedent enjoyment of fruits and vegetables from farm markets dotting the country-side, like red peppers for the red-pepper jelly I love to make and eat.

The weather in Michigan during the Fall months turns a bit nippy, especially in the early morning before the warmth of the sun can chase away the nighttime cold. The cooler weather is tempered by the warmth of the fall color as leaves stop producing chlorophyl and change to brilliant reds, yellows and oranges.

Soon the weather changes to winter and our woods are without leaves and the fields are barren until they dry enough in spring to plow and plant again. During the long period of shortened days, grey skies, and cold winds, the memories of seasons past help us hold faith that once again the land will show signs of life and become productive. With each new season comes new experiences of weather changes.

Except in southern Florida where seasons don't seem to change the weather much except summer is hotter and wetter. And in my winters in Florida I can gaze at cloud patterns reflected on blue water, creating an abstraction of weather and life.

Thanks to Anne for this week's wonderful and challenging challenge to express weather in photographs. There is still time for you to post a photo or two.