Project Athena - Day 77 (Flowers)

Purple Coneflower

“When you contemplate the mandala you are harmonizing inside.”
— Joseph Campbell

The flower theme comes to a conclusion today and I have to say this has been one of my favorite weeks of shooting so far. It makes sense. I have been observing and studying the most amazing natural mandalas everywhere I go, for an entire week.

Yesterday, my partner asked me, "Why are you so happy this week?" I found myself at first searching for the reason. Then I realized this happiness she was observing could actually be my natural state of being and the simple act of appreciating the beauty that surrounds me has raised my vibration to its uninhibited, perfect pattern. I immediately stopped searching for the why and let the possibility that I could be happiness itself just resonate in my awareness.

Experiencing a facial expression created by turning the corners of my mouth upward ;)

Purple Coneflower  ( Echinacea purpurea)

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-55mm lens • 44mm • F/5.3 • 1/60s • ISO 400

Project Athena - Day 76 ( Flowers)

Pink Pompom

“I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and... I believe in miracles.”
— Audrey Hepburn

Tonight I was blessed with the privilege of photographing in my next door neighbor's back yard. It's more like an amazing private sanctuary of beautiful colors and soothing sounds. Thanks neighbor. for sharing your oasis.

I have always loved these pompom flowers and honestly, I had forgotten what they are til tonight. They remind me of a colorful popcorn ball and the pink ones, in particular, melt my heart.

"So, so pretty" she said in a childlike voice, understating how emotionally moved she was by its stunning beauty.

Pink Hydrangea

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 55-200mm lens • 120mm • F/4.8 • 1/100s • ISO 1600

Project Athena - Day 75 (Flowers)

The Rainbow and the Rose

After getting rained out while shooting tonight, I came home, uploaded my photos and was feeling a bit disappointed in the images I had taken. As I sat in my office, listening to the soft rain against the window, I decided that I would be happier sitting on the porch than stressing about which photo was going to make the cut for the blog tonight.

I stepped outside into a fairy tale scene with a double rainbow stretched across the sky. At first, I just took in the beauty of the vibrant colors, the sweet freshness of the moisture, and the tantalizing music of the rain. But I also knew this was my gift from Athena this day.

There as has been a mantra that has organically arisen in my habitual thoughts, "Athena always provides a picture for this endeavor because she wants me to succeed." Of course, Athena is my own true soul.

As I look back over the last 11 weeks of photographs, I can see my progress and there is a deeper realization that I am on a path that feels in complete alignment with my truest self. 

Rainbow and the Rose

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-55mm lens • 18mm • F/10 • 1/250s • ISO 400

Project Athena - Day 74 (Flowers)

Golden Rod

“The goldenrod is yellow,
The corn is turning brown,
The trees in apple orchards
With fruit are bending down.”
— Helen Hunt Jackson

This goldenrod, a shooting star with its brilliant yellow flowers radiating from its center on fingers-like branches, stood out on the trail today like a meteor shooting across the sky. So I paid attention.

When I got home, I looked up the medicinal properties of this amazing plant. Here are just a few things it can help with: reducing inflammation, diabetes, gout, high blood pressure and asthma.

Goldenrod flowers also hold many symbols – from caution to encouragement, luck to good fortune. I am receiving this particular blossom as a gift from Spirit with a message of good fortune as I venture forth in new and risky ventures. Ah-ho.

Goldenrod

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-55mm lens • 18mm • F/14 • 1/15s • ISO 200