Friday Photo Finish: Bird of Paradise

“The forest is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence that makes no demands for its sustenance and extends generously the products of its life and activity; it affords protection to all beings, offering shade even to the axe-man who destroys it.” attributed to The Buddha

Thanks to my much treasured friend, Mick B. for this wonderful quote. It reminds me also of the visions of a generous nature sharing often stunning beauty amid the dreck of city life: the intrusive metal posts and gates with their rusty chains; the garbage, dust and dirt; the sometimes awkward or sterile architectures housing human beings boxed and stacked twelve or more stories high.

This lush and colorful bird of paradise is thriving in the squalor of a bank parking lot alongside some smelly dumpsters belonging to the bank’s neighbor, a pizzeria.

(c) 2015, Jamie Dedes, All rights reserved — *(c) 2015, photograph, Jamie Dedes, All rights reserved*

14 Comments

Kenny says:

February 17, 2015 at 2:03 pm

What kind of alien world did that plant come from ? Truly stunning nice presentation !

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1. Jamie Dedes says:
  
  March 3, 2015 at 5:06 pm
  
  No idea of its origins. It is common hereabouts. (San Francisco Bay Area.)
  
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  1. Kenny says:
    
    March 4, 2015 at 9:52 am
    
    Thanks it’s a great find
    
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Water Over Fire says:

February 2, 2015 at 2:38 am

Wonderful, Jamie. Nature blooming in the urban jungle — you found the yin to the yang.

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tigerbrite says:

January 8, 2015 at 4:53 am

Stunning photo Jamie. Such beauty in amongst the trash and concrete.

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Sharmishtha Basu says:

January 5, 2015 at 9:29 pm

What a flower!

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dragonkatet says:

January 4, 2015 at 11:32 am

What a stunning photo, Jamie! I enjoyed the quote, as well. I love coming across unexpected natural beauty in places like the concrete jungle. Even a small weed flower growing in a sidewalk crack is enough to remind us that Gaia will always find a way. 🙂

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ManicDdaily says:

January 3, 2015 at 3:37 pm

Love the quote also, Jamie–and crazy photo–I’m sure you’ve doctored it but so vibrant. Also, I loved visiting your other poems–particularly the first one–well all, but the sense of loss so palpable and the wish to somehow assist quite beautiful. Thanks. k. (PS HAPPY NEW YEAR!)

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1. Jamie Dedes says:
  
  January 3, 2015 at 3:40 pm
  
  Thank you, k. I just intensified the exposure a bit. It was actually moving toward dusk, which I’ve found perfect for capturing flowers. Their color pops and doesn’t fade at that time of day. Interestingly, on the hand, I’ve found that photograph the pond or ocean works best around noon. ??? !!! So much to learn, eh? Happy New Year. Keep those fab poems and elephants coming.
  
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  1. ManicDdaily says:
    
    January 3, 2015 at 3:42 pm
    
    Ha–thanks. You are very kind. k.
    
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mairmusic says:

January 2, 2015 at 12:45 pm

Great photo! and v.cool musing.

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slpmartin says:

January 2, 2015 at 7:52 am

A good thought to begin the year.

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Gretchen Del Rio says:

January 2, 2015 at 7:42 am

These are truly spectacular plants in their perfection.

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creatingpaths says:

January 2, 2015 at 5:00 am

Nature will survive. Great post.

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