Soft colors

trees, originally uploaded by jahansell.

This time of year, it's all about the soft grays and greens, punctuated by the bright blooms of the spring-flowering bulbs. I'm interested in exploring some new aesthetics in my photography - less about sharpness and contrast and more about mood and subtlety.

The heartbreak of springtime

pansies, originally uploaded by jahansell.

Driving up Route 41 yesterday to Canaan (to get my fingerprints taken at the police barracks!) I passed a sign on the Salisbury Garden Center saying "Pansies are In!" I wait eagerly every year for the pansies so stopped in on my way back south to pick up a flat.

I tried to start some myself this year but neither they, nor anything else I have going in my basement, have sprouted. This has never happened to me before! Fresh seed, fresh potting mix, new flats (so no bacteria) regular watering...no heat, and maybe my lights are getting old...can't think of any other reason why they haven't sprouted.

Yesterday the forecast said, high 50's and sunny. Instead, it was mid-40's, cloudy and rainy. Heartbreaking! Yet the crocuses in our garden are glowing, a few daffodils have popped open, and these pansies...heartbreakingly beautiful, aren't they?