Miracles Happen is a photograph by Connie Handscomb which was uploaded on March 18th, 2017.
Miracles Happen
To me, every hour of the light and dark is a miracle. Every cubic inch of space is a miracle.... more
Title
Miracles Happen
Artist
Connie Handscomb
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Fine Art
Description
To me, every hour of the light and dark is a miracle. Every cubic inch of space is a miracle.
~ Walt Whitman
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Cotinus coggygria ; Rhus cotinus
(Smoke bush; Smoketree)
Family : Anacardiaceae (cashew)
While the shape of the smoke bush leaf doesn't look anything at all like the sumac, the two trees really are related. And like the sumac, these shrubs are both popular for their colourful leaves. The wine-red hues of the smoke tree leaves add a wonderful contrast to surrounding greenery, which makes it a popular ornamental for landscape gardeners.
Another point of interest: this shrub is a member of the Cashew family. The Cashew family is reknowned for plants of intriguing textures and colours, of which this one certainly is!
The smoke bush is a sun loving, drought tolerant deciduous which, interestingly, has a stronger leaf colour in soil that is poor rather than nutrient-rich. One knows when it is in bloom, for it is then that the shrub becomes enveloped in a haze of slim stems atop of which are tiny blossoms.
This plant is not just another pretty face in the garden: as this plant has been used medicinally for centuries, modern scientific researchers are now exploring the numerous benefits of its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antigenotoxic, hepatroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties (eg: in Serbia, decoctions of the bark were used to treat cancer; syrups have been made for liver ailments; leaves and blossoms have also shown anti-tumour promise).
The leaves and bark are a good source of tannins (used for dyes) while the wood is used in carpentry (cabinet making; picture frames). The twigs are used in basketry.
Sources:
The International Book Of Trees [H. Johnson]
Saudi Journal Of Biological Sciences, Vol. 23, Issue 4 [July 2016]
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In spring, every new bud awakening to the sun ... every new leaf opening ... is proof that miracles in life do exist. A particular joy to me is to leave the indoors behind and venture forth to witness nature stirring in the rebirth that is springtime. Before their maturity, each tender, new leaf that sprouts forth is unblemished and dewy fresh, blushing bright with clear hues.
Captured in natural light, uncropped, unedited ... nature in all its splendour.
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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to Macro Marvels for featuring this group
Uploaded
March 18th, 2017
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Comments (29)
Michel Verhoef
I always like the different black sheep...like this red leave :) great find and such nice description too ! The Cashew I know also as a nut...one of my faves ! :)
Connie Handscomb replied:
Hello, Michel! Nice to see you! Ha .. the black sheep red leaf is a newborn; it still has time to change ... lol .. ; I was surprised to learn this was from the cashew family... a nut I like too...& almonds, pecans, pistachios, pine nuts .. what can I say, I like food! Good food! Thankyou for taking time to visit ... for reading the description, this is a long one!;))
Geraldine Scull
This is very beautifully composed and presented Connie, I love the colors also ~ l/f
Connie Handscomb replied:
A lovely comment, thankyou for your thoughtful support, Geraldine; always appreciated:))
Marsha Reeves
Your photographs are wonderful, and the well chosen titles make them extra special. l/f
Connie Handscomb replied:
Marsha, thankyou! So nice of you to say; sometimes the titles come more quickly than other times:))
Morris Finkelstein
Beautiful phootgraph with great colors, details, light and perspective, Connie! F/L
Anthony Mwangi
Amazing loveliness. just great for a tired soul! great shot!
Connie Handscomb replied:
Oh, Anthony, a lovely thing to say, thank you so much! It's nice to know this image is a great remedy!:))
Bunny Clarke
You really have an eye for composition and color! Gorgeous macro.
Connie Handscomb replied:
A lovely compliment! You've helped make my night a happy one; thank you, Bunny!;))
Will Borden
Hi Connie~~exceptionally beautiful- superb focus and a real pleasure to view!! F&L!!
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank goodness for the sunny morning I had shining onto the newborn leaf - shortly after the rains had stopped. Unlike our current situation lately; the clouds just keep weeping! Thankyou so much , Will, for your support!))
Glenn DiPaola
I wanted to go further down on the page, but this one is too nice to pass by. It demands attention. Again, excellent dof and focus. Great tones and bokeh too. Wonderful work. L/F
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thanks so much, Glenn! The new leaf colour fascinated me - so vivid next to the mature leaves. Glad it caught your eye; glad you like it :))
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