Author: patricia emerson mitchell

I'm a photographer and professional musician (oboe and English horn). I'm also a wife, mom and drinker of coffee. I attempt to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with my God.
Floral Photography, tulips

The Before Time

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Yesterday I hit a wall. Part of the reason has to do, I think, with something good which I might write about later, but I believe, too, that the month of March is just a difficult month for oh so many of us. This is the month when All Things Changed. By March 5 I had already marked my final performance (March 1), and a year ago tomorrow will be our final restaurant outing (Absinthe in San Francisco) and concert attended (San Francisco Symphony doing Mahler 6). So it’s just a tough time, and I know it’s even harder for others who have lost so much more than being able to freely wander.

And still we go on. Things will improve. It might take longer than any of us want, but surely they will improve in God’s own time.

Meanwhile … have something made a year ago today. When I was maskless and had absolutely no idea what we were in for, even while knowing we were in for some changes.

Yellow & Orange Tulip, 3.5.20

Floral Photography, Neighborhood Walk

Walking with a Camera

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In the past I couldn’t have imagined going on a walk without my camera, but Covid changed that. For some reason Covid caused me to be less interested in photography. The times I did take the camera with me I found people weren’t as careful about the six feet of distance: if I was down on the ground I guess they thought it didn’t matter if they walked right by me. I found it uncomfortable to even try to shoot things.

This week, though, I was determined to use it at least once. So both Monday and Tuesday I took it with me. I had forgotten the weight that adds to my travels, and I walk slower as well, but I forced myself to shoot at least a few things. It was breezy, so it was a challenge to get anything in focus at all. Here’ s a shot from Monday.

Anemone coronaria, 3.1.21

Roses, San Jose Heritage Rose Garden

The Roses I Like

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I’ve had some folks puzzle over why I like certain roses. Koko Loco is one favorite of mine, and a friend says it just looks dirty to her, as the color is somewhat brown before it turns to a lavender. I also enjoy Hot Cocoa, which can have a bit of brown in it as well … guess I like that tint!

This one below, Sheila Macqueen, is another I adore. It can come in a variety of shades, and the first time I saw it the blooms were quite green. I adore green flowers! Here you see it with tinges of green, but also (clearly) other colors.

Sheila Macqueen was a flower arranger, and arranged the flowers for both the coronation and wedding of Queen Elizabeth II, as well as designing flower arrangements for the wedding reception of Prince Charles to Princess Diana. She also authored flower arranging books, all of which appear to now be out of print. At some point I read that she wasn’t well respected by some, but I can’t seem to find that article online now. I think she was too old fashioned for some.

Sheila Macqueen Rose, 5.8.17