So, I went down there again for the lesser butterfly-orchid, and there it was, in full bloom. But, I could of course not resist all the others… A few weeks every year they are there for us to admire and marvel. So, here we go again. The orchid I came for this evening was the two white ones in the middle section.
To get the most out of a visit to the lesser butterfly- orchid, you should come late in the evening. The otherworldly scent can not be felt in sunshine.
This week, we’re focusing on telling a story with photos. Sometimes, if we’re lucky, we can convey a story in one image; other times we need several. For this challenge, there is a limit of 5 photos per story.
My two stories are both from last weekend. Midsummer Eve and Midsummer Day.
I believe they speak for themselves – without pictures of the young couple. Of all the games we played that day, the most precious one is catching the bridal bouquet. I don’t know about the custom in other countries, but in Sweden, catching it means you are the next one to get married!
Dancing around the maypole and playing games is always a treat for both young and old.
These pictures show Björnen sover, a singing game, used both as a round dance and a children’s song. The tune is a simplified version of the one used for Gubben Noak, published by Carl Michael Bellman, published in Songs of Fredman in 1792. According to Wikipedia, still today research hasn’t proved if Bellman wrote the tune or not. Since it became famous, the tune has been used for several different lyrics in the centuries since Bellman, including many children’s songs.
The game
Because Russia and the USSR sometimes have been called the Russian Bear the term björnen sover (”the bear sleeps”) has in Swedish sometimes referred to times in international politics when Russia has attracted less attention, but not everyone is trusting them.
So, now it is your turn to tell a story in 1 to 5 photos. The story you tell is totally up to you. Document for example an event you liked, a meal you enjoyed or a visit to a favorite place. Share a photo that conveys an emotion, and show us a memory of a place, time or person. In your post, be sure to include the Lens-Artists tag and a link to Patti’s original post.
Last week Tina invited us to share photos of Spiritual Places. A special thanks to Tina for her inspiring theme, which generated your marvelous posts. I was especially touched by the images that honored Bren, a wonderful creative artist who recently died from cancer.
Now, a special announcement. We’re very pleased to tell you that once again 5 very talented photographers have accepted our invitation to host our July “Month of Guest Hosts” here at Lens-Artists. Be sure to visit their unique sites each week as they explore the following topics:
In August, the Lens-Artists team will be back. I, Ann-Christine, will be your host on Saturday, August 5. Look for my post on Leya at noon ET. And by then, this hectic time will be over and I am free to do some inspired blogging again. In the meantime, I am hoping that your July is relaxing and filled with inspiration for the July topics!
Interested in joining the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.
We have reached the longest day this year – already. So fast the days , hours and minutes flow. Time is Unstoppable. The flowers are just beginning their parade and the birds have released their first fledglings. From now on, it will get darker for every day we open in our calender. But, for all of you down under – summer is returning!
I hope you will enjoy a walk with me to some of the wild flowers and orchids of June in Skåne. Most of them are different Dactylorhiza. Wishing a Happy Midsummer to you who celebrate, and a lovely weekend to all of you!
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.
William Blake
Tina‘s challenge this week is Spiritual Sites. ”While many associate spirituality with religion, the Oxford dictionary defines it as “relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things”, a much wider interpretation.”
Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth.
― Herman Hesse
I will post some of the most spiritual places I have visited. Starting with New Zealand and Tane Mahuta, the biggest Kauri tree left in the world. His name means ”Lord of the Forest”, and he is indeed impressive. The forest around him whispers his name.
Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without
― Siddhārtha Gautama
Lhasa, Tibet, and the Pothala Palace. Walking in silence up to the palace on those massive, worn stones, in the thin air, was overwhelming. The palace lies on a cliff, 3700 m above sea level, so you have to walk slowly. And that is the true way to register all impressions with all of your senses.
Pilgrimage is a powerful metaphor for any journey with the purpose of finding something that matters deeply to the traveler.
– Phil Cousineau
Bhutan talks to you as soon as you arrive – the Himalayas and the Dzongs, the monks, the prayer flags and the people. A pilgrimage to the Tiger’s Nest monastery is a must.
It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up.
– Eckhart Tolle
To see the sunset over the Amazon from a Kapok tree – was one of the most spiritual things that has ever happened in my life. The Amazon, the lungs of the world, and the sounds of the jungle and its inhabitants…is an unforgettable experience. We don’t know for how long we will have the Amazon with us, but I am sure that when we do everything we can to make it survive – then the Earth and our world will survive too.
In my country, the forests are, for many of us, the most spiritual places, and the churches of course. But for our Sámi people, there are also mountains, cliffs, caves and open land. Our most renowned landmark up north is Cuonjávaggi/Lapporten (the gate to Lapland). Here the Paddus nature trail leads to an old sacred Sámi area and the cliff Baddusdievva in Abisko national park. But you don’t really need to know that – you will feel the prescence of the old spirits in your body and soul when you walk.
Finally, I will echo Tina’s words:
”…remember to pay attention to your spiritual side. It will remind you of the positivity in the world when its chaos seems overwhelming.”
Welcome to join us this week and share your thoughts on spirituality and the places where it can be found. Be sure to link to Tina’s post and to use the Lens-Artists Tag for reader. Sincere thanks to Brian of Bushboy’s World for last week’s wonderful Fragments, and to you for all your creative and beautiful responses. Patti will lead next week on her lovely Pilotfish blog so be sure to check her out next Saturday. Until then, stay safe, be kind and enjoy the journey.
This little sweetie is often sitting in my field scabious in the wild part of my garden.
Leya 
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