Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Two words: matilija poppies


These majestic flowers only bloom for a short while between May and June. Native to the area, they can be found in the wild beside creek beds and washes, where they often reach a height of 8 feet tall. You don't see that many around town, but when you do, they're usually growing beside fences and walls. Yesterday, I saw a huge cluster of matilija blooming wild beside the freeway off ramp in Montecito.

I've heard the poppies described as everything from Dr.Suess cartoons to fried eggs. But to me, they appear angelic, with their large, crepe paper petals, bright white and fluttering in the breeze.



20 comments:

  1. Hi Anitra-

    What beautiful photos as usual. To me, the shot of the poppies with the mountains and clear blue sky in the background represent a picture of hope that brighter days are ahead. Also what a nice shot of you in front of the poppies. "Paging Marc Breslow!" =)

    Regards,

    Joseph

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  2. Hi Joseph,

    Nice to hear from you. Glad you like the photos, and that you see hope in the one on the left. Your Marc Breslow comment makes me smile.

    My Regards, ~ Aneet

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  3. Anitra,

    I totally agree with Joseph!! That photo is gorgeous and definitely gives us hope!! I'm sure I've said it before, but it's so nice to see that there is still so much beauty in the world...including the photo of you!! You are as beautiful as ever!! And that is definitely a TPiR pose!!

    Thanks for making me smile!!
    Mark

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  4. Mark, hello,

    Lovely to hear from you. It makes me happy to think that some of the beauty I see reaches others. Thank you for your kind words, Mark. I think those TPIR poses are now part of my DNA :)

    Sending good wishes your way, ~ Aneet

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  5. Good Mooooorning Aneet!

    TWO WORDS: BEAUTIFUL AND (Even More)BEAUTIFUL!

    Yes, that's MY title in response to yours. I agree with Joseph and Mark. Pictures are beautiful,but the most beautiful is the one of you! I can just imagine a new car behind you.

    Would love to see more shots of yourself!

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  6. Jonathan,

    So glad you like the post. Your enthusiasm makes me smile. It's also nice to receive such favorable comments on the photograph of myself. As this blog was actually an accident, I have wanted to keep it fairly generic with photos of me serving simply as spice. I've also gotten over much of that celebrity self-involvement that drives one into the limelight. The improvisational activity of creating a blog, and interacting with you who read it and respond, is a delightful experience. We shall see where it goes.

    Once again, Jonathan, lovely to hear from you, ~ Aneet

    And, oh, as I was standing next to the freeway off ramp in that photo, you came very close to seeing a new car :)

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  7. Well at least it was a new car, rather than an old Gremlin or Hornet or Vega from those early days of TPIR =). I for one am very glad you created this blog Aneet. Over the years of looking at different TPIR fan sites on line, I've discovered that you have many fans out there who, like me, greatly appreciate your work on TPIR and are greatful that you were part of a show that has brought so much enjoyment to so many people over the years. So again thank you for creating the blog, as I enjoy sharing my thoughts and reflections about your lovely photography mixed in with the occasional TPIR reference. =)

    Regards,

    Joseph

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  8. Hi Joseph,

    I'm so glad you feel that way. It works both ways; I enjoy receiving your thoughtful, interesting and informative words.

    Sincerely, ~ Aneet

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  9. Aneet,

    Sometimes the greatest things in the world come from accidents. I also must say that you completely cracked me up about almost seeing a new car off the freeway. That was great! Love your sense of humor!

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  10. Jonathan, hi,

    It's true what you say about accidents, in fact, in the larger sense, profound.

    Glad you got that new car image; you set it up so perfectly. It makes me giggle too.

    Best Wishes, ~ Aneet

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  11. Anitra,

    As I've stated to you before, I not only remember and appreciate your time on The Price is Right, but of all of your other TV/movie appearances as well. You have been a part of my life for...and I hate to say it...about 40 years and, not trying to embarrass you, have been among a handful of individuals that I have always admired and , IMO, helped to make me who I am today.

    Once you stepped out of the limelight, I often wondered over the years how you were doing, what you were doing, and hoping that you were leading a happy life. It's amazing to me that, thanks to the internet, I've been able to find you and actually communicate with you.

    And I also want to thank you for taking the time to respond to each and every comment on your blog. That is not always the case with people, and that certainly says something about the type of person you are.

    Yes, your photos are gorgeous, but it definitely would be wonderful to see more of you. And that certainly would not be being self-involved on your part. I'm sure that both of the Jonathan's and Joseph agree with me on that!!

    Mark :-)

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  12. Dear Mark,

    I don't exactly know what to say. I think it's from my years of writing poetry that I tend to take a lot of time to clarify my thoughts. So often after I write something, and particularly after I publish it, I realize that I want to say it differently, to add something, or make it more clear; and it's usually not possible with these comments.

    I'm honored by your kind words, and I remember that you're a fan of my films as well. This is a very small blog. I don't know how it will progress. It's possible that in a year, or so, it will change focus. There are times that I think I may have to cut back on my time here, or even take a sizable break, as I have a couple of pressing projects I'm working on. But at the moment, I can't bring myself to do it.

    I suppose, if the blog grew large and drew many comments, I wouldn't be able to answer all of them. but right now, the blog is simply what it is, and it surely has evolved out of your following and comments.

    I love your honesty and heart, Mark. I guess I'm not ready to be more physically present here.

    It's important for me to live life in the moment, and as they say, 'The only thing that doesn't change is change,' and so, I want to say, I truly enjoy your involvement here, and of all the other readers and viewers as well. Participating on this blog is, for me, fun, touching and insightful. I have no idea where it will lead in the future. But for today, it feels right.

    I better stop before I write a novel. Hope your lilac tree is blooming nicely.

    Sending my warm regards, ~ Aneet

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  13. I too love Matilija poppies...and this blog.

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  14. Chris,

    It's lovely to hear from you :) Thanks, ~ Aneet

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  15. Anitra,

    The lilac's are gorgeous. I walked out there as I was leaving yesterday morning and it was all I could smell. The white blossoms on the cherry tree are pretty much gone now, but withing the next month or so, we should have an abundance of cherries!!

    Do you like cherry pie?? LOL!!

    Mark :-)

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  16. Hello Mark,

    So nice to hear from you :) I so enjoy all that you share. It's lovely to hear that your lilacs are blooming (I realized that I called them trees, and I don't think that they are actually trees, but, rather, bushes or shrubs.) And the thought of their frangrance being so rich, is delightful to imagine. Living in the rainbelt has many benefits.

    Thanks for your message Mark, ~ Aneet

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  17. Hi Anitra
    I know exactly what you mean.I too live my life in the moment.It took me a long time to get there,But I'm here.I always want to participate more on this Blog,but there are not enough hours in the day anymore.Time flies by so fast,and with my Family business,My sons,traveling the world,I dont even have time to read the paper any more.I dont want to look at this blog while sitting at Airports,I want to enjoy the Art on my down time at home.but please keep it up im grateful for it peace and harmony

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  18. Roger,

    It's great to hear from you. Glad to know that you're living in the moment. I do my best, but dare say, am not always successfull.

    I looked more closely at your new photo, and it took me to your blog! Wow! That is great. I'm so impressed. I remember when you wrote that you wished you had a camera, and now you have a blog with gorgeous photos posted on it. Congratulations Roger.

    I plan to return to your blog and give it more time. I surely understand what your saying about time. And oh, I came across an old comment you made here on Joshua Tree, only you posted it on Found Art (I if I remember correctly) I answered it there and hope that you saw it. Meanwhile, I want to send you wishes for Peace and Happiness, ~ Anitra

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  19. Anitra
    Thank YOU,once again for the priveledge,of your kind words
    I hope more people can read my Blog.I will try,and write more
    about my travels as it may help people
    Take care
    Roger smith

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  20. Roger,

    The fact that you travel, take photos and share from the heart, are all things that contribute to others.

    I wish you success, ~ Aneet

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