I didn't get any pictures of Texas bluebonnets this year, so I offer you some English bluebells instead.
They are not at all the same thing, but they do belong in the very small category of blue flowers.
Rarer that you might think.
I have lots of thoughts about my Texas trip (which seems about as substantial as a dream now) . . . the Royal Wedding tea party that my daughter is hosting tomorrow . . . the new class that I am teaching . . . all of the books I have read in the past month . . . and whoopie pies with clotted cream and strawberry jam. These thoughts are Wordsworthian, though -- and I require a bit more tranquility (rather scarce at the moment) to bring them forth.
But how's this for immediacy?
I was in this bluebell wood just an hour ago.
The sun was low in the trees, and there was a fragrant chill in the air -- an indescribable smell -- that is somehow the very essence of English spring.
I never saw bluebells when I was a child, and yet I perfectly understand Anne Bronte's description of them as a fairy gift.
O, that lone flower recalled to me
My happy childhood's hours
When bluebells seemed like fairy gifts
A prize among the flowers.
Somehow, I doubt that the blue markings on this tree mean: "Bluebells! Straight Ahead."
But I prefer to believe that is the case.
22 comments:
Beautiful pictures! And what a lovely quote from Anne Bronte. Enjoy the tea party tomorrow!
Hooray, Bee's back and with bluebells and a new banner.
I thought about making ourselves coronation chicken sandwiches and chocolate fridge cake (delish!) for tomorrow, then decided that was a royalist step too far and rather a bother, but I'll watch anyway - having studiously avoided most of the hype I'll indulge myself that much!
English/north European spring has been weirdly hot and dry, and the bluebells rather early, but I'm glad you are rejoicing in it anyway.
Blue bells, blue bonnets - fairy gifts indeed! As are all the other wonderful events and people that are surrounding you right now. A very happy spring!
Dearest Bee
so glad you are home safe
and in bluebell woods no less
yes, fond memories of wandering in the woods this time of year and picking bluebells and how floppy the stalks get too too quickly.
Am going to a tea tomorrow where I will have to take scones and wear a hat.......
Happy Royal Wedding Day
A bluebell wood is indeed one of the most beautiful wonders of nature and a joy to see.
bluebells are a central element in the childhood i know which ran alongside an england that no longer exists. the bluebells hung in a print in the main room of our home in manchester. they seemed improbable and magical and i have searched for the image ever since. one day i'll see a real bluebell wood. for now then, thankyou bee!!! steven
love the bluebells - thank you for sharing! and your books? - were there any you really enjoyed? -k.
Welcome home, Bee! I requested bluebonnets, but I’m even happier to see your gorgeous bluebells and Bronte verse. This time of year I miss living in England the most. I’d love to hear more about the books you read. I’m sure, right now, you are busy catching up after so much time away. You have been missed.
Hello Bee
Welcome back and I hope your trip to Texas was a good one! Love your bluebell pictures.
Have a great week end!
Best
Tracy :)
Thank you for these magical images from your Bluebell woods! I had never read about Anne Bronte's description of that fair flower, so thank you for sharing that too!
I can't wait to hear more about whoopie pies
with clotted cream and strawberry jam! The quintessential American meets Britain's best. ;-)
What wonderful bluebells! Hope you had a great trip and we must meet up soon to catch up on all those thoughts... K x
I do so love bluebells - they seem to have been particularly wonderful this year too.
I love bluebells!
Thanks for rushing us the bluebells, Bee. They're around for too short a time!
BEE IS IN THE HOUUUUUUUUUSE!
On behalf of the blogging community, I hereby accept your offer of a bluebell forest walk as a token of your penitence for depriving us of your blog presence.
So say we all.
I do love your post on bluebells. It is the one plant
I could not manage to grow here. I grew up living in a house at the foot of Hengistbury Head, in Southbourne, GB, where bluebells dominated the scene. I do miss them. Thank you, Bee.
A bonny blue bell of a post. Thanks for setting the record straight. I, for one, get them turned around in my head.
that last shot of the bluebell grove is simply glorious.
thank you so for the book list! -k.
I always come here to read your beautiful writing... but your photos are so enchanting, too! Thank you! Reading this post makes me feel like I've just walked a path with magical fairies!
Welcome home, Bee... The bluebells and lovely new banner are treats to find here. We ate tea & scones while watching the Wedding on TV...*swoon*... :o)
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