THE JOY OF SUNFLOWERS
This photo shows Heather and Stacey—two young women from Irmo, South Carolina—smiling in a field of beautiful sunflowers in Tuscany. It’s one of my favorite pictures from the trip Heather and Patrick made to Italy with a group of friends—including Julia (later to marry Patrick!), Stacey, Dave and others. I was reminded of this photo recently when a straggly plant beside a neighborhood’s mailbox kept growing like Jack’s beanstalk. Week after week I drove past it and wondered what it was. A few days ago two sunflower blooms appeared—mystery solved. However, it’s an image of scarcity—whereas this field in Tuscany has an abundance of sunflowers. I’m sure Heather and Stacey were very hot standing in that field of sticky plants with insects swarming. Ah, but it’s a lovely shot!
On August 21, 2017, Nashville was in the path of totality for the total solar eclipse. To celebrate with all the grandchildren, I got a galaxy patterned tablecloth, a vase of sunflowers and made special eclipse cupcakes. This photo taken that morning picked up a bright reflection from a glass platter on the table which eerily resembled the eclipse!
My favorite artist is Vincent Van Gogh and he certainly had an affinity for sunflowers. He created at least five versions of his famous Sunflowers painting. These bright flowers seem to be heralds of joy and warmth.
Seeing a story 