Babs Young writes: I think sunflowers are better the older they get. These were left over at the Jordan River Arts Council and I loved the way they were aging. Color is coming to Northern Michigan maybe sooner rather than later. So I’m looking for great color this fall.
Posted in: Babs Young photos
Torch Lake Views 
Karma
September 26, 2011
I get an ominous kind of feeling from these sunflowers – rather different from the usual sunny sunflower feeling!
Gerry
September 26, 2011
I can see how that could happen. Youthful sunflowers are truly irresistible. Just remember that sunflowers can’t feed us until they go to seed . . .
Joss
September 27, 2011
I like that last comment of yours very much. ‘The sunflowers can’t feed us until they go to seed’ makes me feel much better about ageing. Autumn colour is coming early to these parts as well. I fear another hard and early winter. I saw an advertisement in a Sunday magazine for crampons yesterday. I’ve never seen that before. I’ve also never before worried about preventing yourself from slipping over in the snow. Another sign of of age, less positive than the sunflowers. (I’m going to be 50 in a few months, that’s what’s really eating me!)
Gerry
September 27, 2011
Joss, trust me on this, 50 is fine. Winter is fine. If you buy a pair of those crampons or some YakTrax you can go out and play in it. (Crampons is an unfortunate name I think.)
I’m glad you like the aging sunflower!
P.j. grath
September 27, 2011
They give me a feeling of acceptance. It’s a beautiful portrait, and the flowers look perfect in their grace–not all bold and “in your face” like young sunflowers.
Gerry
September 27, 2011
Ah, these sunflowers had their day. They waved at passing motorists, turned their faces to the sun, welcomed the bees. And now . . . “perfect in their grace.” Oh, I like that very much.
flandrumhill
September 27, 2011
I really like these. Van Gogh would have been impressed too.
Gerry
September 27, 2011
I’m glad you like them. You’re probably right about Van Gogh, too, but I don’t think he would have admitted it.
Fee
September 27, 2011
We always used to let our sunflowers go to seed, and harvest them for the hamsters (keeping a few for next years’ flowers). Dead sunflowers to us, happy munching to a hamster.
Must be almost time to start the leaf pile for hedgehog hibernation time, too. The trees are already turning.
Gerry
September 27, 2011
Right about now hibernation sounds lovely. I’d like to pull a nice leafy quilt over my ears and have a nice long nap.
uphilldowndale
September 27, 2011
Fading beauty is fine by me, it’s nature taking its course. A leafy or mossy quilt would do me just fine right now
Gerry
September 27, 2011
I’ve decided those old gold petals look like something Diaghilev’s designer would have cooked up for a tragic ballet. And I can imagine myself sinking into a mossy carpet, wrapped in my leaves, yes indeed.
Anna
September 27, 2011
Ohhhh! I really like this and I agree with Babs! It’s been awhile since I’ve photographed aged sunflowers. Really great capture!
Gerry
September 27, 2011
Hey, Anna! I had a secret suspicion that you’d like the sunflower.
Dawn
September 28, 2011
Aging is beautiful…this is another photo that could be a painting.
Gerry
September 28, 2011
And open to a variety of interpretations, depending on the life experiences a person brings to the observation. I’m endlessly absorbed by what people (including my ownself!) see in images or read into words.
Robin
September 28, 2011
This is a beautiful photo. I love the curves and gracefulness of the aging flowers.
Gerry
September 28, 2011
Thank you, Robin. I suspect that Babs has set a new standard for curvaceous grace.
Dawn
September 29, 2011
You know I came back to look at this photo again. It’s really striking. I just might have to see if I can interpret it into some sort of art project..maybe just do it in pastels. If I can find my pastels.
Gerry
September 30, 2011
It’s autumn, and our minds turn to hearty meals of all kinds. The Search for the Pastels will probably be an adventure in its own right. I can hardly wait to see your interpretation of the sunflower.