Wednesday is the beginning of a new year, 2025 to be exact.  Cultures around the globe celebrate the new year in many ways and on different dates but the idea is the same.  It is a time humans set aside for rebirth and renewal, and to evaluate our lives.  White lilies, such as the ones below, are said to represent rebirth.  The idea of many petals making a whole image,  photographically, appeals to me.

lilies color 2 2024

lilies color 3 2024

lilies color 1 2024

Black and white photography does justice to lilies in its own way.

lilies black and white 2024

America and the world lost an extraordinary human being yesterday.  Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died at the age of 100.  Despite what many think of the job he did as president, he was one of the very few politicians in my lifetime who had a true, solid, and unwavering moral compass.  He loved people of every stripe and did more after his one term as president than any other president has done, building houses for those in need through Habitat for Humanity, and serving as a statesman around the world.  He and he wife, Rosalyn, were a team and force to be reckoned with when it came to caring for those in need.  The quote below from Carter himself says volumes.

"The test of a government is not how popular it is with the powerful and privileged few, but how honestly and fairly it deals with the many who must depend on it." 

And while we contemplate the new year, words from writer Kurt Vonnegut in Breakfast of Champions, also ring true.

"We are healthy only to the extent that our ideas are humane."  

Thanks to all of you who continue to follow my blog, and comment on it, including Barbara F. R., Carolyn, Tim, Claudia, Ann & Tomas, Catherine, Terry T., Marilyn G., Ingrid, Steve, and Jean and Sam.  May 2025 be a year of gathering with friends and family, and cherishing life and our planet.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image©