This week, Amy has chosen the Colors of April as the theme for our Lens-Artists Photo Challenge. Here in our garden I mostly associate April with pink, blue and yellow although there are one or two other colors that appear here and there.
NB. Some of you may have noticed that I haven’t been posting quite as regularly and have been rather slow to respond to visits and comments, for which I apologize. For the past month or so I have been suffering from what I can only describe as some kind of severe anxiety disorder which has left me struggling to keep up with correspondence and sometimes even the common normality of life. At this time of year, when I would typically be rushing to photograph daffodils at the Morton Arboretum, tulips at Cantigny Park and Lilacs in Lombard, I can’t even drive myself to the local grocery store. The process of constantly fighting to control how I feel has sometimes left me exhausted but on the few occasions when I’ve been able to whack up the enthusiasm to get out in the garden I have managed to capture a few of the colors that April means to me. Needless to say, this has hit me like a bolt out of the blue but with the amazing support of a very understanding family, things are slowly improving. Even though I may not be on here quite as often, I hope you will stick with me until things are back to full strength. Thank you for your patience.
The Nature of Things 
Hope things continue to improve for you. Take care.
Thank you so much, Sandy!
Colours of spring….beautiful, Sue!! Take care…
Many thanks, Indira! Your cosmos flower pictures really brightened my day.
Sue, I’m so sorry to hear about the anxiety. I’ve noticed myself, on a much smaller scale, that I now get anxious whenever I have to leave our island – especially if I’m going somewhere I’ve not been before. Hang in there, I’m sure it is related to the COVID situation and coming out of such a long lockdown. I don’t mean to minimize your situation as I’m sure it’s much more difficult, just want you to know you’re not alone.Your flowers are beautiful – what is the green plant with the red flowers hanging from it? Never seen that one before. Feel better soon, we’ll be watching for you!
Thank you so much, Tina! I’m sure the whole COVID thing proved to be the proverbial ‘straw’ but hopefully things will improve soon. The red flower is a Crown Imperial which, in our garden, struggles to put forth a flower every spring. At least it tries, which is all one can ask.
Sue, your garden is always impressive, and your courage and vulnerability impress me today as well. Thanks for asking for our patience, for stating your challenges and your intentions. I hear you and support you caring for yourself in the best possible way. Sending hugs and smiles and friendship! Priscilla
Thanks you so much for your kind words, Scilla. They are very much appreciated and mean a lot to me.
Really sorry to read that you have felt anxious and tired out- I do think Covid has had a negative effect on all our mental health. Just take life slowly and enjoy the colour of all these beautiful spring flowers and the love of your family. I’m sure your posts will help many others who may be struggling with the same issues you’ve had. Seeing your wonderful photos will encourage others to try to get out and visit their gardens. Take care of yourself and spend your energies getting better…not replying to comments.
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, Marianne. The process of finding professional help has been a slow and frustrating one but I hope to begin therapy soon. Meanwhile, I’m grateful for two good days in a row and try to make the most of them. The garden is blooming nicely although it’s still rather chilly and we had a light dusting of snow the other day but I’m sure the days will get warmer as we go along.
Thank you Sue. Good news about the therapy- it’s always positive to have something to look forward to and focus on. We’ve had frosty mornings and sunny days but nothing stops Mrs Nature and the spring flowers are surviving and bringing enjoyment…the world over!
Lovely! 😊
Thank you, Irene!
Sorry to hear about your anxiety, Sue – but I must report I am not OK either. And I think there are many of us – covid is a big culprit, I am sure. I don’t feel like leaving my home much, and I have lost interest in my photography…and almost everything I normally love to do…Know that your photos are colourful and lovely, and that I hope you will feel better soon. I am not so sure I can start traveling again. I have…lost it.
Many hugs and love from me.
Thank you so much, Ann-Christine!
♥
Beautiful April colors 🙂 Love all those daffodils
Many thanks for stopping by.
These are beautiful colors and flowers of spring. I love it. So sorry to hear about your anxiety. I had the similiar problem and had to deal with insomnia… It took me a while to get back to normal. Hope you’ll feel better soon.
Many thanks, Amy!
I am very sorry to hear about your struggles. I hope that spring will bring you some comfort.
Many thanks, Tom. It’s proving to be a long process and recurring bouts of vertigo are not helping but hopefully things will eventually get back to normal.
Vertigo is no fun at all. I had a small attack not long ago and it gave me a big fright.
Beautiful collection, Sue!!
Thank you so much, Jyothi.
How kind of you to still manage to post these lovely photos of flowers in various colours which I’ve much enjoyed as you’d expect! I’m always glad when I see a photo-post from you in my feed Sue, and I send you much love from here in NZ! Hugs xx
Thank you so much, Liz!
Beautiful collection, and lots of (hugs).
Many thanks,Lily!
Sue, am sending a hug to you from Australia. Nothing seems steady at the moment. Plus you have also had great upheaval in your garden which must knock the stuffing out of you.
Same here with the anxiety. Like Ann-Christine, I have lost all interest in my photography. I try to hide it but … I have found mint and chocolate ice-cream works a real treat. Just a small one. It does wonders for the endorphins. Your flower photos are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Tracy.
Beautiful flowers! Well done.
Thank you, John!
I’m bummed to hear about your emotional struggles, and am wishing you the best. However, as much as your battling inwardly, the result of your post has not changed! Beautifully stunning photos as always, refreshingly vibrant. Hoping to see more! And I hope your recovery continues!!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Chris! They are really appreciated.
So full of life… So beautiful!
Thank you for stopping by, Vivi.
Your photos certainly do not reflect your inner turmoil. They are quite vivid and beautiful. Hoping you are able to get past this soon and back to normal. Have you tried some gentle yoga or even journaling to help during this time? Just a thought.
Thank you so much for your comment, Amy! I have considered taking some yoga classes and will certainly look into it when things at the local gym return to normal.