Monday, July 7, 2014

Only in Bucks County: Flags and Flowers

I've always loved the Fourth of July.
Not necessarily attending the fireworks or the parades, but more the anticipation of the parades and fireworks. Dreaming up desserts to be made with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries and whipped cream, being outside in the sun-warmed grass and clover, and the thought of America pulling together for the day. 
Independence Day is also a favorite time of year visually.
July sunsets are spectacular, and gardens are in full bloom. Fruit bushes are bursting with blueberries and black raspberries, and I absolutely love the color combination of red, white and blue. 
I've always been thrilled by the sight of a flag, even just a tiny paper flag on a wooden stick topping a vanilla cupcake, or a miniature one being carried by a child in a parade.



I love the white stars against a backdrop of navy blue. 
I love seeing the red and white stripes of the flag waving behind rows of powder blue hydrangeas.
I love seeing flags lined along a white picket fence, contrasting with green grass and orange tiger lilies. 
It is exciting to spot a huge American flag hung across the front of a barn, but also exciting to see a flag hanging above the the doorway of a pastel painted home.
It is such a grand icon. 
Patriotic, yes; but there is something about a red, white and blue flag placed in a bed of roses or planted amidst a raspberry bush, that to me, is also the embodiment of summer. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                                       New Hope, PA
 

                                   
                          Newtown, PA
 
 
 
 
                                              
 
                                                                                   
 
Yardley, PA
 
 
                         
 
 
 
 
                                                                    

Newtown, PA
 
"And she's getting threadbare and she's wearing thin
But she's in good shape for the shape she's in
Cause she's been through the fire before
And I believe she can take a whole lot more
So we raise her up every morning, we take her down every night
We don't let her touch the ground and we fold her up right
On second thought, I do like to brag
'Cause I'm mighty proud of the Ragged Old Flag."
 
~Johnny Cash, Ragged Old Flag 
 
 
 
July 4, 2014

 
 
 

2 comments:

  1. Elisa! You are so good at this but I'm not surprised because you were always a great writer and the best artist. I love seeing your pictures of Bucks County and I like how you always find a great quote for the end of your entry. I'm really glad we got to catch up and hopefully I'll come see you soon. Love, Lina

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  2. Your blog is tremendous. You know my background in fine arts and I speak with authority when I say your photos, writing and presentation are amazing.


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