“No one knows what causes an outer landscape to become an inner one.” – Margaret Atwood
The drive between Dallas and Austin is filled with roadside bluebonnets right now. Get out and go see them. — Photo by Pat Bean
Catch ‘em While You Can
I drove from Dallas to Austin this past Thursday to attend the Story Circle Network’s Stories from the Heart memoir conference. The bluebonnets alongside the road on my I-35 and toll road 130 route were magnificent.
Up close and personal with Texas’ state flower.
On Sunday, after a fantastic few days of association with like-minded writer women, I made the return trip — and the bluebonnets were even more abundant and just as magnificent.
How could anyone not like bluebonnets?
They were named bluebonnets because someone thought they looked like the bonnets worn by pioneer women.
Texas’ singing cowboy “Pappy” O’Daniel, who became governor of the state when I was 2 years old, sang: “you may be on the plains or the mountains or down where the sea breezes blow, but bluebonnets are one of the prime factors that make the state the most beautiful land that we know.”
The Indian paintbrush blossoms along side Texas highways aren’t too shabby either. — Photo by Pat Bean
Did you catch that Texas pride there? I have to admit it’s something I share.
If you were a native Texan, like me, and saw the fields of bluebonnets I’ve seen this past week, you would understand. .
This is a really good year for bluebonnets, which require special conditions of rain, sun and cold, to bloom at their best. But the fields of blue are short-lived.
So if you can, catch them soon.
The Wondering-Wanderer’s blog pick of the day.
Bean Pat: Not Yet There http://tinyurl.com/k243py5 This is one of my favorite bloggers, and this month Red Jim is writing poetry daily because it’s National Poetry Month.
Pat Bean's blog 
Hi Pat, I am not Texan, but my mom was. Though she lived most of her adult life in New England, she missed Texas hill country and had a deep, lifelong love of bluebonnets.
You came from good stock Bob, says this native Texan who now lives in Arizona. The truth is that everywhere I’ve traveled I’ve found beauty. We are truly blessed to live on this planet.
Love bluebonnets and loved seeing you, dear Pat. On the road again! Hugs.
I think you have the most beautiful smile in the world Len. Thanks for all the hugs.
That field of flowers is really beautiful. What a sight it must be to see them.
Thanks Colline I wish you could.
I managed to see a few smaller fields of bluebonnets before I left San Antonio late last week. They, along with that Texas pride you mention, are a couple of my favorite things about Texas. Great pics, Pat!
Thanks Alex. Once again we were so close, but didn’t manage a physical hug. So I’m sending you a virtual one.
Our garden is full of Bluebells at the moment, I’m working on getting a picture for my blog, a wonderful display of colour.
Thanks for the pat on the back, 🙂
Jim
You’re welcome Jim. Hang in there on the daily poetry writing.
Beautiful photos, and I must say, I always enjoy the quotes you include at the beginning of your posts.
Thanks Judy.
The photographs are riveting! And the content is enjoyable reading too. It seems you were equally inspired by the scenery as you were with the fellowship at the conference.