In the Early Morning Light

I realize that some employers would not agree, but my feelings on getting up a little later than you should on a workday are a little unconventional.

For example, if you are already late, why should you hurry? No need to refrain from taking a couple of extra minutes to photograph the garden before you actually get in the car and start driving to work. Especially when the first thing you notice when you walk out the back door is a backlit tapestry of color:


You should also walk slowly past areas that come to your attention, lest you miss the orangey glow of chocolate snakeroot:


... or the shiny gleam of 'Othello' ligularia leaves in the early slanted light:


... or the delicious promise of soon-to-be-ripe raspberries:


And then you should congratulate yourself for your laziness this spring, which allowed your black hollyhock to grow unmoved next to the driveway where it picks up the light:


And then you absolutely need to go inspect the other corners of the garden. After all, you're already late, right? Why should you be late for work AND miss the happy accident of your reflowering linaria picking up the purple tones in your red cabbage:


... or miss the anticipation caused by the knowledge that the butterfly weed that you winter sowed last year (with seed from a generous fellow blogger) is about to bloom:


And you can go ahead and take a few more pictures of the drumstick allium while you're at it:

You probably STILL won't get a good representation of the wonder they add to your garden, but maybe you'll get a little bit closer this time. Or maybe not.

Once you find that you have circled back to where you began your morning tour--and only then--can you pick up your pace. Call the dog to come inside, put your camera away, and head out the door... and, if you're me, thank your lucky stars that you have a boss who believes in flex time! :)