Flourish by Chipka
Open full image in new tab Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
The Opera ain’t over until the fat lady sings, or so the cliché goes.
In terms of Chicago’s seasons this year, the fat lady hasn’t sung, but she’s most definitely on stage, inhaling and about to warble—as operatic ladies do. I suspect warbling will commence sometime next week. Right now, as I said…she’s inhaling.
I noticed this a few days ago, as I wandered—to my surprise—through my old neighborhood: well, one of my old neighborhoods. I’ve lived in different parts of Chicago at various times, and because of the week’s necessity, I found myself within walking distance of an old apartment. I went by, to look at it and cringe at the fact that it looks the same. There are small differences in the area, small things to remind me that time does, indeed, pass and that change is…well…a constant.
As I walked back from my old apartment, I passed a number of other familiar haunts: the corner store where I bought cigarettes and chocolate; the IHOP, where I ate with members of the Thursday Club, when we were able to count tall, blond Germans among our number; the church I never attended, mostly because the congregation was snooty and very stingy with parking. I didn’t drive, but my sympathies were always with those who drove and had their cars towed because Christian charity was in short supply, in terms of automotive and parking matters.
In walking back, I saw a splash of unexpected color: lots and lots of red. Lots and lots of yellow. Lots and lots of every other color I could possibly name. It was all there…in one spot: on one lawn. The light was perfect, and there were no people around. I nabbed a series of photos and this is the first of the good ones to come out. I don’t know what this decorative tree is; I suppose I could find out, but I rather like the mystery. And so here it is: plant life in Buena Park. Very red and very yellow plant life in Buena Park. A pretty tree.
As always, thank you for viewing and reading and commenting, and I hope you’re all on the verge of a pleasant weekend. I still have a LOT of catching up to do, and I hope to get around to it as soon as possible. Rest assured, though, that I do get to see galleries, but often have time only to post, peek, and scram. Funny how that works. Being a grown-up sucks!
Oh, and as for operatic sopranos warbling like—I don’t know…strange birds in estrus?—I suspect that the opening notes of Chicago’s annual (and extended) Wintertime Aria might begin next week.

Comments (25)
What a wondeeful moment. The red berries are so vibrant and in stark contrast to the fading but still colourful leaves. Autumn is written all over it. Old neighbourhood have these unexpected surprises. I expect its all the various different flowers and bushes planted over the century. The community builds up a almost self sustaining garden quality. There is always something rather special and spectacular in bloom or bearing seeds. Thanks for posting this.
wonderful photo!!
Here, the fat lady has laryngitis. We had a high in the 80s today, though a cold front is due to come through to plunge our highs into the upper 60s. Beautiful image! I love the prominent cluster of berries, showcased by their leaves and branches, and surrounded by more berries, and dark recesses. There is wonderful depth and feeling of berries, berries, and more berries. Excellent dof, and strong colors and contrasts. Beautiful capture of the leaves and stems too. I like the berry that is in profile, with the red of the berry traveling a little way up the stem. This makes me look at the other colors on the stems and see the greens mixing with the browns, pinks mixing with yellows and greens. I like this a lot, and your narrative, as always, is a highly enjoyable read!
Lovely colors for fall! Nice and crisp - excellent macro, Chip!
Wonderful Chip :)
oh what a wunderful scene, well done
Lovely shot!
Stunning capture my friend.
Beautiful capture, love the depth, superb lighting and vivid color, very nice work!
Chip, to me it looks like a kind of Hawthorn. It is such a beautiful shot. I have a similar shot in one of my folders, I took a little while ago.
A delight! Such richness of colour, and a real tonic on what is an exceedding grey day here. And, of course, a super read too!
bright colors! very beautiful image!!
Beautiful colors!
Now this is a fine example of why we love your photography just as much as we love your writing. Even when you're reminiscing, you're a joy to read. And then there's the photo, and what a photo! I wonder if that superb eye for photography isn't what also makes you such a good writer? To be a good photographer requires a very observant eye, someone who looks and analyzes, conjectures, and typically sees not a view but a potential. A writer thinks much the same way, and your scrutiny of the world around you is driven, I suspect, by the same muse for both arts. Lovely picture!
Beauty is everywhere as long as your eyes, heart and mind are open. Orange is such a strong color, so full of life and it makes me happy looking at your photo and reading your musings.
very beautiful picture!!!!!!
Oooooohh! Gorgeous light! You got more here? I'm ready. Bring 'em on! I love it when you branch out. (Ha! Branch out!) :D Excellent image, my friend!
superbe !
Ah! Wonderful memories and your words depict them so well! The image is perfect for your words .. or is it the other way around? Excellent in all respects!
SPLENDID AND TERRIFIC AUTUMNAL SHOT!
Superb photo! The colours and the light are wonderful.The red grabs me totaly, and the contrast with the foliage in background is fantastic!!
Beautiful capture of both these berries and the leaves surrounding them. Dana
The fat lady never sings down in in southern California; it's the land of endless summer for sure!! Gorgeous colors and light!!
Beautiful colors and awesome clarity
These berries don't need a name! Beauty in red! Fabulous read and capture. ^=^