Tag Archives: Leslie Schultz photography and poetry

April 19, 2025 Context for Poem “On Color”

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(Photo by Gisela Fotografie; Pixabay)

I have heard it said that Minnesotans go mad for color in spring. It might be true. Tim and I have just purchased some terra cotta pots, glazed a deep cobalt blue, for the garden. I am envisioning them holding pansies and bright green sweet potato vines, but they cannot safely be planted yet because, well, it is Minnesota. Only the foolhardy plant tender annuals before May 15. (I know this from sad experience 🙁 .)

In any case, those pots alone, resting on the soft red bricks of the patio Tim made for me on our 10th anniversary, next to the now-greening grass and the sea of deep-blue scilla blooms, are a welcome pop of color all on their own.

Perhaps that is why one of the Rosendahl glossary terms for the letter “S” caught my eye this morning: “Sordid.” It is a word I know, of course, but in the metaphorical context of dirt: “sordid details” or “sordid deeds.” Here is Rosendahl’s gloss: “dirty in tint, chiefly applied when of a impure white.” That got me thinking about the subtle sophistication of such hues–not soiled but chic–and how I am missing that opportunity in our garden. Next time I plant tulip bulbs, I am going to seek out some with this lovely shades.

(Photo: margaret_1974 Pixabay)

Wishing you a spectacular day!

LESLIE

April 18, 2025 Context for Poem “Rhubarb”

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Rain Clouds Yesterday to the West

It has been a long time since I have attempted an acrostic, but this rainy grey morning seemed like the time for it. (Doesn’t the pale line of cloud above look like the graceful edge of a leaf?) My inspiration was the kind and neighborly sharing–along with Tim’s gardening skills–that have led to a new border of rhubarb on the north edge of front garden. Tnak you, Tim! Thank you, Rich and Raymonde!

Our healthiest plants are those shared from the gardens of our neighbors. Perhaps this is true for you, too? A vigorous transplant is a great joy, and every time we see these gift plants we see the love behind them.

And thank you all for joining me on this April botanical journey!

LESLIE

April 16, 2025 Context for Poem “Pome Fruit”

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First Kiss Apple with Winona Pear

Rosendahl’s entries for the letter “P” held many attractions for me. I was able to work in two of my favorite into today’s offering: “pyriform” (pronounced “peer-i-form”), an entirely new word to me that means “pear-shaped;” and ‘Pome,” which already held associations for me though the botanical connection was delightfully new.

Previous? The title of a poetry collection that James Joyce published in 1927: Pomes Penyeach–which I have assumed was his thumb in the eye to “correct” British pronunciation and spelling–and a monthly local event at our public library that goes by the acronym P.O.M.E. or Poetry Open Mic Event.

(As for the use in botany of the word, “pome,” I believe that today’s poem, emailed to you if you requested it, explains that.)

Wishing that you, too, make delightful discoveries today in the worlds of letters and growing plants–LESLIE

April 15, 2025 Context for Poem “Spring Whirling”

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Today’s prompt word is “ovate” meaning egg-shaped. That made me think of spring and the various egg associations at this time of year. Might be time to munch some jelly beans.

LESLIE

Egg Sauna, American Swedish Institute (Photo: Bonnie Jean Flom)

April 14, 2025 Context for Poem “Poppies, Yes, But…”

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Each year, I wait for the emergence of the delicately dazzling snake lilies. When I saw the term “nodding” today, in Rosendahl’s glossary, these early blooms are what I thought of. These images are from last May.

Last year, too, these special small flowers appeared in an April post, with a poem inspired by their humble strength, and the courage it takes sometimes simply to exist.

LESLIE