This stellar dandelion flower was made in New Mexico last summer. It was being warmed by the waning minutes of the golden hour. Additional warm tones came from a small gold reflector used for fill. The specular highlights were provided by a small creek reflecting gold in the background

Here are some interesting facts about the dandelion flower:

• The dandelion is the only flower that represents the 3 celestial bodies of the sun, moon and stars. The yellow flower resembles the sun, the puff ball resembles the moon and the dispersing seeds resemble the stars.

• The dandelion flower opens to greet the morning and closes in the evening to go to sleep.

• Every part of the dandelion is useful: root, leaves, flower. It can be used for food, medicine and dye for coloring.

• Up until the 1800s people would pull grass out of their lawns to make room for dandelions and other useful “weeds” like chickweed, malva, and chamomile.

• The average American recognizes thousands of logos for commercial products, yet recognizes fewer than five plants that grow in his/her area. Dandelions are most likely one of those familiar plants.

• The name dandelion is taken from the French word “dent de lion” meaning lion’s tooth, referring to the coarsely-toothed leaves.

• Dandelions have one of the longest flowering seasons of any plant.

• Seeds are often carried as many as 5 miles from their origin!

• A not so fun fact: Every year Americans spend millions on lawn pesticides to have uniform lawns of non-native grasses, and we use 30% of the country’s water supply to keep them green.

Find some warmth in your day. Visit the golden hour. Blessings ††† en theos †††jim