'The sunflower follows the sun, even on cloudy days.'
Many of you may remember my sunflower 🌻 story. I've referenced my connection to the Helianthus annuus previously on the site. (HERE:) I even did a sunflower themed series a couple of years later. (HERE:) My mother hated flowers. Flowers, and especially their pleasant scents, reminded her death, from the the many funerals she attended as a child. The sunflower however, was the only flower my mother could tolerate, the only flower we were able to present her with on her birthday and on Mother's Day.
Upon her death, I inherited her love of the flower. I now usually plant sunflowers each Mother's Day to honor her life and her love of the flower. They're planted in early may, then bloom around the time of her birthday in August. In addition to their beauty, sunflowers also have many uses. Their pedals can be used to create a vibrant yellow dye, their seeds become snacks for humans, animals and birds and the oil they produce is used to make a healthier cooking oil.
Sunflowers are also one of the strongest flowers in the garden. If anyone's grown them, you know how hard and sturdy their stocks can be. I've grown both the colossal and skyscraper types of the flower, and had to use a saw to cut the stocks in the fall. I also love how stubborn the flower can be. It's goal is to follow the sun, even on cloudy days. That's determination! Although they're only in full bloom for about 20 days, if you've ever seen a sunflower field or garden up close, it's a site to behold.
Speaking of sites to behold, I can never get enough of the beauty and hotness of Jessie, and his work with Tom from TR Pics. When I first featured Jessie's work with the Dallas based photographer last fall, (Jessie's Secrets) Tom sent on a variety of looks and themes from his many shoots with Jessie. Included in the selection of shots were a two images of Jessie holding sunflowers. I asked Tom if he was ok if I held them back to use on Mother's Day. Tom was very supportive of my request and even went back edited a few more for me to include. Can't think of anything better to help celebrate Mother's Day than a strong, striking flower being held by a strong, striking, and naked Jessie Smith!
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