A Night Blooming Cereus Flower...unlike the others I have posted in the past. The shape of this flower is such perfection, in my eyes.....And to think it only blooms at night. Midnight being it's 'noon'.
And, this flower that only blooms at night? It is just for one night only, like the other Night Blooming Cereus Flowers. It is so very delicate and yet, has a kind of strength about it. That this is a beautiful flower----well that goes without saying. All you have to do is take a look, and truly, it is obvious beyond words!
I just cannot get over the exquisiteness of this very rare one-night flower.....It warms my heart and makes me forget, for a little while, that some kind of little pesky Beetles have invaded my house and threaten my sanity, along with everything else....If I seem off my rocker a bit these days more than usual---please forgive me.....So, I turn to the great beauty of other kinds of nature, for solace----all the while trying not to eat chocolate......
So very sweet.....So incredibly soft....so wondrously magical.....I love it, I truly do.....!
There is almost a 'light' that shines from within this flower. Can you see it in that picture above? Looking at this flower I cannot help but quote Blanch Dubois from Tennessee Williams "Streetcar Named Desire", when she said: "Sometimes there's God so quickly....!" This is not the first time I have quoted her nor is it the first time I have felt that feeling myself when looking at the amazing unique flowers that exist in this world, and so much so in the Cactus and Succulent world.......
A lovely side view. Feast your eyes. And here's more. I'll let this miracle speak for itself.
It's like a beautiful delicate cup and saucer....That interior cup is such a perfect perfect shape!
Sometimes I so wish these flowers lasted more than that one night because they are so very special.....And, if you aren't aware of the night they are going to open because you are distracted by all sorts of pesky things----well, then you have to wait for this miracle to happen again, the next year......I missed them this year. So, these are from September, 2008. It is so lovely to revisit them. They worked their magic on me as I knew they would. I hope you enjoyed them, too......More To Come........
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Really spectacular photos of that exquisite flower.
I have had trouble with some little moth certain years. Not sure where it came from but can be very difficult to get rid of. Finally found some traps for the male of the species (I feel badly attracting him with the false scent of a female) but life is hard, even for this little moth which is quite pretty if it wasn't such a pest. Haven't seen any for a long time now. Good luck getting rid of your beetles. I surely don't want them.- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 1:33:00 AM PDT
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So you have to be quick to capture these photos right? How do you know which night they will bloom? Great pics, even if they were from last year...
Sorry to hear about your invaders but if you pop across to my blog there just may be a few posts up about something that will make you smile... *wink wink*- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 2:55:00 AM PDT
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Wonderful photos!
- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 5:29:00 AM PDT
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oh nooooo you missed them this year?? How could that happen? I'm so sorry you missed them... they are soooo gorgeous and special
- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 5:46:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
As always, great photos. Thanks for acquainting me with that plant. I've not heard of it before.
Cheers.- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 6:16:00 AM PDT
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With such a brief window, it is remarkable that you got those wonderful pictures. I remember my mother telling me about them in Key West but never had the privilege to catch ours in bloom. Thank you.
- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 6:22:00 AM PDT
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I do love these and I know what you mean about missing it! I had a plant for many years, I made a big effort to not miss them but it was too often I've find the spent flower the next day. The plant got so large that it bloomed a lot, such a beauty, such a thrill and then one day it suddenly died, I never knew why. Thanks for the memories!
- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 8:09:00 AM PDT
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I believe nature sings because you have the artist's gift of letting us see it through your eyes. In anyone else's hands, it would be just a flower. In yours, it's something to be experienced, remembered and treasured.
Thanks for this, Naomi. I needed a dose of rare beauty today!- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 8:18:00 AM PDT
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What an exquisite flower and great pictures. I also like that quote from Tennessee Williams. I don't recall having heard that one before and obviously I never saw that play, although I have heard of it.
- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 8:32:00 AM PDT
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You take such detailed pictures Naomi! I love the idea of a night-blooming flower. I don't think I ever knew they existed!
- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 9:45:00 AM PDT
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It is a shame that those flowers only bloom and show their splendidness one night per year. I guess that is what makes them extra special too, so I shouldn't complain. Luckily, you've captured so many great pics of them, so that when you do miss their opening, you have the pics to see from other years.
I enjoyed your Musso and Frank posts!! You really gave that place a marvelous tribute. I love the interesting stories about your connections with Robert and Sondra Blake, Jack Nicholson, and Sharon Gless and her wonderful husband. What a great tradition Musso and Frank has become in the lives and families and friendships of so many people over the years. I plan to eat there again!!! As for the Low Cal Plate... I won't be ordering that.
Thanks for sharing a memorial tribute for Bill Hunt.
I planned to do a 9-11 tribute, but did not do so.
We lost so many lovely people on that sad, sad day.
I know we will never forget the losses suffered.
I hope you are doing better these days. If you get a chance, send an email and let me know how you are doing. I hope your health is stronger and things are improving overall.
Life has been too busy for us lately. I prefer things to be less hectic, but that's how things go from time to time. Courtney is all settled in her new place that she shares with two college friends. Taylor and the Reverend are doing well also. It's good to visit here at your blog again.
I think of you often and hope to see you again one of these days.
:-)- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 12:45:00 PM PDT
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Oh, how I'd love to have one night with that flower! It's incredibly gorgeous and like nothing I've ever seen before. I'd film it if I could...all night. Wow! Thanks for sharing this beauty with us, Naomi!
- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 1:50:00 PM PDT
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I have to admit it is beautiful and I have seen one before if I remember right but just dont remember where right off hand.. Troubling times are here and we are all feeling them in our own ways arent we???? Hugs my friend and I hope you find peace in these beautiful flowers you present us.
- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 2:03:00 PM PDT
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Wow what an amazing story behind this flower. I'm so pleased you managed to get photos of it last year.
The quality of the photos are incredible as always.
You'll have me buying flowers at this rate!- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 3:33:00 PM PDT
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These are truly lovely Naomi and do, indeed, look like a cup and saucer! I had a Cereus once and was amazed at that wonderful flower that only bloomed that one night a year and the next day it was gone. Nature is so awesome!!
Great pictures of the lovely bloom!!
So sorry about the beetles bugging you. You had the ants and now these. Enough already!!
Take care of yourself Naomi. Have some truffles!! :) (((HUGS)))- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 6:35:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
You seem to be having a midsummer night's dream, I fear.
So you must stand tall and speak the words of the bard, Naomi dear.
Resolutely declaim in tones loud and clear.
BEETLES BLACK, APPROACH NOT NEAR!
Your presence is most certainly not wanted here!
(lol) (I hope)
the fat lady- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 6:54:00 PM PDT
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I'm sorry that you missed them this year, Naomi, but these photos are just exquisite and the blossoms are a "symphony" of beauty.
I hope your beetles will be eradicated soon.- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 8:57:00 PM PDT
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What fantastic shots of a gorgeous flower!!
- Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 11:30:00 PM PDT
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They are all lovely but my favourite is the third one down - it blows up so beautifully.
Loved the quote. If ever there was a flower that epitomised Blanche I think that would be it- perfection for one glorious moment and then down hill all the way. Poor Blanche.
I really hope the pesky beetles are small and that they will be eradicated without mercy - the wretches.
Thank you for the beauty:)- Friday, September 18, 2009 at 2:49:00 AM PDT
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Oh! What a treat to brighten up a very gray and rainy day out here on the opposite coast. I love all your flower pictures, but this one was a burst of much-needed sunshine. I wonder, does it have a scent? I don't know whether cactus flowers generally do or not.
Hope the bugs scatter pronto! I'll bet Sweetie is having fun chasing them, though.- Friday, September 18, 2009 at 7:30:00 AM PDT
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I really did enjoy them. So lovely.
I never tire of looking at your beautiful flowers. Flowers are among some of my favorite things.- Friday, September 18, 2009 at 8:48:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Just beautiful photos Naomi! Your picture's flowers will never stop to amaze me! The night blooming Cereus looks fantastic!
I am sorry that some beetles have invaded your house...
PS: Flora asks me to say thank you for your nice comment on her post! I know you like so much Flora! Flora is very special and a great companion for me and for Carlos too. I am sorry she could not to know how many posts I did for her (LOL) and that she has such a great friends in Los Angeles, like you and Sweetie too!
Have a nice weekend!- Friday, September 18, 2009 at 9:45:00 AM PDT
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N, what and exquisite flower this is, and so interesting!! Wonderful photo shots!! Thanks for sharing this!
- Friday, September 18, 2009 at 11:00:00 AM PDT
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isn't it amazing that something so wonderful just appears for one night
I saw the light in the flower, that made me happy- Friday, September 18, 2009 at 3:20:00 PM PDT
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Truly beautiful. :)
- Friday, September 18, 2009 at 6:49:00 PM PDT
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What a gorgeous flower!
I wonder why they only bloom at night, and only once. There must be a reason. Maybe to attract a certain kind of nocturnal insect that pollenates them? I'll have to google it! If I find the answer, I'll let you know.- Friday, September 18, 2009 at 7:37:00 PM PDT
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Wow Naomi, what a beautiful flower...How lucky can you be to have one in your back yard...I love your flower garden....Hope you are feeling well.
- Friday, September 18, 2009 at 9:37:00 PM PDT
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I can FEEL how soft they are!
- Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 8:33:00 AM PDT
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One night only? That's amazing!
- Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 6:59:00 PM PDT
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I am a long time reader and mostly a lurker- but I just felt compelled to tell you how much I adore your blog!!! I love your posts and I aspire to be like you and your lovely friends. As I traverse my forties I am cherishing my female friends and look forward to spending the next thirty to forty years feting our lives.
Thanks for such a lovely blog. I also loved your posts about Europe, love your show posts and covet your amazing plant and art collection.
warmly- n- Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 9:18:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
What amazing photos you took Naomi! They are so rich in detail and you managed to capture the beauty of that flower. Loves it!
- Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 5:06:00 AM PDT
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What a BEAUTIFUL flower and I love that it blooms at night. I wish I had one just like it!
- Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 10:08:00 AM PDT
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Like a bride or a first holy communion.
- Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 6:28:00 PM PDT
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these are absolutely beautiful, Naomi
- Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 7:25:00 PM PDT
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So beautiful it makes me want to weep, truly. It only blooms at night? Just exquisite.
Pesky beetles? Oh no. Where are they coming from?
You are so gifted, I wonder do you really know how much? You work your magic on us you know. I would love to see all your gorgeous photos in a book. Can you imagine? How could we make that happen?- Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 10:53:00 PM PDT
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