First bluebonnet for 2022
At the nature area along Kulmbacher Dr. on March 9th I found exactly one bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) flowering. It was low, and even while lying on the ground I had a hard time getting a decent picture from the side. This limited-focus view from the top at least has abstraction going for it.
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Check out this 5-minute video by American concert pianist Ruth Slenczynska, who is still in her prime at age 97 (which is a prime number, after all) and who is putting out a new album on the Decca label.
© 2022 Steven Schwartzman
Portraits of Wildflowers 
Hi Steve,
we have just watched the beautiful video of the amazing Ruth Slenczynska. Her words and music lifted our Sunday, thank you for sharing this deeply moving scene with us.
Are you allowed to pick Bluebonnets?
Sending you love and best wishes across the pond,
Dina and the rest of the Fab Four of Cley
Dina
March 13, 2022 at 5:04 AM
Glad you watched and appreciated the video about Ruth Slenczynska, the last living pupil of Rachmaninov.
Bluebonnets are plentiful in Texas. Decades ago a rumor somehow spread the claim that it’s illegal to pick bluebonnets in Texas. Picking any wildflowers is usually illegal in public parks and preserves, but there’s no prohibition on bluebonnets per se.
Steve Schwartzman
March 13, 2022 at 10:00 AM
Thank you.
Joanna
gabychops
March 13, 2022 at 6:13 AM
You’re welcome.
Steve Schwartzman
March 13, 2022 at 10:01 AM
It seems that each year I see my first bluebonnets in Alvin, tucked beneath an overpass at the intersection of Highways 35 and 6. Several small clumps were there last weekend, but other than a report of a very few in a yard near Wharton, I’ve not seen or heard of any others. While different from most images of this flower, the cobalt and chartreuse color scheme of this one is appealing.
shoreacres
March 13, 2022 at 8:30 AM
Finally one species for which Austin’s ahead of you this year. Seems like yours should be along any day now.
Could bluebonnet cobalt replace any supplies of that element that might get cut off in the current world crisis?
Steve Schwartzman
March 13, 2022 at 10:05 AM
Delightful video and photo – thanks. 🙂
AT SUNNYSIDE - WHERE TRUTH AND BEAUTY MEET
March 13, 2022 at 9:06 AM
You’re welcome on both counts.
Steve Schwartzman
March 13, 2022 at 10:14 AM
Interesting abstract and lovely video. Sweet pianist lady.
Alessandra Chaves
March 13, 2022 at 9:21 AM
While bluebonnets are common (even if this abstract take isn’t), a 97-year-old concert pianist is a rarity.
Steve Schwartzman
March 13, 2022 at 10:16 AM
The first bluebonnet is a beautiful image from any angle, Steve. Thank you! I am enjoying learning about Ruth here, too. She is a symbol of hope.
Lavinia Ross
March 13, 2022 at 11:23 AM
You’re welcome. You might say I was angling for praise of this photograph, which you graciously supplied. I’m happy to have passed along the video about Ruth Slenczynska.
Steve Schwartzman
March 13, 2022 at 11:28 AM
Your contortions for getting those great shots can have a second benefit – keeping you limber and supple. My much-younger friends sometimes comment that I can scramble up and down the foothills easier than they – and I just chuckle and tell them that when I’m 120 and they’re 80, I’ll give them lessons on how to stay young.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs
March 13, 2022 at 11:35 AM
I get the impression that I may be keeping the ground more limber than it’s keeping me, but we’ll see. If you make it to 120, great, more power to you, but I won’t know about it.
Steve Schwartzman
March 13, 2022 at 4:58 PM
The flowers that can compete in low stature with the bluebonnet are the violets. But they still are waiting to finally emerge from the snow.
Peter Klopp
March 13, 2022 at 1:11 PM
The Texas bluebonnets aren’t inherently always low, but this first specimen was. I hope to encounter taller ones in the weeks ahead, and hopefully some dense colonies that the species is happy to form under the right conditions. We do have a native violet here, but it’s not all that common. It’s been years since I came across one, so you’re likely to see one long before I do, snow or no snow.
Steve Schwartzman
March 13, 2022 at 5:06 PM
When the first one shows up, I will post it for you, Steve.
Peter Klopp
March 19, 2022 at 5:09 PM
You’ve got a deal.
Steve Schwartzman
March 19, 2022 at 9:57 PM
I hope the ground you lay on wasn’t very cold. That’s dedication! 🙂
Ann Mackay
March 13, 2022 at 1:34 PM
A rubber mat that I almost always carry with me tempers my dedication. It also reduces the effects of the many things on the ground in Texas that are inimical to human skin
Steve Schwartzman
March 13, 2022 at 5:08 PM
Congratulations on finding the season’s first bluebonnet, Steve. Your photo highlights its interesting symmetry.
Thank you for sharing the link about Ruth Slenczynska. More power to her and her mission to bring joy to people!
tanjabrittonwriter
March 13, 2022 at 8:45 PM
Thanks. You might call it an asymmetric symmetry.
We could use more Ruth Slenczynskas.
Steve Schwartzman
March 13, 2022 at 8:52 PM
We certainly could.
tanjabrittonwriter
March 13, 2022 at 9:06 PM
The bluebonnet is as delightful as the video.
Gallivanta
March 13, 2022 at 9:10 PM
Each in its own way, yes.
Steve Schwartzman
March 13, 2022 at 9:11 PM
That photo is a gorgeous one! Well done, Steve.
Tina
March 14, 2022 at 3:30 PM
Gracias, Doña Tina. You know me with abstractions.
Steve Schwartzman
March 14, 2022 at 3:51 PM