Monday, June 13, 2011

To Sleep, Perchance To Dream...

"Visions for those too tired to sleep, these seeds cast a film over eyes which weep." Amy Lowell


Every year, I like to post the latest crop of poppies. Poppies have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back 3,000 years. Their bright, cheery color belies the fact that they are the stuff of dreams.  They have long been a symbol of sleep and death, partly because of the opium extracted from them.  Opium is almost as old as civilization itself, with evidence suggesting that Neanderthals may even have used it over thirty thousand years ago.  The poppy is one of the most important medicinal flowers, because Morphine and Codeine are made from it. Remember the magical poppy field in The Wizard Of Oz that almost succeeded in diverting Dorothy and her friends from their goal? In the process of blooming, the poppy hangs it's head, even seeming to droop in sleep itself.


"The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." Romans 13:11


43 comments:

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

These are beautiful poppies! 3000 years, that is neat!

srp said...

I have some seeds to plant... one of those millions of things I haven't gotten to yet.

pam said...

Poppies are one of my favorite flowers. I'm having trouble getting them started. We even had them at our wedding. Great pictures.

Anonymous said...

Hi Ginny, A beautiful and interesting post and how I love these bright poppies.

Ruth Hiebert said...

These are so pretty.The beauty begins as the bud opens and just increases to the full blown flower.

Tracy said...

You know Ginny, when I see a poppy, it reminds me of how we must bow down to our Lord and forever praise Him for all our glories.
Lovely Ginny!

From the Kitchen said...

Beautiful!! I love the delicate poppy.

Best,
Bonnie

Bobbie said...

Hi Ginny. The first thing I thought of when I saw the Poppy photos is The Wizard of Oz, which is one of my favorite childhood movies. Then, of course, you mentioned it...
These are so pretty!!

LV said...

That is a beautiful poppy. I would go buy a truck load if I thought they would help me sleep. Enjoyed learning more about them.

Fred Alton said...

Interesting and informative post, Ginny. I know nothing about poppies - except that they are the source of drugs. Not sure I want any in my garden. ☺

Fred Alton said...

Interesting and informative post, Ginny. I know nothing about poppies - except that they are the source of drugs. Not sure I want any in my garden. ☺

SquirrelQueen said...

As soon as I saw your post Ginny I was reminded of the poppy field in the Wizard of Oz.
Poppies are such a beautiful flower with their vibrant colors. I had never thought about how long they had been a part of our civilization, thanks for the info.

Mary Bergfeld said...

Your photos are beautiful, Ginny. That color is magnificent. I hope you've had a great day. Blessings...Mary

Karin said...

I used to have a double pink in one of the gardens I had! This orange is absolutely gorgeous - such beautiful photos you got!

Arti said...

Looks wonderful Ginny, so colorful and vibrant. Loved the little tit- bit you shared about it too! Have a great week:)

Arti said...

Looks wonderful Ginny, so colorful and vibrant. Loved the little tit- bit you shared about it too! Have a great week:)

Joanne said...

Perfect perfect post! What amazing pictures of the different stages. You could make a book out of your post for sure! Have you ever thought of that? Blessings, Joanne

Jeanne said...

Beautiful pictures! They look like paintings instead of photos. Just gorgeous!

S. Etole said...

They are a marvel, aren't they?!

Shug said...

Gorgeous Poppies! Thank you for the information...I'm not that familiar with poppies. We don't see them a lot here in our area...
Have a happy week.
shug

Ann, Chen Jie Xue ι™ˆζ΄ι›ͺ said...

In New Zealand, they have a tall poppy syndrome, always putting people down.

Reanaclaire said...

I love the bright orangy color in them.. it brightens up our day!

DawnTreader said...

I love that first picture where the flower seems to be just waking up ;) The title is perfect too. Good sleep is a blessing; and drugs can be either friend or foe or both.

Rose said...

Well never planted Poppies but thanks for sharing such great info about it . The orange color is beautiful!
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aspiritofsimplicity said...

Poppies are one of my favorite flowers. They are so bright and pretty.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Pretty poppies!

You asked yesterday what made my mad banana. It's Toy Story cupcake sprinkles. Rex sprinkles were the eyes, moons were the horn and frown, a cowboy boot was the nose.

Kanak said...

Loved reading the information on these beautiful blooms. And what a wonderful shade of orange! Lovely shots!

Melanie said...

Beautiful pictures!! I love how you got it opening up. You're quite the photographer. :)

Stephanie V said...

Gorgeous photos- as always. Our poppies are just starting to pop...thanks for the preview.

MadSnapper said...

are these in your yard? they are gorgeous. i love he first two shots, beautiful. if they are close, maybe you could chew a few leaves or petals and see if it helps you any, if it does, send me some in the mail. LOL
hugs

Regina said...

Just think, a Neanderthals would of been sitting on some crevice overlooking a city he was going to plunder..smoking the real thing. Now modern day- we have to get a perscription with all sorts of chemicals and what not added to it! (Ah ha ha)
That scene in the Wizard of Oz was memorable, and the photos so beautiful..enjoyed the little piece of history.

Anonymous said...

Hi Ginny, I grew up having both California Golden Poppies and Shirley Poppies in our family's home flower garden. I think the Poppies are quite beautiful! Have a super nice day today!

Darlene said...

Your pictures are gorgeous. I love the color of poppies. You have a wonderful blog. I'm now a follower.

Ann said...

Those are really pretty. I do remember the wizard of oz and the poppy field.

Chatty Crone said...

I love your header and the enlarged poppy - I tell you - you can see God's hand in it. Feel better.

LC said...

Loved the colors and shapes of these beautiful flowers wth hidden properties. I'm still cathing up on posts. The Serenity Gardens and bell are such a compassionate concept. How sad that someone would steal that bell.Reminds me of John 10:10!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I love the color of poppies! It is interesting that Neanderthals knew how to exyract the opium in them. Mankind has always been in search for a relief from pain.

Deborah said...

I love poppies! I love the color too!
xxoo
Deborah

Shanda said...

These are beautiful. I took a ton of photos of poppies at El Capistran today. Gorgeous!

Velvet Over Steel said...

Beautiful flowers, Ginny!!

Dawning Inspiration said...

Poppies send me head over heels in excitement - just like a kid - gotta click those poppies!

Purty!

Rose said...

One of my daughters loves poppies...well, I do too...but I always think of her when I see them.

Lynn said...

Ginny, I must admit your photography is so stunning of these poppies I could have passed up the message, but knowing how you weave the message into your pictures, I delightfully read it. Another delightful post and timely message. The Lord has given you a gift in posting and it is obvious to me of your closeness to Him in the way you construct your postings. Blessings are you bless all of us who read your blog.

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