Ginne, so sweet a tribute. I have not seen the movie, but will look it up. I enjoyed "Away From Her" about Alzheimer's with Julie Christie.

Ginnie: I also enjoyed "Away from Her," Ken. The "Iris" movie is as much a love story as it is a look into this dreaded disease. I really do recommend it.

Beautiful dedication Ginnie

Ginnie: The most wonderful thing about Mom's death was that the Alzheimer's look totally left her face. She was finally released! Thanks, Tony.

Iris Murdoch is in my hall of fame back since 1970s, Ginnie. I need to catch up on the movie.
That's a wonderful take. I've never seen a brown iris. Did you fiddle the color?

Ginnie: If you like Iris Murdoch, Viktor, you will love this movie. I can't imagine anyone playing her better than Dame Judi Dench (and Kate Winslet). As to the color, I did do my muted thingy but the color is essentially a brownish purple...one I rarely see except in my own garden.

I share your tears.

Ginnie: Sigh! Maybe they are cleansing for the soul?!

Extraordinary image, Ginnie, and it invokes a number of nostalgic flashes:

1. My Dad suffered from Alzheimers from age 60, and died when he was 68. [I am presently in between those ages - there are some who might suggest I have had the symptoms for some time.]

2. My Mum's Mum hand-propogated many unique varieties of bearded iris, and used a mail-order business in sales of the corms to supplement the family income.

3. I have seen the movie several times, and recommend it for its artistic merits and its treatment of the bizarre comic/tragic reality of Alzheimer's Disease.

Ginnie: 1. Oh, Ray. 68 is so young (just 4 years away from me!). I am in the same boat as you...often thinking of the possibility. But we can't let it become, as they say, a self-fulfilled prophecy! I worked in assisted living for 2 years and was around the disease every day. So sad to see, BUT it does have its very funny moments, as you know.

2. You have come from quite the heritage if mail-order irises are there. Wow! This one in our garden is such a strange color...a brownish purple. I'm not sure I've seen it elsewhere but surely your g'mum did.

3. Comic/tragic is so right, Ray. If you don't put yourself into their version of the story, you totally miss the joy of the disease!

The color is so perfect. A poignant image and description.

Ginnie: It's a strange color, Sherri, that I never see elsewhere, but my mom was also set apart and not one of the pack, so this is perfect for her. Thanks.

That is sweet, Ginnie.
My mother died in 2003 after about 20 years suffering the effects of Alzheimer.

Ginnie: 20 years is a LONG time to have the disease, Michael, though I know of others who have had it that long. We were very lucky...Mom had it for only 2+ years!

Happy mother's day to you too Ginnie! This macro shot is awesome, i like the drips!

Ginnie: Thank you kindly, Liang!

This is one of your best flower pictures and your tribute is very touching, for reasons you know, I never see this kind of pictures, however I am intrigued by Iris, since Dame Judi Dench is one of my favourite players.
Enjoy your day with the family.

Ginnie: Dame Judi Dench and Meryl Streep are two of the most amazing, gifted actresses ever, Astrid, able to play any character with incredible skill. Actually, in this movie Kate Winslet plays the young Iris Murdoch, and she, too, is amazing. We can be proud of the women who have really done so well on the big screen.

Happy Mother's Day to you, too, even though it's not a big day for you. I will celebrate it for you!

Jim Broadbent also gives a magnificent portrayal as her husband. Two of our finest actors in a very moving story of love. Such a cruel disease, a poignant reminder Ginnie

Ginnie: Jim Broadbent's character is just as amazing, Bill, you are so right. This really is a love story beyond equal. I'm so glad you've seen it.

Lovely picture Ginnie - witth fond memories of your mother. I don't think it's Mother's Day here

Ginnie: HA! I don't think it is either, Chris. Thanks.

Yes, a moving tribute to your dear mother- a wonderful flower, so dewy, such an extraordnary colour, special as your mother must have been. I'm dealing with Alzheimer in my neighbourhood, too (fortunately not in my own family) and I saw the moving film "Away from Her" (with Julie Christie) I can very recommend- I'll look out for the film "Iris".
My mother gets today an orchid-alhoewel we aan moederdag nooit veel doen -zoals mijn moeder al zei: "Ik ben het hele jaar moeder en niet alleen op één dag".
I wish you a lovely day...!

Ginnie: I actually have both movies, Philine, and will take them with me wherever I go. You would adore "Iris." You are so right about Mother's Day...it really is EVERY day of the year! What would we do without our mothers!! Can't live with them, can't live without them.

Very nice

Ginnie: Thank you kindly, Brian.

Fabulous shot Ginnie! Brings back memories of my father in law who died of Alzheimer's in 1996 at the age of 68.

Ginnie: Him and Ray's dad, both at 68. That's way too young, Richard! I hate it. But hopefully he lived a quality life before the disease!

Yes Ginnie...my mother suffered the disease for the last few years of her life. She died at the age of 97. I'm now 79..but no sign of that problem as yet..fingers crossed. It is very sad to see them like that.So keep your mind busy. Anyway Ginnie..a beautiful picture for Mothers day..Bless them.

Ginnie: I guess no one can complain when they live that long, Ron! WOW. You are in between the ages of my dad (78) and my mom (80), so you are lucky to be spared thus far. My mom kept her mind busy more than anyone I know, similar to Iris Murdoch. I know they say that should help...but, sadly, it's not a cure-all. Let's just hope for the best...especially for those of us who are genetically vulnerable.

'Iris' is a film we should all see .. to help us understand the implications of the dreadful condition.
I just love the way you have treated this image Ginnie. Excellent. richard

Ginnie: Thank you, kind Richard. This movie is a valuable tool for understanding the disease, for sure.

great details, and a very nice shoot.
I love the atmosphere of the pictures.

Ginnie: Thank you kindly, Ludopics, for stopping by and commenting. Merci.

That is very beautiful - and I love the title too.

Haven't seen the movie, but I'll remember looking for it

Ginnie: Thank you, Aksel. The movie is very touching. I hope you find it.

Very nice tribute to your Mom, Ginnie. This is a beautiful flower and I hope you have a very Happy Mother's Day.

Ginnie: Thanks a million, Helen. I just spent an hour in the woods with my g'son...before we leave to celebrate the rest of the day with his mom, step-dad, and my son! It's been a good start to the day. I hope you have a happy day, too.

A beautiful image Ginnie, a word that can't be used to describe this terrible illness. Sadly we lost Maureen's Dad to it two years ago, I always said if I hadn't had my own late dad then Maureens dad would have been a good substitute. We have seen the film, wonderful acting in all respects.

Ginnie: It seems like almost every family has been touched by this disease, Brian. I sure do hope they can find a cure one day soon! Thanks.

such a beautiful shot for today.. it is indeed a nice tribute too.. happy mother's day and great shot!

Ginnie: Thank you kindly, Rian!

quelle tristesse !

Ginnie: Yes, Rem. YES!

Wow Ginnie, that is stunning. Sorry to hear your mother got this terrible disease. My work was with people with dementia and I know how harrowing it can be.

Ginnie: I worked for 2 years in assisted living, Janet, and learned to find the "joy" and humor in the disease. You have to get inside their stories to find out what the mind can do. If you don't laugh, you despair!

Exquisite!! Love the processing. Happy Mom's Day to you!!!

Ginnie: Thank you so much, Marcie. It was a wonderful day!

A really nice and concerning tribute !
And a likey too for this wonderful work !!

Ginnie: Thank you so much, Zeb. You're a sweetheart.

An excellent image Ginnie, with fine detail on the flower and a diffused green background it surely is an award winner.

A fitting tribute as well.

Ginnie: Thanks a million, Les. You're very kind.

A chocolate brown Iris for your mothers day. Must be a dream ;-) So beautiful Ginnie.

Ginnie: Sometimes it feels like a dream, Frida, for sure! Thanks.

Very nice separation from the background. I really like the complementing colors here. Well done!

Ginnie: Thanks a million, Brian.

Gorgeous image and tribute Ginnie.
Hope you had a very happy Mothers Day.

Ginnie: It was a fabulous day, Aussie, starting first with Nicholas in the woods (maybe our last time there?) and then with the family at Amy's house for the afternoon and evening. Her husband of one year (June 1 anniversary) just moved here from Los Angeles on Friday, finally. So it was a happy day for all of us.

I'm teary myself right now... Happy Mother's Day, Ginnie!

Ginnie: Thank you, dear Larry. Tears are cleansing for the soul!

Happy Mother's Day to you Ginnie. Especially since Dennis's physical blessing to be back with the whole family. A special day for you indeed with them.
Where did you get this pic? It is spectacularly beautiful. And again, I love the watermark. So sophisticated! I'll need some lessons with MY Canon Rebel which arrives this week.
Although it just occured to me, isn't the beauty of someone's photography the consciousness they have in capturing what is beautiful to the photographer's eye? If so, your consciousness for the moment is just wonderful.

Ginnie: Thank you, dear Bob! Did I tell you that Dennis flew in on Friday with a one-way ticket? He is now here to stay, finally! This iris is from our yard. It blooms only once every year, at this time, and then it's gone so quickly...till the next year. I'm guessing this is the last year for me to see it, so I'm glad I was able to get the picture!

I second that (the 'Iris' recommendation).

I thought it was beautiful before I read your accompanying text, and I like now that it expresses something that is very deeply felt. Super post, Ginnie

Ginnie: Thank you, dear Ian. The movie is one to see and never forget!

So touching and so beautiful. The raindrops like tears...superb shot and processing!

Ginnie: Thank you kindly, dear BC.

That is a great film and it is a tragic illness. Nice photo Ginnie.

Ginnie: I'm guessing you see this illness often, Chad, in your work? It really is a disease to be reckoned with. I do hope they will find a cure soon!

je suis surpris et émerveillé par cette couleur!

Ginnie: The color really is exquisite, O-P. Merci.

A beautiful shot Ginne, top notch!

Ginnie: Thank you, kind sir.

very nice DOF Ginnie

Ginnie: Bedankt, Chantal.

Ginnie : This is extremely well shot image. Its a visual treat and technically perfect as well.

Ginnie: You're a sweetheart, Thomas. Thank you.

My grandmother died of this disease too. Very beautiful dedication and an incredible photo!

Ginnie: I think almost all of us have been "touched" by this disease, Andy, which is the saddest thing of all!

Preciosa!

Ginnie: Gracias, Emil!

great color treatment

Ginnie: Thanks, Stephen, for stopping by and commenting.

very symbolic photograph. Thanks for the movie recommendation...

Ginnie: You're welcome, OSB. I do hope you can see it one day!

WOW! Talk about detail!!

Ginnie: I think it grew there just for me, Christopher!

That is a heck of a shot, nice Ginnie.

Ginnie: Thank you kindly, dear Dotun.

Love the title, a little play on words there

What a lovely dedication to your mom.

Is this really the color of this iris?

Ginnie: You know me, Maria...I love words. Interestingly, that's part of the movie. Thanks. The iris IS this color, though not as desaturated. It's an iris color I never see except in our yard.

Wow...what a beautiful image...and what a powerful symbolism...

Nice tribute to your mother.

To be honest I am scared to get Alzheimer...

And it pains me to see that a lot of our resources are just spend on high tech weaponry instead of funding projects that can help millions of people around the world... :-(

Ginnie: You are so right, Sidney, of course. Cancer, heart disease, obesity, Alzheimer's...we need to find not only cures but ways of educating us about the risks. Those of us who have Alzheimer's in the family are more at risk, they say, so I, too, sometimes fear for myself. But I try not to dwell on it since it doesn't need to be worried about for nothing, yet. I have long-term care insurance all paid up exactly for this possibility. I do NOT want to be a burden to my family.

A black iris: a fine image to remember her by!
(We never forget do we?)

Ginnie: A black iris! So THAT'S what it's called. I just did some research and the top flower of this link may be the color:
http://www.irislovers.com/?p=419233&r=040609SHIL&gclid=CKX01cvUtpoCFQJHxwodsGQzcg

Ginnie: I lost my Mom in 1994 and the Iris was one of her favorite flowers. Thank you for posting this lovely photo.

Ginnie: So glad I could bring back a good memory, Mary Beth! Thanks for sharing that.

Ginnie, a lovely tribute! And I look forward to seeing the movie, Iris. Dame Judi is one of my favorite actors of all time.

Your photo is just beautiful - the tears are from heaven I am sure.

Ginnie: If you like Dame Judi, Martie, you will love this. She is one of my favorites as well. I will see any movie she's in! Thanks.

beautiful work...

Ginnie: Thanks, Sam.

Ginnie, stunning, breathtaking ... what a great shot. Like the nice waterdrops and the perfect clearness

Ginnie: Thanks a million, Klaus.

Happy mother's life Ginnie.

Ginnie: Awww. Thank you, Albert. I feel very happy to be a mother...and especially a grandmother.

Beautiful flower and memorial. Love the brown iris.

Ginnie: Thank you kindly, Jane, for stopping by and commenting! That means a lot.

most gorgeous image of a flower I've seen in a long time.

Ginnie: You sure know how to make my day! Thank you.

very beautiful thought and capture!

Ginnie: You're a sweetheart, Jewel. Thank you.

Gorgeous. Love the details, shallow dof and earthy tones.

Ginnie: Thank you kindly, Mindy, for stopping by and commenting.

Wow, excellent. Also a great memorial. Judi is also a favourite of mine.

Ginnie: I will watch everything I can get my hands on of hers, Louis. Just last night I re-watched "Ladies in Lavender" with her and Maggie Smith. WOW! What a combination! Thanks.

This is one of the most touching tributes I've ever seen...you are one of the few who can "write" without words...
mother's can die, but they can never disappear, can they?

Ginnie: You speak of yourself, Lina...the one who can "write" with AND without words! Gracias.

Goose bumpmp skin and tears Heavy efect on me U are truly Woooooooauu of a photographer Hats of Buddy!!!!!

Ginnie: Your words are very kind, Claudiu. Thank you very much.

Magnificent details.

Ginnie: My mother was that kind of a lady, Ade!

Crystal Clear sharpness Ginnie. Neighbour's envy

Ginnie: You deeply humble me, Thomas. Thank you.

This is a really lovely shot. I love Iris's, and your treatment is really nice.

Ginnie: It's the only one we have in the garden, Sylvia, but it makes up for them all for me. Thank you.