| Maltese name: Ħalib it-tajr kbir |
Plant Family: Asparagaceae 
Present on the Maltese islands before man
English name: Large Star of Bethlehem
Flowering time: April-May
Flower of The Day
Category: Photo Challenge
Yellow Mellow
“How lovely yellow is! It stands for the sun.”
– Vincent Van Gogh
English name(s):
Crown Daisy, Garland, Chop Suey Greens
Indigenous.
Present on the Maltese islands before man.
“Silence isn’t golden. It’s yellow”
– Zell Miller
Species name: Glebionis coroniaria 
“Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot,
others transform a yellow spot into the sun.”
– Pablo Picasso
“Yellow usually means it’s not that serious.”
– Bobby Unser
Above are some trifling knowledge, a couple of quotes and some flowers from yesterday’s walk with my doggies. I chose the yellow ones, there are plenty of them now. Don’t forget to click on an image to enlarge.
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day
By the way, we’ve moved from Sliema to Rabat! Nature around the corner, the dogs can run freely and it feels great! Here we’ll live temporarily, finally on our way to “who knows where” to our new home in Cyprus. Meanwhile, now that the first move is complete, I’ll get more time for the blog and to visit you and others out there, in this amazing bloggosphere.
Morning walk in Rabat
Malta 19 April 2020
Poppy- Flower of The Day
Yesterday I saw the first poppies of the year, one of my favorites when it comes to wildflowers.
“The earth laughs in flowers.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson”
The purple is not as common as the red ones. Sure, they’re all beautiful!
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.”
– Buddha
This look a bit like a butterfly.
“Butterflies are self propelled flowers.”
― Robert A. Heinlein
With this post, I wish you all a Happy Easter Holiday!
Now I’m takinga short break and I’ll be back in a week or so.
And don’t forget…
Gladiolus – Wild plants of Malta
This is one of many colorful wild flowers that can be seen here on the island right now.
The beautiful gladioli are sometimes called the sword lily because of the sword-shaped leaves of the plants in this genus but the most widely-used English common name for these plants is simply gladiolus.
This lovely flower appear between March and May and is quite common throughout the Maltese countryside.
Feel free to click on an image in the collage and it becomes even more colorful.
Malta March 2021
Almond trees, Flowers & Nuts
Species name: Prunus dulcis
Maltese name: Siġra tal-Lewż
English name: Almond
Status for Malta:
Non-native species, but introduced in Malta before 1492 when Columbus discovered the New World.
Flowering Time: Dec-Feb.
But they are still in bloom here in Malta, even though we are in the middle of March.
Flower & Color of The Day – Mimosa
Flower & Color of The Day
I still have some pictures left from the bouquet of tulips that I bought in early February.
In a previous post, I showed the pink ones while these have shades of orange, red and yellow with hints of green.
Please click on one of the images above to enlarge, then it will be more colorful!
“With color one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft.”
~Henri Matisse
“Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form,
can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways”.
~Oscar Wilde
“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.”
~Wassily Kandinsky
Gerbera – Flower of The Day
Gerberas are believed to symbolize Beauty, Innocence, and Purity.
“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions”
– Pablo Picasso
“Whether the flower or the color is the focus I do not know. I do know the flower is painted large to convey my experience with the flower – and what is my experience if it is not the color?”
– Georgia O’Keeffe
“We are all called upon to do small things with great love”
– Mother Teresa
Why do two colors, put one next to the other, sing? Can one really explain this?
No. Just as one can never learn how to paint.”
– Pablo Picasso
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Letter S
Silhouette by the Sea
Sun & Sky
Solitude
Smart Small & Satisfied Dogs
Spectacular Steep Scenery
Seaweeds on the Shore
Simplicity
Silence & Serenity
Splendid Surroundings
Għajn Tuffieħa, Riviera Bay,
Malta February 2021
Wild Plants of Malta – Narcissus Tazetta
The beautiful wild flower Narcissus Tazetta has flourished in diversity here on the island of Malta since time immemorial.
Today, there are significantly fewer of these beauties seen in nature, mainly due to its attractiveness and delicious scent which leads to man being tempted to pick them.
It may be easy to be tempted, but given that they may soon be gone forever from the islands of Malta, makes it feel easier to leave them where they belong…
…in nature.
Tulips – Flower of The Day
I bought a bouquet of tulips, in two different colors, three pink and four red. That was then, now they have begun to fade. But my images do not wither, they remain as long as I choose to keep them, I can keep them alive.
“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”
– Walter Hagen
“I’d rather wear flowers in my hair, than diamonds around my neck.”
– Unknown
Almond Blossom – Flower of The Day
Almond trees are now in full bloom on the island of Malta.
“Almond blossom, sent to teach us, that the Spring days soon will reach us”
– Edvin Arnold
Malta 01 February 2021
Saturday’s Flower
“May the flowers remind us why the rain was so necessary”
-Xan Oku
Make Life Beautiful
“A good life is a collection of happy moments”
-Denis Waitley
“Don’t cry over the past, it’s gone. Don’t stress about the future, it hasn’t arrived.
Live in the present and make it beautiful”
– Unknown
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day
And for those who may be curious about Fanny’s pregnancy.
Fanny is always curious about what’s in the bag when dad comes home from the store.
She is curious about everything.
She gave birth to six puppies last Sunday night.
Everyone’s fine, more to come…🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕
Lens-Artists Challenge – Negative Space
This week’s theme, Negative Space chosen by Amy feels both challenging and fun. Although at least one of the images I’ve chosen may not fit the theme completely, they all have something in common. The blue color.
“There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.”
— Ansel Adams
“Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future.”
– Sally Mann.
“When people ask me what equipment I use – I tell them my eyes.”
— Anonymous
“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place…
I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
— Elliott Erwitt
Lens-Artists Challenge #114 – Negative Space
Anything to Do with Boats
This week’s CFFC topic is “Anything to do with boats” and since I’ve been to Marsaxlokk recently I show some pictures from this small, traditional fishing village located in the South Eastern Region of Malta.
For the sake of the colors and for Horus’ eye which is said to protect the fishermen when they are at sea.
“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
“There are a lot of mysterious things about boats, such as why anyone would get on one voluntarily.”
–P. J. O’Rourke
“The sea is the same as it has been since before men ever went on it in boats.”
– Ernest Hemingway.
Flowers, Quotes & Thoughts
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
– Audrey Hepburn”
“Great photography is about depth of feeling, not depth of field.”
— Peter Adams
“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.
When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”
— Ansel Adams
“I don’t trust words. I trust pictures.”
— Gilles Peress
That I like quotes is obviously no secret. I often use them when I myself cannot find the words. I don’t want to be anonymous but my blog isn’t intended as a diary, although I sometimes create posts about my everyday life. Still, publishing pictures without a single word reveals a certain personality of the person who took them.
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day
It’s true, the last image is not a flower but for me Fanny is constantly blooming and fills my life with joy.
Light as a Feather
This may not be a flower but definitely some kind of plant that over time has become fragile and elusive.
Whatever it is, these are abundantly seen in nature now here in Malta.
It’s not visible in my images here but these grow on large bushes where the “flower” is light as a feather. The one seen here has loosened from its plant and been stuck in a spider’s web while others fly freely in the wind.
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day
Trees on Tuesdays
An ordinary tree full of cones. It is obvious from where the wind usually blows.
A tree seen from Victoria Lines where the views of Malta are amazing, especially when the weather is clear.
Some dry leaves and a very thorny tree trunk.
Last week, I showed a similar home-made wood construction and there are many of these in nature, too many. Can you guess what they are used for?
Compare with this little wooden house that I would love to see more of and it does more benefit than harm.
Mimosa or What?
It’s getting hot here in Malta now and most flowers fades away and thus all its colors, except this one. 
The mimosa trees bloomed here in Malta in April and these really look like mimosa but…
…I really can’t recognize their long sharp thorns.
Whatever it is, they give a lovely splash of color in nature, but you have to watch out for the razor-sharp thorns.
Welcome to The Forest
Welcome to the one and only forest. There are very few forests here in Malta but one that I often visit is il-Miżieb. It takes about 20 minutes by car via the coast road and of course, Fanny always comes along
The woodland was planted in the early 1970’s and stretches for some two km between Xemxija and Manikata. Here you will find Aleppo pines and a generous sprinkling of the slower growing carob and olive trees.
There are plenty of walkways and narrow paths to choose from and the scenery often changes. Fanny and I usually try to explore new trails and there is no risk of getting lost as we are on a high ridge.
Blue markings like these arrows are often seen but I have no idea where we would end up if we followed them. 
But, when we see this magical being, we know that we are close to where we started.
Flowers of The Day
When I look at above images, I realize that they would probably fit better in a theme called “Today’s insect”.
So here I show some wildflowers that are found here in Malta, without any visible insect.
Finally, Fanny, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a stunningly flourishing scenery.
Susan’s Flower on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day
Spiny Caper – Wildflowers in Malta
I have shown this flower before, its very common here in Malta and I like it a lot because it’s so special.
The plant is actually a bush and each flower lasts only for one day and one night which means you can see a lot of flowers in different stages on the same plant. The flowers bloom from April to mid July. 
Spiny Caper or Kappar tax-xewk as it’s called in Maltese, grows abundantly here in our Mediterranean climate and even in arid deserts. For me it is a beauty at all stages and it has a lovely scent.
I have many favorites when it comes to flowers here in Malta and this is undoubtedly one of them.
And yes, the flower buds, capers, can be used as a taste in different dishes and sauces.
Click on an image if you like to see them enlarged.
Susan’s Flower on Fridays (a day late)
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day
Flower of The Day
Now the cactus is blooming and within a few months we can pick tasty and sweet Prickly pears for free. 
When you see them like this it feels hard to believe that they will be edible.
Flower on Fridays
This flower has a red-colored visitor with eight legs. It’s almost invisible but you’ll see it if you look closely.
This visitor isn’t at all invisible and may take up more space than the flower itself.
But you cannot miss these flowers different shades of the vibrant and lovely purple color.
Susan’s Flower on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day
Wild White Beauty
This is one of all the wild flowers found here on the island right now.
Soon the summer heat will come and most plants will dry out while the Mediterranean will be warmer and maybe, wishful thinking, our everyday life will return to being the way it once was, and we’re back to normal. Non-essential shops have opened again this week and cafes and restaurants may open at the end of May. Perhaps…
Wishing you a great weekend from sunny Malta!!
Susan’s Flower on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day
Flowers on Fridays
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do”
– Rumi –
“Remember to look up at the stars, not down at your feet.
Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist.
Be curious.”
– Stephen Hawking –
Friday’s flower
I’m not very good at wild flowers and tried to find the name of this colorful one via Google “Search by image”. I got the suggestion Carpobrotus rossii, also known as Karkalla. Then I read that that’s a plant native to Australia which is quite far from Malta. Regardless of it’s name, it’s a real splash of color in nature.
Susan’s Flower on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day
Just a Small Difference
There’s only a slight difference between these two pictures.
I prefer the last one. The flower itself is very small.
“Small Differences can lead to Big Changes.”
Flower on Fridays – Mimosa
Wish you a lovely weekend from Sunny Malta!
Susan’s Flower on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day
A trip to Għajn Tuffieħa
Għajn Tuffieħa / Riviera Bay is located on the north-west coast of Malta. Here you’ll find clay slopes and high cliffs on either side of the bay, red sand, crystal clear water and lots of narrow footpaths to hike on.
Here I go with Fanny as it’s one of the few places where she can run freely. Ta Qali Park which is closer and where we normally go is completely closed and on the rocks along the sea at home dogs must be leashed.
This man has chosen a clever way to keep the social distance imposed by the authorities.
The scenery here is barren but offers several beautiful views. 
Singita Miracle Beach – Mgarr Għajn Tuffieħa – Malta / April 2020
Flower on Fridays
No more No less
Flowers on Fridays
“Love is our true destiny. We don’t find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another”
– Thomas Merton –
Susan’s Flowers on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of the day
Flower of The Day
Orchids
Black & White Photography – 9
This is the ninth time I join Susie’s fun photo black and white challenge.
In the past I have mostly photographed people, this time I choose pets, dogs and cats.
“When I look into the eyes of an animal I don’t see an animal I see a living being, I see a friend, I feel a soul”
– Anthony Douglas Williams –
“ If cats could talk they wouldn’t”
– Nan Porter –
“Dogs eat – Cats dine”
– Ann Taylor –
“Having a dog or a cat will open your heart. Reading a book will open your mind.
Having both a pet and a book… absolute heaven.
– Mark Rubenstein –
“You can keep a dog but it is the Cat how keeps People because Cats find Humans useful domestic Animals”
– George Mikes –
“Look at animals kindly, and they will see. Talk to animals gently, and they will listen”
– AD Williams – 
“All animals are born with innocence, curiosity and love”
– Anthony Douglas Williams –
Below are the images also in color for those who like to compare. And as always when it comes to quotes, we mustn’t take them too seriously, although some may be worth considering.
Flower of The Day
Flower(s) of The Day
Feeling Blue.
Red for Love – Red for Fire.
Snow White
Yellow Solar heat.
Pink – Passion.
Wherever life plants you…
Susan’s Flowers on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge.
Black & White Photography – 8
I just realized that my Swedish driving license needs to be renewed. Since I live in Malta I have applied for a Maltese driver’s license. While I wait for it to be ready, I wonder what it’s like to ride a motorcycle. Lol.. Haha…
This is just for fun, don’t think I’m riding a Harley-Davidson here in Malta in a couple of weeks.
And for the sake of unusualness, there are only two pictures this time. Happily!
