Springtime in my dining room
These Oriental Irises seemed to open in front of my eyes today. 
My husband surprised me with them last night and this morning they were still closed tight.
As the day went on they emerged into these glorious flowers.
They are still not completely opened… 
that will give me something to take pictures of tomorrow.
~Since Iris is the Greek goddess for the Messenger of Love, her sacred
flower is considered the symbol of communication and messages.
Greek men would often plant an iris on the graves of their beloved
women as a tribute to the goddess Iris, whose duty it was to
take the souls of women to the Elysian fields.~Hana No Monogatari: The Stories of Flowers
Visit Lisa’s Chaos to see beautiful macro shots~ 
February 21st, 2010 at: 11:57 pm
I just love it’s beautiful color!
February 22nd, 2010 at: 12:55 am
How beautiful to see it open! I also enjoyed hearing about the mythology surrounding the iris. Thanks for the lovely photos!
February 22nd, 2010 at: 2:23 am
What a beautiful surprise – the color is stunning!
February 22nd, 2010 at: 2:27 am
The next to last shot is my favorite; but they are all gorgeous!
February 22nd, 2010 at: 4:21 am
Gorgeous flower photo!
February 22nd, 2010 at: 6:28 am
wow lovely color. Great macro.
February 22nd, 2010 at: 10:50 am
Great pic and I love the color:)
February 22nd, 2010 at: 12:01 pm
These are really beautiful!
February 22nd, 2010 at: 2:36 pm
these are awesome! I just love that color, too, wow! great photo series. i want some in my house, soooo pretty
February 22nd, 2010 at: 7:55 pm
Lovely sequence Teresa. The last frame has a neat (and unexpected) perspective.
February 22nd, 2010 at: 10:19 pm
VIVID! I adore that bud shot.
Lovin’ Macro Monday,
Cameo @–>–>—
http://www.cameoroze.blogspot.com
February 23rd, 2010 at: 1:14 am
It must have been fun to watch them open.
Beautiful blooms!