“It is the ephemeral nature of things that makes them wonderful.” — Yoshida Kenkō
Ephemeral can be defined as a fleeting glimpse or short-lived event or object that comes and goes quickly, for example bubbles, fireworks or cold brew coffee as cream is poured in the glass on the right, creating an interesting looking design. About a minute later its appearance softened and a different pattern was created. Truly an ephemeral experience!
There are many examples of ephemerality in nature and this next series illustrates a few. First is a dandelion plant as seeds from its flower head are being blown off by the wind.
Snow and ice formed on this railing and now the wind and sun are slowly melting it.
Seeing a rainbow after a storm in Quebec, Canada, and watching as it slowly dissipates.
Driving through Vermont and seeing this cloud formations overhead and realizing there has been a recent rain storm.
Watching this flowering Mandevilla plant as it continually produces new buds and within a matter of days they open up and shortly afterwards drop off. The ephemeral life cycle of some flowers.
“Some ephemeral moments must be given a memory, because the temporality of an instant may radiate a twinkle of eternity.” — Erik Pevernagie
Thanks goes to Tina (Travels and Trifles) for thinking of this unique and challenging topic! Click on the link above to see her wonderful examples.
Wishing everyone a good week ahead; be careful and stay safe.
I love that ice photo, Nora. So interesting and beautiful.
Love that strong rainbow!
Such great and beautiful examples you picked, Sylvia. The ice photo is intriguing.
Thank you Egidio! I think the wind lifted the ice up from the rail and it froze in place as parts slowly melted. I remember it being that cold!