I don't know how many times I have to emphasize that nature is amazing. What you see in the picture is a grapefruit seed that is about to turn into a grapefruit tree. Okay, I am exaggerating a bit. On the other hand, let me tell you a story of what happened to this seed that is about to see the world.
During citrus season, we are very vivid eaters of grapefruit, oranges, and lemons. However, by the end of the season, new fruit comes around, and we say good-bye to the grapefruit. Well, we had extra, and they were just left on the counter in the basket for a few weeks. Today, I saw some nice fresh grapefruits in the store, but I thought we should eat the one we have. So, tonight is the night. While eating fruit, my husband found this seed that sprouted inside the grapefruit, and then I found one too as we carried on a conversation about this seed. Let me then share with you what we have observed.
The fruit itself is the best nutrient for the seed. The seed was able to germinate inside the grapefruit. The leaves sprouting are green, so this indicates that the sunlight was able to penetrate through the grapefruit's skin. On the other end of the seed, a strong root over an inch long was curving out, used to feed all the nutrients to the germinating seed. So this is how the grapefruit 'tree' has been born, and we have witnessed it, or more so, almost eaten it. To conclude, you must now know that the fresh fruit and vegetables we eat all the time are all alive. I hope you had fun reading my observations, and it was a fun discovery night for us as well.
Lastly, Matthew is sending hugs and kisses to all of you and is thanking you for the beautiful wishes he received for his first birthday.
Unfortunately, he has been sick again with the flu but is recovering very well. As all of you already know, Matthew just turned one a couple of weeks ago and started to walk by himself on Mother's Day. He is able to turn the computer on and leads us to the chair so he can sit and type like Daddy or Mommy do. There is no problem with him navigating with a mouse. Today, I placed his change of clothes in front of him and left momentarily. When I came back to dress him, the T-shirt was on top of his head. It was a very adorable scene. He knows the routine; I guess he attempted to do it himself. Every day, Matthew does little things about which I make notes. It is so amazing to observe my little miracle of life every day. Some of you have been asking for the latest photograph of Matthew, so here is one of my little one-year-old happy camper.
~ Anna
During citrus season, we are very vivid eaters of grapefruit, oranges, and lemons. However, by the end of the season, new fruit comes around, and we say good-bye to the grapefruit. Well, we had extra, and they were just left on the counter in the basket for a few weeks. Today, I saw some nice fresh grapefruits in the store, but I thought we should eat the one we have. So, tonight is the night. While eating fruit, my husband found this seed that sprouted inside the grapefruit, and then I found one too as we carried on a conversation about this seed. Let me then share with you what we have observed.
Lastly, Matthew is sending hugs and kisses to all of you and is thanking you for the beautiful wishes he received for his first birthday.
~ Anna
Comments
Anna, these two pictures together taken down simultaneously delight, but they also stimulate to considerations over the essence of the life and lapse... .
Take care, that swine flu thing still seems to be spreading.
But then seeing Matthew's beauty - I was thrilled even more. I am glad you shared the stories of him walking, "using" the computer and starting to dress himself!
What a great combination of photos and stories. A new beginning life in a grapefruit seed sprouting and new life in your son growing (and he is growing indeed). Beautiful shot of your son. Your stories remind me of moments with my boys when they were young (much younger). Before you know it Matthew will be drinking beer, hanging out with his buddies, bringing home his girlfriend to introduce to mom ...hey I'm way ahead of myself LOL. At least he can turn on the computer!
Have a great weekend Anna. Take care.
~JD
Stunning photo! There is nothing like a black background and a colourful object to render a photo gorgeous (colours seem to be more emphasized)!
You and your husband philosophied about fruit: I loved it :D!
Matthew is more beautiful everyday!! So, he wants to get dressed by himself already, eh? I told you that boy was smart :D.
Thanks for sharing your miracle of life with us, darling :D!
Big hug and cheers
PS. that freak had 108 entries on my blog today:(...How's the little midget doing besides of hugging and kissing?
You know, I had that seed thing happen with tomatoes one time when I left one too long on the counter. Green seeds were sprouting inside it - I had never seen anything like it before. Yours reminds me of it. Isn't nature grand?
Take care
Kathy
may be, it also reminds us the opportunity that exists very near us to germinate but human mind always looks for the farthest.
belated blessed wishes to Mathew! he looks cute as always....
Oh you should freelance write or something, I like your presentation style a lot! Matthew is so sweet! :)
You have kept me in the lifestyle for which I have become accustomed with the wonderful quality of your images...
A bit of synchronicity here...Chocolate Girl and I are sharing a grapefruit right this moment!!! What? Hey grapefruit is good blogging food!
Though we, as parents, are proud and upright for many a year, time has a funny way of bringing us all down to earth.
But not to be outdone, our children’s memories of us will keep us forever young in their eyes, even though at times we are seen as overprotective and stern.
But, as you would agree, it is all done in the name of love; forever hoping they will go on to be the best kids in town, if not the world!
Take Care,
Peter
Matthew is so smart!! let me know when he can use the tv remote to change channels, it's a guy thing, big occasion,lol.
Splendid!!
Very Good
The first image has that succinct and simplicity look
Well done!
The grapefruit shot is amazing also. I do wonder about your fruit germinating on your counter. Maybe you need either a smaller shopping list, or a larger appetite? Just kidding, but I have had this happen with an avocado before and it was kind of yucky!
Matthew is adorable little boy. His sweet and happily face make my day.
Thank you very much for your visiting to my blog and for your always nice comments.
We eat a lot of grapefruit too, but the veggie I often find "babies" in, is the pepper! SO often I find an orange or green pepper pod inside the mother plant. They look like little aliens, attached inside the larger peppers...
Your shot of Matthew is stunning! Babies who are smiled AT, smile a lot! Your joy in being a mother resonates with all of us women who have had a child (or more), I'm sure. And dads, too! :)
The Colors Magazine
Matthew is a cute kid and he seems very happy at being photographed...Thomas
Max, I think Matthew is smart. He doesn't want to talk too much, but you know I can see him thinking a lot, lol, and it is so cute, especially when most of the time must be something funny because he will be just sitting and out of nowhere he just starts laughing and snuggling, lol. Oh Max I sometimes still think I am living a dream.
Max thank so much for your kind words always, you are the best. Anna :)
finally I have some time to come over here and to admire your little sunshine with his beautiful eyes, the reflectors of a happy soul!
Kisses to him and a big hug!
Susanne
thank you for all your kind comments on my blog, very much appreciated, Anna!
Sue's Daily Photography
Funny you should write a post about the grapefruit seed. When our children were young she used to grow all kinds of seeds to show them the wonders of nature. As a result, one of our daughters turned out to be a professional microbiologist.
You're little boy is so handsome and growing up so fast. Don't blink, or you'll open your eyes and find that he's turned into a grown man.
Happy trails.
Grazie Pino, sì Matteo è il mio bambino. Grazie per aver scelto di far cadere da. Anna:)
Kathy you said: 'You know, I had that seed thing happen with tomatoes one time when I left one too long on the counter. Green seeds were sprouting inside it - I had never seen anything like it before. Yours reminds me of it. Isn't nature grand?' - wow this is amazing too, I would love to see that one. Yes nature is amazing and full of surprises.
Thanks again for your nice comment Kathy, Anna :)
LS you said: 'You have kept me in the lifestyle for which I have become accustomed with the wonderful quality of your images...' - oh wow, my friend any time - there will be more to come, thank you for your kind words, oh much too too kind.
Thanks again to you, and CG. Anna :)
Peter you said: 'Yes children are very much like this seed, sprouting forever upwards into the clear blue skies, until one day, when their old enough, they too see their own seed growing strong amongst others.' - oh so so true, and very well said.
You said: 'But not to be outdone, our children’s memories of us will keep us forever young in their eyes, even though at times we are seen as overprotective and stern.' - yeah that is me, the overprotective parent, lol.
Peter, love is amazing thing, especially for the child, no matter what Matthew will be, he always will be loved the same, or even more.
Peter thanks again, that was an excellent comment.
Anna :)
Hey Bob, Matthew is using the tv remote, but you know he is not really into it, because he figured out that when we need to do something, we put him front of the tv, which is bad thing to do as a parent, but it is only for few minutes. And wow he is really good with pressing buttons, and unscrewing cups. Studies everything, and watches us like a hawk.
Thanks for comment Bob.
So China trip is coming soon!
Anna :)
I am still far from national geographic, but never know, lol, lol. Thanks for your kind comment Ilan. Anna :)
You said: 'I enjoyed your observations on the grapefruit-- growing just like a child gestating in the womb.' - so so interesting, I wasn't actually even thinking about that, but you and all others are making good point. May be it met to be.
Oh I forgot about that too, I find lot of baby peppers inside of the red pepper all the time. May be that is why they are heavy when I buy them, lol.
Lynda you said: 'Babies who are smiled AT, smile a lot! Your joy in being a mother resonates with all of us women who have had a child (or more), I'm sure. And dads, too! :)' - you know it is practically impossible not to smile at Matthew. Me and my husband sometimes stand front of the crib when he is sleeping, and ask - is this a dream? or wow he is so adorable, we would just hug him hug him and hug him all all the time.
Thanks Lynda for a lovely conversation. Anna :)
Oh blinking is dangerous, lol, may be I should stop then, lol. I will definitely miss those baby days.
Thanks for visiting my sprouting world here Swubird. Anna :)
I could not agree with you more, about the wonder of Nature.
By the way, I'd advise you, as a gifted photographer, to have a look at RedBubble.com - let me know if you have any questions.
Glad you liked my latest Verse and Worse.
Excellent macro! How did you do your background??? Have a great week! Your buddy, Roger :D
What a neat story about the grapefruit seed, I never knew that.... The shape is soo different from what I thought it would be....Anfd that it grew inside... I was wondering thïs:
"what, if this seed kept growing insiude the human body, after eating the grape fruit?, woul there grow a grapefruit inside the body?"
Anyhow that stays a question until its happens... Happy Birtday for the little guy,
Best wishes and thanks for visiting my blog and for your comments about the Art-photo's,
JoAnn's D Eyes/ Holland
Hope your adorable little man gets well soon. And congratulations on winning POTD!!
I love the photo of the seed germinating. That was spectacular and I think you have a wonderful little boy. But you already know that!
Thanks for visiting me!
You said: 'Your the only one that I know that can make a grapefruit seed sound so interesting lol! I don't know of anybody who puts so much passion and presentation to their story of their grapefruit. I am going to nominate you for the grapefruit seed story hall of fame!' - thanks Roger, you are the best, I am just using what they thought me in school lol [analysis, okay some crazy analysis, lol].
And how did I do the background. Oh just did picture in the dark office room, with bookcase on the back but away, that way in macro mode the backround got blurred and darker. Hope this helps, no camera adjustments, just the environment setting.
You have a great week too Roger! BTW thanks for the friendly add on the Facebook.
Anna :)
Joy, via AuthorBlog
And I enjoyed your musings on the miracle of living, growing things. From grapefruit to the incredible gift of children.
And Matthew looks like the happiest baby in the world. Now that he's walking, is he a toddler? I have forgotten when that takes place.
Wild wave, dear friend. Life is great!!!
Hugs, JJ
XX Purple Cat