Girasole – ‘to turn to the sun’, as sunflowers do, their petals like rays.
Faces to the hot light, gently following the sun as it tracks across the sky.
In Italy, sunflower season marks the change from the lush greens of spring to the vivid yellows of summer. The girasole said to be a reminder to seek light, embrace change, grow and blossom.
In Australia’s high summer and biting sun, I came across this beauty a couple of days ago in a park (with its lovely bee who kindly posed!) I’ve always loved these flowers. They pull me straight in. Not just with their deep yellow that seems to radiate happiness, but the way they can stand tall and bloom whether in the northern hemisphere or the southern. Adapting to various conditions in a pretty hardy way while keeping their eye on the sunshine. And I also love how florists in Italy recommend giving sunflowers to convey joy and good intentions as well as to show appreciation for nature and something bigger than ourselves. Che bella! 💛🌻☀️
Zoë Boccabella 
Thank you for this reminder of joy and beauty in our dark days of winter here in the Pacific Northwest, Zoe. Sunflowers have always held a special place in my heart. The were one of my mother‘s favorite flowers and we had buckets full of them at her memorial service many years ago. Wishing you and your family a beautiful summer filled with sunshine and happiness. 🌻🌞💛
All those sunflowers are such a beautiful and fitting way to have honoured your mother, Debra, thank you for sharing that with me. They are truly magical flowers in many ways, not only in their circadian rhythms but their bright beauty too. So pleased this one currently flowering from the southern summer could bring you some joy during the northern winter. Wishing you cosy days, firelight and something delicious cooking! 😊🔥💛🌻
Do you have any more books?
You can find my current books by clicking the link below. (All are available in paperback, audiobook and ebook.) And yes, there are more books to come, I’m working on the next one now. x
books…
Sunflowers are such cheerful & cheering blooms – I love the way they turn towards the sun, both paying homage to its magical powers & at the same time celebrating its power! Beautiful blooms. My Ukrainian mother grew up with them & always loved them but her favourites were the blue cornflowers. Such lovely pics, ideas & sentiments you share Zoe! Have a wonderful, happy & fulfilling year Zoe!
Helena
Hello Helena,
Lovely as always to hear from you! Yes, I agree, there’s definitely something magical about sunflowers with their circadian rhythms and links to celebrating the life-giving sun. And of course, they are a special flower for Ukraine. I’m with your mother on blue cornflowers, they’re one of my favourites too! I have a Margaret Olley painting (well, print!) that I was drawn to because it is of blue cornflowers. Thank you for your lovely wishes for the coming year (I’m currently working on the next book). Hope this is a wonderful year for you too, Helena, one of much happiness and hopefully peace. Zoe xx