There is a specific kind of magic that only exists before the rest of the world hits the “snooze” button. I call it the Morning Glory—not just because of the flowers that bloom with the sun, but because of that fleeting, glorious window where the water is like glass, and the air feels brand new.
The first thing that struck me that August morning was the pond. On a typical afternoon, the wind or the local ducks might break the surface, but at 9:30 AM, it was a perfect mirror. As I biked around my old neighborhood a few years ago, I came to a full stop when I saw the scene. The way the old oaks framed the sky felt like the world was inviting me in for a quiet conversation. It’s rare to find a spot that feels both expansive and completely private at the same time.
“What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.”
Mahatma Gandhi
As I stepped closer to the water’s edge, I found the literal stars of the show: the Morning Glory or Tievine (Ipomoea cordatotriloba) flowers. These flowers are the ultimate “morning people.” They don’t wait around; they open up, show off their vibrant purples and deep magentas, and soak up every bit of the early UV rays.
Looking at the delicate dusting of pollen on their petals, you realize how much work is happening in the garden while we’re still sipping our first cup of coffee. They are a gentle reminder that even if a bloom only lasts a day, it’s still worth being spectacular.
Whether it’s the grand “glory” of a landscape or the small “glory” of a single petal, there’s a lot to be said for showing up early. It’s when the light is best, the colors are truest, and the world is at its quietest.
I shot these photos on a Samsung Galaxy S10e and edited in Lightroom, with a final sharpness adjustment in Topaz Photo AI. That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Austin, Biking, Cellpic Sunday, FlowerHour, Landscapes, Morning glory, Texas, Tievine, and Wildflowers. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
Posted for Terri’s Flower Hour #21: Magnolia Tree Blossoms.
Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday.
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Anita
What a beautiful post Egidio. Your first photo is truly marvelous, the reflections are fabulously beautiful. And the Gandhi quote adds a thoughtful depth to the scene. I also love how the two Morning Glory close‑ups shift the mood from grand landscape to detail.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Anita. I was very lucky to have such a beautiful bike ride that day. As the opening photo shows, there was hardly any wind.
shoestringdiary
Love your landscape shot. Excellent macros too.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the compliment, Leo & Nina. Those are some of my passions (landscape and macros).
solaner
the reflection is amazing!
Egidio Leitao
I lucked out that morning. There was hardly any wind. Thanks for the compliment.
Hammad Rais
So amazingly beautiful 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Glad you like it.
photobyjohnbo
A beautiful post, images and prose alike, Egidio! The beautiful morning, so still, and those morning glories speak of another great day.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, John.
philosophy through photography
Beautifully seen, Egidio.
That silent morning mirror and the little morning glories feel like nature whispering its secrets before the world wakes up.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Phil. You’re always so kind.
philosophy through photography
Welcome, Egidio,.
Vicki
Stunning photo of the pond. The waterfalls surface actually do look like glass/mirror.
I rarely see no ripples on water myself so it’s always interesting to see how photographers frame the scene and capture that.
Egidio Leitao
It was such a quiet morning. I loved those reflections, too. Thank you for the feedback.
Pepper
A beautiful morning glory blossom. 😊
Egidio Leitao
They caught my eye. Thanks for writing.
I. J. Khanewala
Wonderful. That landscape is even more glorious than the flower.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, I J. That small pond was great.
Anne Sandler
What a lovely and peaceful post Egidio! Loved it.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Anne
margaret21
Despite being a ‘weed’, morning glory is indeed glorious, as your photos show,. Mind you, it is also a nightmare if it gets the upper hand in the garden!
Egidio Leitao
I totally agree, Margaret. I like seeing them in the wild, but I would not plant them in our garden. Thanks for the feedback.
margaret21
I don’t suppose anybody actually plants it. But it finds its way in everywhere!
Terri Webster Schrandt
Good morning glory, Egidio! Stunning shots! Love that opening shot of the placid lake and yellow!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Terri. Morning Glories are common, but I like seeing them.