Mountain-laurel, Bay-laurel or Daphne of Apollo

Pink oleander flowers. (Photos SOOC).

The bay laurel is a plant personified in Greek mythology. {Greek word Daphne, or Daphne of Apollo=Bay laurel.}

Bay Laurel or Sweet Laurel flower buds and leaves. (Touched)

Greek mythology has always been a source of fascination for me. So I thought I'd share the story (myth) of Apollo and Daphne with you today.

Apollo was the god of the sun, light and music in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. He was also associated with youth and beauty.
The curse of Apollo was brought onto him when he insulted the young Eros (Cupid) for playing with bow and arrows. As the myth says, the insulted Eros (Cupid) took two arrows, one of gold and one of lead. With the leaden shaft, to incite hatred, he shot the nymph Daphne and with the golden one, to incite love, he shot Apollo through the heart. Apollo went crazy over Daphne, and she in turn abhorred him.
Apollo continually  followed her. Seeing that Apollo was bound to catch her, she called upon her father, "Help me, Peneus! Open the earth to enclose me, or change my form, which has brought me into this danger!".

Suddenly, her skin turned into bark, her hair became leaves, her arms were transformed into branches, and her feet became rooted to the ground...
Apollo used his powers of youth to render her ever green. Since then, the leaves of the bay laurel plant have never known decay. 

Since summer is coming, I just wanted to say farewell to spring through flower photos. Pale pink mountain-laurel blooms seemed the obvious choice as willing subject. Aren't they beautiful? 

Hope you have a lovely, relaxing weekend! xx