I’m not sure when the Northern Lights captured my imagination. Maybe when I was in my 30s. Whatever the case, for a hell of a long time I’ve wanted to see them up close and personal, not just on YouTube videos or on television documentaries. They (and their counterpart, the Southern Lights) can be spectacles of the highest order, as we all know. However, to satisfy this craving I’d have to head to Alaska, Iceland or the like in late autumn or in winter, which is when the light displays generally are at their best. Most likely, that would entail enduring ass-numbing temperatures, something I once would have been okay with but am not at all keen on anymore. So, I have a feeling the craving will go unfulfilled.
Well, I can live with that. But I sure wouldn’t want my life to be spectacle-less. Over the last 30 or thereabouts years, I’ve developed a powerful need to be thrilled and awed on a somewhat regular basis by one spectacle or another. By sunsets, for instance, many of which I’ve witnessed during that span. Man, good sunsets are jaw-droppers, right? They are so inspiring and beautiful, you can hardly believe they are real. The same goes, of course, for sunrises. But not many of them have unfolded before my eyes, as I am not a fan of dragging my previously referred-to ass out of the house at ungodly early hours.
And I can’t get enough of energized ocean waters, either. Watching and listening to waves develop and roll to shore puts me in a hypnotic sort of state. I engage in this activity frequently on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where my wife Sandy and I have vacationed almost annually since 1998. I purposely overdose on it, in fact, since our permanent home, in Pennsylvania, is nowhere near the ocean. By doing so, the magic of the Cape’s ocean waters stays with me for several months after I’m back home.
Not every spectacle that rings my bell mightily is Nature-made, though. I’m into fireworks, which, when superior, are a fairly good rival, I suppose, to the Northern and Southern Lights. And in recent years I’ve enjoyed the Philadelphia Flower Show, a famed annual event that, out of ignorance, I pooh-poohed for decades before mending my ways.
Now, I’m not a gardener in any meaningful sense. Sandy and I own a home whose grounds I try to maintain halfway decently. Meaning, I mow, rake and prune — rudimentary tasks — to the best of my limited abilities. But I don’t plant or transplant flora, or nurture them in any way. That’s why I paid no attention whatsoever to the Philadelphia Flower Show (PFS) until 2016, when Sandy and I, kind of just for the heck of it, decided to give the production a whirl. It hooked me immediately, not because I found myself inspired to create flower beds at home or to learn the ins and outs of horticulture, but because it was spectacular. Imaginative installations and wide palettes of colors abounded. I’m proud to say I’ve returned to the flower show five times since my inaugural visit.
Though not quite as swell as some previous years’ extravaganzas, PFS’s 2025 version, held in a cavernous convention center in downtown Philadelphia, damn well was plenty good enough. Sandy and I visited the multi-day event two weeks ago, exploring the display areas for two hours, at which point we ran out of gas.
As always, I happily succumbed to the bright colors — of flowers, light installations and other design elements — that filled the hall. They got my juices flowing. And the PFS environment was a welcoming one, too, for, as had been the case on our previous visits, the show attracted a broad spectrum of people. Young and old. Black and white. Mobile and disabled. It felt good to be part of an inclusive community. Inclusion is where it’s at.
More spectacles are on the horizon this year. Flowering trees, magnolias initially, I think, probably will begin to bloom in my area in early April, possibly before then. Is there anyone who doesn’t like their enormous masses of blossoms? Also during spring, Sandy and I will return to Cape Cod. There, ocean waters and unobstructed sunsets, among other natural delights, will be on view. I can barely wait to soak all of this in.
Yeah, Another Blogger 
That first photo (sunset or sunrise?) is a wowser!
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It really looked like that — I didn’t doctor the photo at all.
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Living in Northwest Territories for six years I was privileged to see the northern lights quite frequently, a sky filled with green undulating light, sometimes with the added bonus of purple or pink, too. Amazing. And I agree with you about sunsets and oceans. Our Earth is so beautiful.
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You’re fortunate to have seen the Northern Lights so often. I’m jealous!
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your life is full of joy and spectacles, Neil; you are blessed 🙂
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Thanks, John.
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Yes, indeed, Neil, you are blessed to have the talent to write as wonderfully as you do, not to mention the photographic skills! I love all the photos, and the flower show resonates with me because I plant flowers and trees with a passion in my organic, wildlife garden. Thank you!
Joanna
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Thanks for the compliments. You’re making me blush.
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I am only stating the truth, Neil!
Joanna
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Nice write up and can’t agree more. And yes I’ve done all these at one time or the other. As they’re interesting, inspiring and make our jaws drop at times. Though I haven’t seen the Northern Lights, yet shall be contented with whatever is within my reach. As for a creative mind, even a couple of fireflies could be fascinating.. Nice photographs and thanks for sharing.
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Hi, and thanks for all the interesting things you said. I don’t know who this is, though. You’re listed as Anonymous.
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You have the gift of being able to deeply experience natural beauty. You are able to communicate your own enthusiasm to others with your words and pictures. Very cool!
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Thanks, Geoff. I appreciate it.
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Love the bright colors from the flower show. AMAZING. Spring is almost here! Regarding Northern Lights, we saw a bit of them in Chicago over Lake Michigan. I didn’t know they were there, so missed it, but “maybe” they will be in your area too. It’s never too late if it’s a strong desire, right.
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Hi. Yeah, I really would like to see the Northern Lights where they are very vivid. Maybe I will, despite my dislike of the cold. We shall see.
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People talk very highly of the Alaskan Cruises. Have you thought of that?
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I haven’t. Maybe my wife and I will look into that. Thanks for the suggestion.
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I’d love to visit the Philadelphia Flower Show. It has a wonderful reputation even from this side of the Atlantic. We have visited the Chelsea Flower Show in London on a number of occasions and make it a day-long visit, waiting for the gates to open in early morning and being asked to leave in the evening. Of course, there is time for a long lunch to rest and recuperate. Northern lights – they made an appearance as far south as Ireland this winter.
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Hi. Did you see the Northern Lights?
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As with you and your reluctance to leave your bed for sunrises…..No!
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This far south in Ireland it seems to have been a case of the lights looking at their best when photographed and the photographs edited a little…enhanced!
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I’ve been to a few lovely flower shows, but never the Philadelphia venue. Your photos of the plant life are enticing.
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The people who run the flower show in Philly do a real good job. It’s a huge event, and I’m sure it’s very complicated to pull everything together.
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Come spring there is a wonderful flower show in the Netherlands; the Keukenhof. But nothing compares to sitting in the train from Haarlem to Leiden and passing endless fields of tulips. Large fields of yellow, mauve, pink, and red pass past your eyes. Nature, be it a sunset, evening lights, or impressive skies is sublime. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
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I’d love to see those endless fields of tulips. They would blow my mind.
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Alaskan here and I just wanted to mention the Northern Lights are becoming ever more visible in the lower 48 the last couple of years. Keep your eye out for predictions next winter, but you may be able to enjoy them closer to home.
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Hi. I’m pretty sure they are not as vivid, the farther south you go. If they were visible in my area, they probably would be far less amazing than they are way up north. Still, that would be a whole lot better than nothing.
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And don’t forget they will never appear as vivid with the naked eye as they do through a lens so if you do go in search make sure you know what camera settings to use ahead of time for best view.
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Sounds like you still have that childlike sense of wonder with the world, and that’s fantastic. Too many people lose it as they grow older.
I’m the same way. I love to stand on a shoreline and listen to the surf, or watch the sun slowly sink into the horizon (or rise above if I happen to be up early).
There’s something wonderful about bright colors, the play of light, and light and shadow that always captures the eye and the imagination.
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Mother Nature rocks!
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It’s been a long time since I’ve visited a good flower show. They are a joy just, as you say are the tumble of the ocean or a spectacular sunset. Happy Spring, Neil!
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Hello there. There’s a lot of beauty in the world, for sure. Most of it is Nature-made, but plenty is man-made.
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Full moons are my favorite spectacle, whether on a clear night or a hazy one. They are mesmerizing to me the way you describe ocean waves. I was lucky to catch the tail end of the blood moon last week. It was more rose than red but at least I got the idea.
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You’re right. I should go outside, to look up at the night sky, much more often than I do.
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Yes, yes! Best of all, sunsets and flowers are available to everyone. Enjoy that trip to the ocean.
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Cape Cod’s eastern boundary is the Atlantic Ocean. You can walk for miles and miles along that shoreline. I love being there.
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So glad you get to go to your happy place.
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If you ever get a chance, you should see them in the mountains of Vermont. Spectacular!
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Hi Martie. I would love to.
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Beautiful sunset photo, Neil. I’m not much for fireworks displays anymore, but since you appreciate sunsets, oceans, and flowers, you’ve got to visit Hawaii (if you haven’t). You’ll get all three in one fell swoop, with a dose of beautiful aloha philosophy to boot.
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Paradise!
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I also dream of seeing the Northern Lights. Sometimes we get a heads up that we may get a glimpse of them here in Nova Scotia during certain sun activity. The last time was last fall. I kept checking out the windows until finally giving up and going off to do a jigsaw puzzle in a room on the south side of the house. Well the next morning, the community FB page was inundated with beautiful Northern Lights pics. Some from my street. And I missed it all. I guess I will stick to my colourful flowers. The flower show in Philadelphia looks amazing.
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Hi. The Philadelphia Flower Show has a long, long history. It started in 1829.
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Oh, you’re not talking about ‘eye glasses’. I better re-read.
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Hi. It’s funny how certain words have multiple meanings. Languages are complicated!
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I love flower shows like these as they can dazzle visitors with a rich tapestry of blooms and garden artistry. You know, while most travellers head to Iceland or Norway in winter to see the spectacular natural spectacle that is the Northern Lights, what few people realize is that actually, with a bit of luck and planning, you can see this dazzling light show in Ireland, too! Of course, nothing is guaranteed, but if you travel at the right time of the year, enjoy some clear skies, and head far away from any light pollution, then you might be able to enjoy the Northern Lights in Ireland. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva x
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It’s a lucky day for anyone who gets to see the Northern Lights!
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That’s so true 🥰
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Ah, now we know whom to blame for the traffic downtown during the Flower Show.
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More people should use SEPTA to get to the show!
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As usual l love your photos. As for an ocean have you been to Spring Lake a wonderful ocean community. Boardwalk with no shops and community wonderful Victorian homes with beautiful trees and flowers. There are some shops and restaurants and a lake in town. Only 1 hr and 10 minutes from home. I also wanted to see Northern lights. I went with a friend who was photographer. We went on a tour one night and waited for hours and nothing. My friend went next night and waited hours and nothing. That is my experience.
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Yeah, it can be hit or miss with those lights. Probably the odds improve a lot if you’re in Iceland, Norway, Alaska, etc.
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Didn’t help me going to Iceland 😁but l loved the Blue Lagoon
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A wonderful post … has me thinking of (and desiring) a [spectacular] spectacle or two myself. Will give that some thought … and planning.
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Hi, Tyler. If my story has inspired you, then I’m flattered. Take care.
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gorgeous photos!
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Thanks a lot. I don’t know who this is, by the way. You’re listed as Anonymous.
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What beautiful images and a lovely post, too! Never seen the Northern lights, but would love to witness this amazing sight one day.
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Those lights are, without a doubt, a wonder.
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You’re open to beauty wherever you find it….good for you!
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Yeah, it’s true. Writing stories for my site has made me realize that more fully.
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Neil, how amazing that you were able to attend the Philadelphia Flower Show this year! That’s a spectacle to be sure 🙂 Don’t discount the spectacles that we take for granted, such as the birth of a child or other living being (plants, birds, animals).
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Hi. I agree. Overall, the less we take for granted, the better.
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You have captured some wonderful spectacles. Your opening Su set is stunning.
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Hello there. Sunsets can be something else. A friend of mine sent me a photo of the sunset he saw recently in the French countryside. It was unbelievable.
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Large or small, every day has a “spectacle” if you look hard enough! Don’t give up on the aurora. I have seen it only once, about 35 years ago, just north of Denver. Red curtains desending from very high up, fluttering as if in the (solar) wind. There seem to many more opportunities today, but I seem to miss them. It may just be better reporting, but I wish you well.
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“Large or small, every day has a ‘spectacle’ if you look hard enough!” — perfectly said!
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Spectacles come in many shapes and sizes don’t they. I love that you find the spectacle in natural things around you. Maggie
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Hey there, Maggie. You appreciate beauty too. Your articles prove this!
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I second your selection of spectacles! For several years, we lived on a northern Ontario lake where the Aurora Borealis was a frequent visitor. We live now in a high-rise on Lake Ontario, where the sunrises emerging as if from out of the water are not of this world (at least the ones I see when I’m out of bed that early!). And, though we’ve never been to Philadelphia, we have enjoyed the wonderful Keukenhoff gardens in the Netherlands.
Thanks for the memories!
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Hi Bradley. You’re fortunate to have seen the Aurora as many times as you did. Have you ever written about those lights in any of your books?
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Sometimes as we get older, we lose the ability to marvel at all the beauty around us. Too many worries and infirmities get in the way. But you manage to maintain an un-jaundiced eye. A gift to you and others!
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Paula, you’ve reminded me of a sunset I saw on Cape Cod. Maybe four years ago. The viewing area was a beach on Cape Cod Bay. My wife and I were amazed by the large crowd waiting for and then watching the sunset. I think there were at least 40 people there. They all were admirers of beauty.
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What is life without spectacles. Wishing you many, many, many wonderful spectacles ahead!
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Many thanks!
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I think my favorite spectacle is the annual wildflower bloom here in Texas: miles and miles of bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush and assorted other flowers. The color can be unbelievable, and it’s so compelling that even people who’d never go to a flower show pack up the kids and the picnic lunches and head out to just look. It won’t be long now; I saw my first Indian paintbrushes last week.
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It sounds fantastic. I would love to see that.
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I have a good friend who went to Alaska, I believe in February, to see the northern lights. They had to get up at four in the morning to board a bus that actually had ice on the inside of the windows, but they saw spectacular lights. Like you, I’m not sure I have the stamina to do that, but it was fun to hear about. I do think it’s possible to enjoy much of nature’s bounty without also freezing, losing sleep, etc. And it sounds as if you’ve done a great job of that!
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Yeah, I like being comfortable. Still, it would be great to experience the Northern Lights. Like I said in the story, I doubt if I’ll ever head way up north to try and see them. But, you never know.
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Beautiful.
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Thanks, Cindy.
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Some spectacular photos there! Many thanks, Mel
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Hi Mel. Glad you liked them. Take care.
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You too.
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Your photo is gorgeous! I start my days before sunup so I get to experience my share of beautiful sunrises. I should appreciate them more.
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A cool thing about sunrises and sunsets is that each takes place every single day. I think they want people to look at them!
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You know that when you say “spectacles” my mind immediately goes to eyeglasses! Not that I didn’t enjoy this post about nature and flowers… things I see while wearing my spectacles. 🤓
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Speaking of spectacles: A month or two ago I bought reading glasses. They are so much more convenient than the magnifying glass I used for years before that. I have no idea why I didn’t think of using reading glasses back then, but I’m glad I finally got them.
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I do hope you get to see the northern lights someday. They are truly magical. I’ve only seen them a few times. A good sunset is a close second. I’m glad you have those and the ocean.
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Beauty, at times, surrounds us. Hi, Marie. See ya!
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Have a fabulous time!
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Thanks. Who is this, by the way? You’re listed as Anonymous.
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Great examples of “spectacular,” Neil. I’ve always been sorry I had no camera or phone to take a picture of the scene that was maybe the most spectacular thing I’ve seen, and just a couple miles from my pretty non-spectacular hometown. You might not have felt the same way, because it involved being up before dawn and a really cold morning: warm, humid weather blew in early morning, and every tree branch and twig was covered in hoarfrost, inch-long ice crystals. It only lasted a little while, but when the sun came up and lit everything up, it was dazzling and spectacular.
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That sounds amazing. I guess I would have put up with the cold in order to see that. Did you know it would happen, or did you just take a chance?
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No I had no idea, I just had to drive somewhere really early that day. You’ve really inspired me to go to Cape Cod, it just looks great!
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Yep, inclusion is so where it’s at!
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Absolutely.
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Nice collection of spectacles! I love sunrises. And mountains and oceans and elephants looming in the night.
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Hi, and thanks for visiting. Elephants looming in the night is a sight I would like to see.
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These are all spectacular spectacles, Neil. Who knows–you might get lucky one of these days and get to see the Northern Lights from Philadelphia. Occasionally they extend much farther south than usual. When we lived in Alaska, we loved seeing them.
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That would be great if there were a vivid Northern Lights display in my area one day. I hope it happens.
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I hope so, too!
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Great point about enjoying what’s around us. The world is full of amazing things we can wonder at — many in nature, and some man-made things, even. It’s all around us, if we will take the time to look and not be distracted. It seems like so many people are missing out on life because they’re distracted by their smartphone and by their mental clutter. (I could say so much about that, but this isn’t my blog.) 🙂
Everyone should take time to try to see things for the first time again, to just look and take it in.
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“Everyone should take time to try to see things for the first time again, to just look and take it in.”
You said it perfectly. Thanks a lot for stopping by and adding your thoughts.
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My neighbors recently went to Alaska to see the Northern Lights & shared lovely pics with me! I’d like to see them for myself, too. The flower show looks like something I’d enjoy. Glad you’re still enjoying spectacles! Wonder is a feeling we should experience until the end of our days, in my opinion!
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“Wonder is a feeling we should experience until the end of our days, in my opinion!” —
I completely agree.
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A pretty sunset never gets old! I am determined to see Northern Lights at some point, though. I have been to Alaska, Greenland, Iceland and other places in the North, but the problem is you have to go in the winter, when it’s dark and cold.
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Yeah, the dark and the cold are the problems. Still, it would be awesome to see a vivid display of those lights.
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Thanks for a spectacular post! 🙂 Yes–there are so many spectacles to get excited about. Cheers!
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Tree-blossoming season is almost here. That’s a spectacle I began to appreciate only about ten years ago.
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I could listen to the sound of breaking waves all day! Last year, here in Vancouver BC, we had a few nights where we could see the Northern Lights. I can’t remember why, but it was some unusual phenomenon. I took an incredible photo, all green and purple, just a few blocks away from where I live. Now I don’t feel the need to go freeze in the North to see them. It was magical! Ciao, Cristina
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Hi. You lucked out, Northern-Lights-wise. I hope you get to see them again this year.
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