Sounds like the title for some sort of novel, doesn’t it? Actually, it’s the name for the aquatic flowering plant below. I caught sight of this lone bloom while rambling around 40-Acre Lake at Brazos Bend State Park. I didn’t go around the entire lake, so I don’t know if there were any other American Lotus plants there. I only saw this one flower but lots of the lotus pads.
Where The Trails Take You Photography 
I have photos of lily pads with flowers on my blog. Are they all American Lotus? Not really sure. Take a look and let me know if you get a chance. Thanks!
PS – I like your photos!