Dream Garden

After a restful night i awaken early to the songs of birds who announce the newness of the day. I get up, walk outside slowly, mindfully, prayerfully. A heartsong bursts forth as my eyes notice new fruit. I look forward to investing in today.

 

How can one walk past a rainbow of zinnias and not feel blessed? It tells me that it is all right in my world no matter the chaos in the world at large.

Sanctuary, this truly is. Everything contained. Everything thriving. Everything at peace. And now, let me have my cup of tea.

Gift of Healing

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” 
― Rachel Carson 

Try as we might to capture a thing of beauty forever, at best we can make only representations of what floors us in nature. We can immortalize it in paintings and photographs or even leave it etched in our memory. However nature is absorbed --- in itself or in our replications --- healing is given to our spirit.

Take a stroll in the park, go somewhere rustic, tend your garden. Or start painting. Soak it all in and receive the gifts.

Stained Glass Flowers

I assume everyone this part of the world is just so happy the sun is out. Not quite, but we feel the warmth already --- after a week of strong downpour from the skies. Up to this moment there are still plenty of communities in dire straights: houses washed away, muddy indoors, all clothes wet, and just so much cleaning up to do --- not to mention the worst of it. 

We all need sunshine in our lives.

Compassion is displayed in the countless anonymous ones who gave of themselves: their time, their resources, their food, their hearts...to help alleviate somehow the conditions many have found themselves in after the typhoon's whipping.

On both the receiving and giving end we find

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”

- Elizabeth Kübler-Ross

Barettes

I and my new-found friends decided to visit a bazaar somewhere in the south. They were looking around for some pasalubong, customary gifts one brings home to friends and family from one's travels. I was not so inclined to buy stuff with the name of the visited place splashed across trinkets, shirts, and whatever touristy item one comes across. I was more interested in well-crafted pieces that can actually be put to use.  

So here's one of those things i found: hair clips. I think they're really neat.

With Flowers in Her Hair

by

Mr Crane

She walks in and says hello,

Reminds me fast of long ago.

She came in with no announcing

As she used to do,

With flowers in her hair.

That little girl I used to do

How she did grow.

The girl with whom I would play

Is the woman who stands here today,

With flowers in her hair.

Petunias and lillies down those golden locks

Like sunbeams come down to earth.

With skin so smooth, and eyes so blue,

The girl with flowers in her hair.

Through the grass, we'd run along

She'd pick up daisies, and sing her song.

Her songs whose words I'll never forget

In a voice truly heavenly sent,

And she'd put the flowers in her hair.

Pretty in Pink

It is only recently that i have come to appreciate the color pink. I used to go for dark colors to express my rebel attitude. I guess time truly has a way of mellowing out those rough preferences. Sweet, soft, feminine pink calms me now.

In one pocket garden i was drawn to crouch down on my knees to get a glimpse of the beautiful pink flower buds that were partially hidden by its equally beautiful leaves -- eye-catching by themselves. They can stand alone if you ask me. But those buds make the plant all the more special. That to me is grace.

Splendor --- in the Grass

This here is the first of a series of posts coming up that is about grass. I doubt that i will provide you their real names. I can only come up with my own names for them as they impress upon me.

So there i was, heading out the door from the discussions going on between officers of a company -- i needed a breath of fresh air. I looked around hoping to catch sights of beautiful flowers for this blog. Apparently the resort was barren save for a smattering of  potted plants here and there. I took a walk around, soaking in the peace and quiet, when i started noticing the grass under my feet. 

See those dainty white flowers? I needed to stoop to appreciate these brilliant petals poised amid the wild growth.  

Details, Details

Excuse my big fat hand. I just want you to enjoy as much as i did looking at the pretty little flowers. As if their leaves were not a curiosity enough. I name this my Trinity Plant in lieu of its proper name which i do not know.

When we chance upon things of nature we must take the time to notice the details. Every facet should not escape us as there are components that make up the whole. Discovery and opportunity lie in those small parts that fascinate us. If we pay close attention we find aspects to admire and appreciate.