a tight ball of unobservable potential
opening to the opulence of petaled glory
then: fading, fragile, feminine
shedding that which is no longer useful
paring down to the essence
retaining elegance; beauty of a different sort
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dedicated to those women of a certain season of life who walk this path with elegance and grace
Filed under Inspiration, Nature
Human communication……flawed at best.
Many years ago, adopting a phrase used often by a dear friend, changed my internal reaction and verbal response to what I hear…when I make the choice to ‘grant grace’.
Granting grace………allowing that unseen circumstance, past experience, present situation may influence the words spoken and how the words are heard.
Grace: Webster’s definition 9 a. – the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.
Choosing to grant grace…even when perceived to be unmerited: freeing, loving, elegant, attractive, merciful…
the grace of a new dawn……freely given with love
May your day be filled with moments of grace – granted and received.
Filed under Inspiration
Calling me with their chatter to the upstairs deck, then retreating into the lemon orchard…so grateful for their summons…
left to watch the creativity of the Master Designer…
‘…for the beauty of the skies…’
Filed under Inspiration, Nature
‘……………..For the beauty of the skies………………….
Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise’
The conversation was good, if a bit one-sided. The orchard spoke – I listened. Everything is stressed from lack of rain – lemon trees, stone fruit trees, berry vines, rhubarb……
LIFE LESSONS FROM THE ORCHARD IN DROUGHT:
in times of stress plant yourself among nurturing friends – they feed you and protect you
the nasturtiums among the fallen leaves protecting their roots from the drying sun
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plan for the future, even if it is uncertain
sustain the important – water the rhubarb enough to weather the drought
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be generous to, and help others
share the pomegranates with bird and insect
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prune dead wood for the health of the whole
release that which no longer serves you well
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explore new opportunities
poppies usually flourishing in the winter sun, now find comfort in a bit of shade
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embrace the seasons of life even if they come out of sequence and in unexpected ways
enjoy peach blossoms in January
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seek beauty
the bare ground in a weedless orchard
the vibrant color of ripe limes fallen early from the tree
mushrooms petrified by hot dry days
beauty is everywhere…
Filed under Exteriors, Garden, Inspiration, Seasons
The past few days have been a microcosm of life…….the birth of a baby and the remembrance of a loved one gone on to heaven.
Having greeted our great grandson,
we set out on an eight hour drive north to honor our cousin and her family. As we drove, the amazing beauty of the Salinas Valley offered both joy and consolation.
Once again the Master Designer has provided beauty and comfort.
Filed under Art, Exteriors, Family history, Inspiration, Nature, Seasons
Susan Wennerstrom | W designs 