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It is becoming more difficult by the day to put together a post in the midst of the utter insanity that is overtaking us.
The inclination is to bunker down in the hope that the storm will soon wash over, but that would be naive.
History proves that such times must play themselves out.
Nothing I do will help matters the slightest bit, so to preserve my mental health I need to focus elsewhere, yet this makes me feel impotent and irresponsible.
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Living in the country makes it easier to shut out the unpleasantness.
Even my humble garden provides a few beautiful flowers.
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The roses of Sharon deserve a better location than the far side of the garage beneath overhanging trees, but we are loath to shock them by attempting a transplant.
In any case our soil is so poor, a new location would be hard to chose.
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My pal Greensleeves. He poses for me regularly.
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Lately I have been captivated by the gladiolas.
The exquisiteness of their form, the subtlety of their colours.
The different ways they catch the light through the day.
Every angle to be appreciated. My mother loved her flowers the way I love my animal companions, but she was never unduly upset when they died. Just as well, given that flowers are so fragile and short-lived. I am trying to adjust my own thinking. Dead flowers make me sad. I can’t bear seeing them, no matter that I understand it is the natural cycle of things.
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Now, I do prefer the wildlife not to eat the few brave flowers that blossom in my garden, but I was rather taken with the image of this wee snail.
So I took its picture and left it in peace to get on with life.
Which is all most of us wish for isn’t it?
Sticking with nature and animals is the best way to avoid thinking too much about all those years of Trumpism to come. Making the most of your peaceful surroundings and your feline friends is going to help you immensely.
Best wishes, Pete.
Firstly, Carolyn, you have my sympathy as I feel the same about the orange one. Secondly, you are surrounded by nature, and nature heals. Also, I follow the wise advice of the Dalai Lama, who wrote: “Don’t let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.”
Also, King Solomon’s mantra engraved inside the ring he gave to the newlywed, and it said:
” When you are very happy, remember, it will pass, and when you have problems, remember, it will pass.”
Joanna
Love and hugs to you with wishes for resilience to overcome all the nastiness that is sure to come. I agree that the gladiolas are at their best now; they do lift the spirits!
I love your roses of Sharon (and all your other colourful flowers) – just seeing them brings a smile. Yeah, I would say to rather focus your attention on your beautiful surroundings. Does that perhaps mean that we ignore the problems in such a way? Maybe … but for our own well-being, it is probably the best solution!
Stunning gladiolas! I had a deep purple, almost black one that produced the most amazing colour, but sadly, after 2 years of tenants, all I have left are a few green grass-looking sprigs. No flowers yet. 🙁