Gratitude — Flowers — Memoir
When The Flowers Bloomed
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly our whole life would change.”– Buddha
Spring of 2021.
The world was under a second pandemic wave — a storm raging, thrashing, and taking lives. Death seemed to linger in the air. Fear took hold.
Amid all this chaos and despair, there was a glimmer of hope — the flowers.
I found solace in a patch of the earth — tended to my plants. I watered them, pruned them, and watched them grow. There was peace amidst despair, discovered the resilience to persevere — where hope and beauty thrived.
The red poppies, yellow cosmos, pink roses, petunia, zinnia, and celosia filled my garden — a symbol of renewal and rejuvenation.
I’d sit on the bench, reading a book, but my eyes often drifted up to admire the beauty around me. I’d notice the butterflies flutter from one leaf to the next, and the bee buzz and gather pollen from the flower.
I resonated with Emily Dickenson, “The lovely flowers embarrass me. They make me regret. I am not a bee…”
The scarlet poppies proudly towered over the garden, their fiery petals igniting a sense of courage within me. Graceful petunias blossomed alongside the playful yellow cosmos, which swayed and twirled in the gentle breeze. The lively marigolds added vibrant pops of color, while the delicate roses exuded romance, reminding me — there’s life and hope.
I’d chase butterflies and watch them flutter. Their wings were aglow as they danced in the sun, ensuring I could still dream.
I found comfort and healing in the garden — each flower became a miracle!
I worked from home; the garden was my retreat, surrounded by blooms.
I’d talk on ‘Teams,’ filling the garden with cacophony. I’d shout, “You’re on mute!” with a sigh. The flowers would listen with forgiving grace, and I’d hear a faint buzz and feel the bees’ giggle.
I’d try to converse with the yellow butterfly while sketching a prototype. But they’d flutter away without a single word, as they are always busy — reminding me, life must go on.
At that moment, in times so tough, this heaven with the blooms and flutters became my source of strength and renewal.
Spring’s positivity fostered a sense of hope and well-being.
Sharing some vibrant floral pieces I loved.
JoAnn Ryan writes about the vibrance of Bougainvillea — one of my favorite flowers and pieces. Thanks JoAnn!
I traveled vicariously through the joyful flower fields in Carlsbad, California with Michael Rhodes. Thank you Michael for this beautiful floral journey!
The heartwarming words by Rodrigo S-C is a reminder about impermanence of life — “So, bloom. Bloom openly. Bloom unselfishly. Bloom relentlessly. Bloom endlessly. Bloom proudly. Just bloom.” Thank you Rodrigo, for this beautiful piece!
Finally, Shreyasi longs for summer. Beautiful words Shreyasi!
