“Just when I think I am losing my faith and optimism, Just when I think the world has gone utterly insane, Beauty in her majestic manner, intercedes, …And, with her restorative grace, resurrects my hope for tomorrow.” ~ unknown
Good Sunday morning, dear friends. Once again, we have lived through a week of violence. I will not dwell on the sadness other than to say, “My heart hurts for our world and the horrific acts which have become all too common.” During such troubling times, I always find comfort in our garden where “Beauty in her majestic manner, intercedes, …And, with her restorative grace, resurrects my hope for tomorrow.” The beauty is a balm for my soul.
“In every man’s heart, there is a secret nerve that answers to the vibrations of beauty.” ~ Christopher Morley
“Unexpected intrusions of beauty. This is what life is.” ~ Saul Bellow
Much has been written about noticing and paying attention. Powerful and life-changing words, written by people who have endured tragedy and suffering. And in their hearts and souls, they understand how vital it is for our joy and happiness to notice the abundance of incredible beauty at our every turn. One such person was Anne Frank.
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature, and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” ~ Anne Frank
“Can we speak in flowers? It will be easier for me to understand.” ~
Ah, the world of fleurs. Such a realm of beauty. If you are a flower lover, it is a perfect reason to cultivate a garden. However, a garden is work. Perhaps, you do not have the time to devote to a garden. Not to worry, flowers are available at almost every grocery store and of course garden centers.
Did you know, flowers have always been part of Alexandra Stoddard’s weekly home budget? Why, because they provide beauty, which is food for her spirit.
Paeonia ~ ‘Courage’
Paeonia ~ Coral Sunset
” The fattest and most scrumptious of all flowers, a rare fusion of fluff and majesty, the peony is now coming into bloom.” ~ Henry Mitchell, American Garden Writer
“When I was a child, my dear Aurore, I was tormented by the fact that I wasn’t able to hear what flowers said when they talked to each other. My botany professor assured me they said nothing. Whether he was deaf or he didn’t want to tell me the truth, he swore they said nothing at all. I knew he was wrong. I would hear them chattering, especially in the evening when the dew began to form; but they spoke too low for me to make out their words.” ~ George Sand, “What Flowers Say”
“You never look at anything beautiful and holy, or think a pure and noble thought, without being ever after a larger soul.” ~ Frederick Lynch
“He who does not know how to appreciate flowers will not be able to see the beauty of life” ~
Dear Friends, please know how much I appreciate your visit. I hope, perhaps, you have been uplifted and inspired by the lovely photos and words I have shared.
I wish you and yours a most beautiful day and week ahead.
And remember. . .
“Exquisite beauty is often hidden in life’s fragile, fleeting moments.” ~ John Mark Green
Amour,
Sandra
Images: Tumblr and M.S. Lambiotte
Such beautiful photos, Sandra – the light on the egret (?) is stunning, and those delphiniums make me swoon. It’s quite something to consider Anne Frank’s view on nature and the world considering the years she lived so shut away from nature, and then the tragedy of her death in a prison camp. How much we have to be grateful for. Thank you for these words and photos. Have a wonderful Sunday.
Good morning, Lorrie. Thank you for your kind words. I always find Anne Frank’s words truly amazing. You are certainly correct in saying, “How much we have to be grateful for.”
We have rain here today, so it is a perfect day to finish my book. Wishing you and yours a lovely and peaceful day and week ahead.
The world is a crazy place right now, and so as someone who finds comfort in prayer and my garden, I am turning to that. Nothing much is growing here yet but I am looking forward to spring’s arrival.
Good morning, Angie. I am so very thankful for my garden, it offers so much peace and comfort. Our daffodils are blooming and the peonies are making their way upward and the lilacs are starting to leaf out. That is about it at this point. We are to have a cold week ahead and a bit of snow. Spring is like that though. Have a great day and week ahead.
Beautiful photos and words. I love visiting here Sunday mornings.
Penny, thank you. And I love your visits as well. Have a wonderful day and week!
So many tragic events that grieves my heart! Beautiful thoughts, quotes, and sentiments that you have shared on this rainy and stormy Palm Sunday. Wishing you and Michael a lovely day!
Good morning, dear Pam. Thank you for your kind words. We have a rainy and chilly morning here as well. And even snow in the forecast for this week. Wishing you and your beautiful family a wonderful day and week ahead. So glad the terrible storms left you alone.
You so know how to marry the most gorgeous photos and perfect quotes. I never can understand how someone so young as Anne Frank can be so very wise and articulate. Her words say it all. Fabulous blooms — especially the peonies. I can practically smell them from here!
Jeanie, I too, am so amazed by Anne Frank and her writing and beautiful attitude. She certainly left a loving mark on our world.
Peonies are just the best. I hover over them like they were my children. Wishing you a great day and week ahead.
This is perfect for me today. Not only has there been such tragedy in our world and country, but I have struggled with some heartache in my work place. When I drive into out driveway, I see the Spring bulbs that have popped up and I smile. Thank you for another reminder of what is good. The photos in this post are beautiful and the words inspiring.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am sorry about the sadness you have at work. We spend more hours with our co-workers than we do at home. So, it is truly hard when there is “heartache.” Spring arrives to soothe our hearts and nerves, it has a big job to do this year. Wishing you a lovely day and week ahead. And, I will say a little prayer for your heart.❤
I am always uplifted by your beautiful photos and words, Sandra. And always agree. I think George Sand must have been right about flowers conversing with each other. And that sweet fawn, how precious. But it is Anne Frank’s words that astound me. She had so few years to see nature’s beauty here on earth and yet her words live on and on. The recent days have brought more mourning in our country and even less a feeling of safety in being out in public. Thank God that it is Spring!
Hello Dewena, and many thanks for your lovely words. I agree with you about Anne Frank. It is so amazing what she was able to see, the thoughts she held dear at such a young age, living in such horrific times. I believe George Sand was correct and I choose to agree with him. I believe the flowers encourage one another.
Our world is in chaos and we must look to the good and believe somehow, someway the pendulum will swing in a better direction. I believe it is called HOPE. Have a lovely day and week ahead.
Dear friend, reading to you is always something very special because, in addition to showing beauty, you leave us some wonderful words. After reading you, the soul remains serene and happy. How much beauty !!! my dear friend … Exquisite flowers, wonderful literary quotes … all said with love for nature, which is what these exquisite plants give us … I would say that they are the jewels of Nature.
I feel like sometimes I don’t have time to comment on you and Pam, because my life is so busy. I have to go to Madrid every day and come home, which takes up most of my time. I have not stopped going to the physiotherapist yet because the doctor has not released me. But despite everything, it was important to me to go home, so I am more active.
A hug
Dear Dolores, it is so good to see you. I know you are happy to be back in your home. Your doctor will release you soon, I just know it. It is wonderful that you are coming along and on the mend.
I thank you so much for your kind words about my post. Flowers are the “Jewels of Nature.” Such lovely words and I appreciate them very much. Our little town has the nickname, Jewel of the Hills. I always thought it to be very pretty.
Have a lovely day and week ahead. Be good to you and take care of your arm.
Your beautiful images are stunning and uplifting. I enjoyed your post very much.
Many thanks, Bonnie. Have a lovely week.
Thank you for the uplifting and beautiful photos and words, Sandra. It’s always a treat to read on Sunday mornings (often before I’m out of bed, hence the delay in commenting). Have a beautiful Easter week.
Hi Rita. It is always a treat to see you. Thank you so much. Love your new photo. Wishing you a lovely week as well. We are to have snow on Wednesday.
Sandra, your blog is such a place of comfort and peace. Anne Frank was wise beyond her years. Her words ring so true. May you have a most beautiful, blessed, and peaceful week, dear friend!
Thank you, Shannon. Yes, Anne Frank was an amazing and beautiful soul.
Wishing you a beautiful week and a most Happy Easter.?
With so much “crazy” happening in our world now, with so much that causes sad and anxious days, I have to hold even tighter to all the good around me, constantly reminding myself just how lucky I am, and praying for all of those less fortunate than I. I have not listened to the news in quite awhile because my heart was breaking much too much. I think I have cried a bucket full this last year, for all the poor souls who have endured so much tragedy & loss. Your quotes & lovely pictures are truly a balm to my soul. Thank you, thank you, thank you for always sharing beautiful thoughts and pictures.
Good morning, Bobbi. I agree with your every word and I, too, stay away from the news as much as possible. It is something dreadful every day. I am so happy you enjoy my blog, and that it brings you peace in our crazy world. Truly, that is my very intention.
Wishing you a wonderful day and week. Blessings, dear one.
Dear Sandra, I was so hungry for colour this morning. My heart was filled when I came to your lovely new post with all the wondrous photos and quotations. Thank you! The world around here is still quite brown and cold. I look out into the garden which looks so weather worn after the longish winter. With April nearly upon us, I look forward to sightings of green nubs pushing up through the warming earth. Soon and very soon. In the meantime, I let your posts sing to me.
I’m wishing you a beautiful day, Sandra!
Brenda xo
Good Morning, Brenda. Thank you for your kind words and I am happy my blog sings to you. Spring is arriving slowly here as well, although the daffodils are blooming and the peonies are pushing through the soil and slowly making their journey upward. We all seem to be longing for beautiful spring days after the winter and COVID. Wishing you a beautiful day and a lovely Easter Sunday! ❤