“. . .Beauty is life-giving and creativity is our birthright ~ and we need these things now more than ever. They stir our souls and transport us to a place where we, if only for an hour or even a moment, transcend the mire and muck of this fallen world.” ~ Margot Shaw, Editor-In-Chief, Flower
Paeonia (Peony) ~ Raspberry Sunday. She is about to bloom in our garden.
Good morning, dear friends. Perhaps you tire of me saying, “I hope this finds you under blue skies.” However, that is truly my wish for all of us ~ every day. Honestly, I can’t think of a better beginning to any day than to peek outside and see a blue sky.
My opening quote is from Margot Shaw, Editor-In-Chief of Flower. The quote is from her column named, The Watering Can. Her writing is always cheerful, inspiring, and informative. Should you not be familiar with this publication, I urge you to purchase a copy and then subscribe. You won’t be disappointed.
“Beauty is a wonderful tapestry embroidered by the many single threads woven together by the unspeakable tender hand of God.” ~
Mary Oliver tells us, “It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world.” Such true, true words. However, despite the brokenness, there is breathtaking beauty just waiting for us to admire and appreciate. We need to bask in the beauty, it is a balm for our hearts and souls.
“My garden is my most beautiful work of art.” ~ Claude Monet
I would like to share something I deem quite lovely. I do hope you will take a few moments to relax and enjoy it, and carry away something you love. It is not long, although, I believe it is long on inspiration and beauty. Perhaps, you will be dazzled by the beauty and find enchanting inspiration. Visit Here.
While many of you have had the extraordinary pleasure of visiting Giverny, I know many have not ~ myself included. Claude Monet is one of my favorite artists and his garden design knowledge and plant knowledge were truly amazing. A gifted soul, who continues to inspire and uplift so many.
“Every day I discover more and more beautiful things. It’s enough to drive one mad. I have such a desire to do everything, my head is bursting with it.” ~
Dear friends, know I appreciate your visit and I hope you enjoyed your virtual visit to Giverny. It is my wish that your visit to his gardens was inspiring and a lovely beginning to your day.
Know I wish you and yours a happy and peaceful day.
And. . .
May you find your “Inspiration in Bloom.” Be well.
Amour,
Sandra
“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
Images: Tumblr and Pinterest
Information on Monet’s Gardens from, My French Country Home Magazine.
Video ~ YouTube
Lovely, lovely, lovely! Basking in the beauty, Sandra. And thank you for that link to Monet’s Garden. I look forward to watching it. The next best thing to actually being there in person.
Wishing you a beautiful week ahead, dear friend. Heart hugs, Brenda xo
Thank you so much, Brenda. In our crazy world, beauty does restore us. Hope you are enjoying a lovely week.
amiga querida, ler tus publicaciones es algo mágico…Tu amor a la naturaleza, esa naaturaleza que Dios nos proporciona llena de belleza la sabes bien asumir y sobre todo mostrarla a los amigos. Me encanta todo…pero sabrs por qué? porque ese todo eres tú misma, eres la que con tu apreciación que Dios te ha dado puedes trtansmitirlo a los demás.
Gracias por ser como eres, querida amiga…
dear friend, reading your publications is something magical…Your love of nature, that nature that God provides us full of beauty, you know how to assume it well and above all show it to your friends. I love everything…but do you know why? because that everything is yourself, you are the one who with your appreciation that God has given you can transmit it to others.
Thank you for being as you are, dear friend…
Dearest Dolores – So wonderful to see you here and I appreciate your beautiful comments more than you can imagine.
Just this morning I heard from the young man who manages our website. A couple of months ago I had an issue with someone placing inappropriate comments on the blog. I reported it to him. He thinks the reason your comments were unable to appear is because of your being in Spain and it came up as SPAM. However, all should be well, as he assured me that he has marked you as ok to comment. Let me know should you have any other problems. Hope you are well and enjoying Spring.
I love Flower magazine! Thank you for the video. When I was in France it was March and Giverny was not open yet to the public, so our tour took us to Versailles instead, which was also amazing.
“Flower” Magazine is a true treat in my mailbox. Perhaps you will have another chance to visit Monet’s Gardens.
Thank you for sharing beautiful images and meaningful quotes, Sandra. Margot Shaw and her beautiful magazine come from Birmingham, AL about 60 miles from where we live. I saw the video yesterday at French Country Magazine and thought it was lovely. My next visit to France must include Giverny. Wishing you and Michael a joy-filled Sunday!
Dear Pam, thank you for your kind comments. I know about Margot Shaw and her gorgeous magazine. It is an amazing publication as is “My French Country Home.” I made sure I gave credit for the video as I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt my readers would also. Giverny is certainly on my list among so many other places. I feel as though I would like to have a month to spend – when we get there. Hope you are enjoying a lovely spring week.
Beautiful post today. I know you are eagerly awaiting your peonies to bloom. I look forward to seeing them.
We went to Giverny in the fall of 2010. I would love to see it in the spring. It was magnificent.
Looking forward to viewing your link.
Have a wonderful week.
Hello, Bonnie. I hope you enjoyed the video and yes, I think spring would certainly be the time to visit Monet’s Gardens.
I am anxiously waiting for the peonies. They are still in tight but and we have a freeze warning for tonight.
Beautiful inspiration, Sandra. I loved the video on Monet’s garden. I am learning new plants and love it. While some oerennials may not last due to light changes, I am very much enjoying the day to day changes while I learn the shadow play of the house and surrounding structures of the neighborhood through the seasons! My peonies (one bush, anyway) are swelling to nearly bloomtime!
Hi, Rita. I know you are like a child in a candy store with your new garden. Only a fellow gardener can understand your enthusiasm. My peonies are still in tight bud, with a freeze warning for tonight ( 4-28).
Such lovely images, Sandra. Those peonies make me swoon. I loved watching the video about Monet’s Garden in Giverny. I had the privilege of visiting it 6 years ago and it was like a dream come true. So lushly elegant. Thank you for the video link. Such a treat!
Thank you for your kind words, Lorrie. How wonderful that you had the opportunity to visit Monet’s Gardens. I know it was glorious.
Just this morning I heard from the young man who manages our website. If you will read my response to Delores, he felt the issue was the same for you and he has assured me he took care of it. Do let me know if you have any further issues.
Thank you again for your kind comments and I am happy you enjoyed the video.
As always, every photo, every word is a treasure. Thanks for the video link. I was there in 2009 and would love to return — and now, thanks to you, I can in a small way! Oh, that wisteria! Big sigh. Yes, spring is here, I think (even though we’re in the 30s later this week. It won’t last.) 80s in this past weekend. Go figure!
Jeanie, how wonderful you were able to visit Monet’s Gardens. I, too, think I belong in that country and place.
I thank you so much for your kind words. Spring must be having trouble making her way over the mountains, as it is quite cool here and we have a freeze warning for tonight. Yes, the peony in the photo above is from our garden. Raspberry Sunday is gorgeous, although she is still in tight bud form. Hope you are enjoying a lovely week!
Sandra, I have been wishing so much for blue skies. I’m hoping they are around the corner soon. It looks like next weekend is supposed to be pretty, and I can’t wait to get outside and plant flowers! Wishing you a most beautiful week, dear friend!
Shannon, you are not alone with the crazy weather. Spring is having a difficult time coming into full bloom this year. We have a freeze warning for tonight. Usually, I make my trip to the nursery this week, but I think I may wait. Blue skies and spring weather will arrive and we will be so happy to see her.
Biggest sigh. How I adore Giverny. I hope one day you will be able to visit this special spot — you belong together. I love the glorious blooms you shared here. Are those YOUR peonies? Glorious! (Isn’t “Flower” great?!)
Jeanie, the peony is ours and yes, “Flower” is grand. A real treat. If at all possible we plan to make a trip to France. Thanks, for your kind words.