A glance out the window on this day in late summer would lead one to believe that the flower gardens have given up the fight. The weather forecast for the past two weeks: 90 degrees and no rain in sight. The weather forecast for the forseeable future: 90 degrees and no rain in sight. No wonder every living thing out there looks a bit like it is gasping for it's last breath.
As is often the case with my garden, it had a lesson to teach. For while I was out watering this morning I couldn't help but notice that upon closer inspection there is still a lot of beauty to be found outside my window. Not only that but there is a bit of L-O-V-E tucked in here and there. Like, for instance, this heart shaped sedum flower (above).
At first glance the zinnia plants look very sad. The foliage is mostly brown and crispy. This little yellow butterfly didn't seem to mind and with a bit of photo cropping who needs to know ;).
In fact, I'm still able to cut bouquets. This one went to work with me one day. After I set it next to my purse I felt a picture was in order as I thought they looked so happy together.
The American Beautyberry is indeed beautiful right now.
This pretty butterfly doesn't mind that there are only 2 blooms left on the pincushion flower.
And speaking of butterflies ~ the butterfly bush is still going strong.
There seems to be a lot of purple love happening around here :).
I even discovered some purple shamrocks popping up in the herb garden.
Love shows up in unexpected ways sometimes.
Last fall, after my mom passed away, we went to Tennessee to attend a memorial service at her church. We also visited my parent's house for the last time. As we stood in the backyard, a flood of memories washed over me. This would be our last visit to the home that my parents retired to. This was the place where we came on vacation every year, the place where many happy family memories were made. As I stood there I thought how hard it would be to close this chapter of my life ... I thought if only I could keep a little piece of this place with me forever. Right then I looked down and noticed these 2 rocks shaped like hearts. I knew instantly that there was a reason they were there. Though my parents reside in heaven now, they will always be my parents ~ watching over me and sending love my way.
The Mom's Garden stone was given to me by my boys for my birthday one year. I thought it was a sweet gift for two teenaged boys to pick out. When I look at it surrounded by my special heart shaped rocks, I feel loved. So, you see ... there really is love to be found in this late summer garden.
I hope you are feeling loved today.
It is 4:20 in the afternoon and I just got home from a busy day. I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down at my computer for a few minutes. First of all, you added joy to my day by your sweet comment on my blog and then the joy doubled when I visited the pink flowers I saw on my sidebar,representing your blog. Tears ran down my face as I read your post. Tears of joy and tears of sadness. A good blogger can do that to her readers. Your parents must have been so special. I am left speechless after reading your precious memories. And, once again your photography was beautiful, rain or no rain. Thanks for the blessing of another meaningful post.
ReplyDeleteYes, there is. The beauty berry is gorgeous! I must put that on my list.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I'm enjoying listening to Bing with his rendition of "Have I Told You Lately." This must bring back memories of growing up...it brings back some sweet memories for me. What nice heart-shaped rocks that you found on that last visit. A very sweet story. Hope that the weather moderates soon for you...90° is a bit high for this time of year and your posies need a break. They're still looking great! Oh, yes, your yellow purse is great!
ReplyDeleteThere is so much beauty still in your garden! Your parents must have been very special people.
ReplyDeleteGreat heart rocks and I love the picture of the flowers and your purse.
Oh Kim...such inspiration that you have shared...about your dear sweet parents! Sweet blessings to you Kim! Hugs ♥ Teri
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! Yes, there is such beauty and joy to be found when we look for it!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Ahhhh, you still have so many pretty flowers in your garden!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't expecting to cry....but I am.... this is such a sweet and touching post about your parents and home.....
You have very thoughtful sons.....God is good!
HI KIM!
ReplyDeleteI just popped in for a quick peek and a visit with you!
I must say, your floral photography is stunning! well done, thanks for sharing!
come by anytime and visit me too...I'll put a pot of coffee on!
ciao bella
CREATIVE CARMELINA
I love the color of your beautiful flowers. How sweet of your boys to get you the garden rock.
ReplyDeleteLooking at flowers can be uplifting! Enjoy your week!
Oh your pictures were breathtaking! I love that when we look we can find beauty no matter what might be happening around us. I needed this today! Blessings to you my dear! :o)
ReplyDeleteI am LOVING all your purple! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
What a beautiful post. Your flowers are beautiful! I especially like the story of the rocks. How special your parents must have been. I love how you keep them near to you in the beauty of your garden. I also love the berry bush and will look for one next year :>) Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. Your flowers are beautiful! I especially like the story of the rocks. How special your parents must have been. I love how you keep them near to you in the beauty of your garden. I also love the berry bush and will look for one next year :>) Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. Your flowers are beautiful! I especially like the story of the rocks. How special your parents must have been. I love how you keep them near to you in the beauty of your garden. I also love the berry bush and will look for one next year :>) Thank you.
ReplyDeleteKim, what a beautiful garden, and what a beautiful post. Those two heart rocks that you found were meant to be in your garden. Your parents are definitely looking down on you. So much love in your garden.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Donna
Kim, how special those two heart shaped rocks are. Testament of your parents love for you forever. They look perfect in your garden. Have a nice day! Twyla
ReplyDeleteWhat precious keepsakes to remember your parents by!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are definitely having a prolonged summer. Enjoy! Your late summer garden looks lovely. I love those purple berries...and butterflies...and sedum. Beautiful.
Kim, what a lovely post! Your garden still looks so lovely even though gardening is coming to a close! I love the story about the 2 heart rocks, tears were streaming down my face reading it! Hugs and thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe Sedum is so pretty. Does it grow in the northeast? Zinnias are just wonderful & bright.
ReplyDeleteI always look for egg shaped and heart shaped rocks at the Cape. :) Little collections put extra fun in life!
Kim,
ReplyDeleteThat was absolutely so touching to read. I just felt warm all over, but honestly had tears come to my eyes. I have had a rough couple of days thinking of my mom and so to read yours made my heart feel your pain. I too will soon be going through the last time at my parents house as we know selling the house is down the road. Thinking of you and touched by your heart rocks. I will be keeping an eye out for them. So lovely and so sweet of your boys. I really enjyed this special post. And as fall rolls around, I know your heart is tender thinking of last year. Blessings and thoughts.
What a beautiful post. Those heart shaped rocks are such a treasure and you're right there is beauty all around us. Even in this fall heatwave. Blessings, Patty
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sweet post Kim, Your flowers have hung on and they are beautiful. Yes, I believe God gives us special gifts at special times, and those two rocks were meant just for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Sue
My flowers finally died out. I didn't have many to begin with. I think I just had my last rose to bloom too. I am thinking I should at least go get a potted mum to go by my backdoor!
ReplyDelete