Pages

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Thoughts become things.

Dreary weather is predicted for the rest of the week. This is not good news for a melancholy temperament but in spite of the ever present pull toward being a pessimist, today was different. Some of my many flaws don't bother me as much as they used to. But my goal for the next part of my life is not to turn into a brittle, cranky, intolerant, mean or worse yet, pretentious old lady. Not that there aren't days. . .

Anyway, I remembered Pam's advice at her blog, Art and Soul. She said: thoughts become things. So I made up my mind that at least for today, I'd fill my head with good things and off to the botanical gardens I went. Now, I am aware that good intentions can be tested at every turn like inconsiderate drivers, no toilet paper in the stall I chose, and later when I bought groceries on the way home I had one of those Chiquita banana stickers stuck on my hair for who knows how long, that no one told me about. . . the usual stuff.


But the flowers that filled my vision, the birdsong, delicious smell of hyacinths, stocks and lilies, koi in the ponds and the little mice that scurried out to eat below the birdfeeders all found their way to those hungry parts of my soul.

Here's what I saw:

reflections of stocks, lilies and tulips in the Sunken Garden




“O fairest flower, no sooner blown but blasted,
Soft silken primrose fading timelessly.” John Milton


“Nothing's so dainty sweet as lovely melancholy.” Francis Beaumont


one of a pair of colorful tropical birds nestbuilding high above the palms. . .look carefully!


bleeding hearts for my friend, Marianne



lilies that could have been fashioned from bolts of silk

In April the sweet showers fall
And pierce the drought of March to the root, and all
The veins are bathed in liquor of such power
As brings about the engendering of the flower.

Geoffrey Chaucer / Canterbury Tales (modern version)


(painting: The Girl at the Gate--1889--George Clausen)

10 comments:

GreenishLady said...

That's all so beautiful! I especially love those little blue violas. And I spotted the bird! Must have been a real treat to actually spend time there. Lovely!

Marianne said...

That was, undoubtedly, the loveliest of walks, dear friend. I could smell those stocks and lilies and oh yes, the hyacinths, mmmm, divine.
Beautiful.
Thank you, for the bleeding hearts.

teabird said...

What a wonderful walk! I'd like to sit on the bench for awhile with a book (Pamela, right now) and some knitting (the Kata scarf). My favorite of the flowers you pictured has to be the hydrangea. A lovely post - thank you!

Anonymous said...

those are stunning!

Arlene,
Puyallup florist

Kyanite said...

Wow!
What a delightful kaleidoscope of flowers.
TY for sharing.
I loved it.
The blue Viola's were of course, my special favourites - LOL!

Best wishes from your fellow Blue lover!

Christy Woolum said...

I feel better already. The last picture of those lovely apricot colored lilies was to die for. I am trying to catch that strong scent.

Granny Smith said...

Thank you for sharing with us your optimism pills. I am reveling in the scents and colors that they bring to mind. My wisteria is beginning to bloom, so I'll add that to the mix!

Lila Rostenberg said...

Just lovely! How nice to see that you have oasis of spring-time beauty in your area!
My son and daughter-in-law will be moving to your area this summer. I'm hoping it will be a great place for them!

Tom said...

A perfect place to go... who could not be cheered by such beauty.

Julie said...

Noni - you fed my soul today! I have been bleak and blasted lately, but you have uplifted me. And I will "lift" your Chaucer quote. LOL!!

And you and your friend are so right, "thoughts become things". I will "lift" that quote too.