Trees still show their skeletal outlines, brown against blue sky and wispy clouds. Stems are swelling and I expect a burst of bright acid green leaves any day now. Grass here stays green all winter, so that's nothing new. Along one of my walking routes there is a naturalized garden. It's now full of purple and white croci, pink cyclamen, a few yellow daffodils, and dots of blue scilla.
We stayed up a bit late last night to catch a glimpse of the lunar eclipse. The moon was two-thirds covered when I went to bed, so I didn't see the blood-red colour. It was fun going outside every 15 minutes or so to see the progress being made.
I struggle to find words these days. The world is in such turmoil because of greedy, power-hungry men. I vacillate between not reading any news at all followed by gorging myself when I realize how many new complications and threats have happened. Threats of annexation and re-drawing international borders, along with tariffs and blatant disrespect of my country have my head spinning. And yet, as my husband reminds me, we sleep at night in peace, not worrying about bombs and violence as so many in the world experience - Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, and more.
And I notice the first buds of Flowering Red Currant. How beautiful the colour, how intricate the unfolding leaves. I am reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew "Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear? ... Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them."
In these unexpected and tumultuous times, I am leaning on my faith, trusting God, and asking for grace to show kindness to all.
The first rhododendrons are blooming, not in my garden, but in my neighbourhood. Such wonderful colour to brighten the grey days. As Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote in her journal, "Yet it is a joyous young world now and its beauty is as new wine to me...I feel again my old joy in mere existence - in the blue sky, the greenness of the southern slopes and the airy charm of pussywillows."
And so today I baked cookies, did laundry, and will be hosting our youngest daughter and her family tonight as they prepare to move to a new home tomorrow. Ordinary life may seem commonplace, but how beautiful its quiet rhythm can be. Joy wells up.
Nature is our solace at the moment. Treasuring every precious beauty that it gives us. B x
ReplyDeleteThe pussywillows are in bud here now and while the bay is still full of ice, spring is out there! We hold on to nature during this difficult time!
ReplyDeleteI was disappointed not to catch the moon in all her blood-red glory but it would have meant being awake much of the night. I saw the moon at 2.00am and it was shinning so brightly that it lit up all the garden. However, the eclipse happened at about 5.20am here and I was sound asleep.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photographs and your last words "Ordinary life may seem commonplace, but how beautiful its quiet rhythm can be. Joy wells up."
ReplyDeleteI like these words and agree with them. This weekend I will spend time with family, precious moments that I cherish.
My good wishes.
All the best Jan
Exactly what I needed today, Lorrie. Thank you for reminding us though ordinary life may seem commonplace, yet how beautiful its quiet rhythm can be. Oh yes, joy wells up. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos,
ReplyDeleteI especially liked the first one!
I like the routine of ordinary life!!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Yes, the beauty of nature and the joy in small precious things is so important and keeps us going in dark times. I saw the moon around 2.30a.m. when I woke and thought for a moment that we had left a light on somewhere. It was so bright but I missed the later eclipse, the sun too is bright this morning and the early morning frost is sparkling in it's light:)
ReplyDeleteThe world is a frightening place at the moment, but sunshine and spring flowers are balm to the soul.
ReplyDeleteNature is always like a miracle in springtime 💚 Not much happening yet here in Finland, a few snow drops, that's about it. You are ahead of us.
ReplyDeleteWorld news; you know I stopped following the media a year ago and I must say I'm much happier and have more time.
I love cyclamen, absolutely beautiful in your picture. We don't have it in nature, I sometimes buy a potted one for Christmas 💜
I am counting the weeks until I see my first crocus sighting of the season! I find with spring comes so much hope and promise and I sense that through your beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteI am on the same page as you with struggling to find words these days given what our beautiful, true north strong and free country is experiencing. I am taking it personally and it feels like all this is taking a toll on me.
More than ever, I have been seeking out "quiet rhythm" to get me through each day!
Spring is springing on your island sooner than our corner. Thank you for sharing the beautiful colors with us.
ReplyDeleteThese times are indeed "unexpected and tumultuous." Every time I think that I cannot be more surprised, I am. The words of Jesus that you quoted here ring true! I also remind myself (over and over) that this world is not my home and that I am a citizen of an eternal Kingdom that will not end . . . and I can trust its Ruler!
ReplyDeleteUntil then . . . I will take joy in the spring blossoms and my cozy home and the love of my family and my daily bread . . .
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and encouragement!
How exciting for your daughter and her family to move into a new home. I hope it's not very far from yours. It's always nice to be close enough for frequent visits.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that among my mainly purple crocuses I have some of the white ones with the faint lilac streaks. So pretty.
I think that's all you can do Lorrie, is rest on your faith. I find the world situation terrifying at the moment, even though we are perhaps one step removed from the centre of the tumult.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful to see a naturalised garden, with plants just being where they want to be, and the whole proclaiming its own beauty.