Saturday, December 3, 2016

One is never closer to God than in a garden

Thank you everyone for visiting my spring-filled place a little while ago and taking the time to leave such lovely comments. You always leave a smile in my heart.

The Lilacs have finished their flush of beautiful flowers, ever so gently making way for the other blossoms.



Spring is ever so slowly (nothing ever happens quickly here in Tassie) continuing the procession of floralicious delight, with each flower profusely blooming for a little while, then when finished, handing over the blossom baton to the next beautiful display. Cultivar after cultivar each showcasing their unique exquisiteness. Although the calendar reveals to me it is now the Summer month of December, Tassie hasn't looked at it's calendar of late. But that's okay, I am revelling in gorgeous bloom after gorgeous bloom. The most wonderful thing about a slow and deliberate warming up of the seasons here in Tassie, is we experience long and extended flowering seasons.



The beautiful Dutch Irises never fail to delight. The extravagance of that deep, purpley-blue colour is always a vision splendid.



Such a pretty outlook from the family room.


Azaleas abound!


The Clematis joyfully scrambling  over a rusty arch.



Aquilegias abound in our garden. Each year they drop seed whereupon the next year there always seems to be an explosion of these pretty granny bonnets.





Aah......the pretty Foxgloves. In my mind's eye I catch glimpses of tiny fairies peeking from within the tubular, little bells. I am quite certain Miss Maisie sees them!




The Rhododendrums, the Ixias.......


But.........then there are the Roses!! Now is the time for the Roses. The fragrance in the garden as each rose petal gently unfurls from it's bud is enchanting. The delicious scents of each different rose is truly exhilarative.





I cannot tell you how divine the heady scents of these roses are. They are truly intoxicating!! Each rose jostling to reveal the most ambrosial, scent-infused bouquet.






I have spent much time strolling in the garden these last weeks....and always my feet have led me to the pond. I have sat in my swing seat for many moments, contemplating the fragility of life. You see, a very dear friend of my husband and mine passed away suddenly a couple of weeks ago. It was a shock. He kissed his wife goodbye and set off with his teenage son to chop wood, experiencing a massive heart attack, never to return home to his lovely family again.


Our friend was a funny, loyal, honourable, honest and most marvellous man. There are not enough pages in a book to pen my thoughts on the eminent character of our friend. He was a much loved and respected member of this small community; whom will be sadly missed. His dependability, his keen intellect and clever mind, his organisational skills, his naughty sense of humour.............the attributes flow on and on.........will be irreplaceable. He adored his family and they adored him. Indeed, he was their world, and they his.



The pond is a place of refuge, a place which refreshes my soul. It is a paradise where the fish glide in the murmuring water surrounded by the blessings of nature. It is a place where I talk to my Heavenly Father. It is a place where He gently bends down to hear the whispers of my heart and comforts me. It is a place to..........just be. So, so many times, there is no other place I would rather be.

It is a place where I remember our dear friend. It is a place where I think upon the happy, memorable and fun times both my husband and I spent in the company of him. It is a place where my friend is never more than a thought away. It is a place where I pray for my friend's wife, who is also a very dear and much loved friend, and his four children and grandson. Their walk upon this new path will be a difficult one, filled with much heartache, without their wonderful husband, dad and grandad walking alongside them; missing him, wishing he was there with them. It will be a path filled with many moments of sadness, but maybe in time, there will again be happy strolls as they keep their precious  memories of their loved one ever so close to their hearts.


Indeed I find I am never closer to God than sitting in my swing seat, overlooking the pond, where every flower, every creature has been painted with the majestic brushstrokes of my Heavenly Father's paintbrush. If one looks closely, the intricate detail of each flower......of each creature......is wondrously complex. Some say there is no God.......incredible!!



Thank you for strolling along my garden path with me and resting awhile by the pond. If you think of it, please spare a thought, and if you are so inclined, a prayer for our friend's family over these coming days, months............indeed, they will need many a caring thought and hug during this unimaginable time of loss in their lives.

Until the next time..........




49 comments:

  1. Beautiful post Kim! Beautiful photos of beautiful flowers, beautiful tribute to your friend, beautiful dog, beautiful patchwork quilt on the seat...just absolute gorgeousness.

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  2. Hello Kim,

    What a lovely tribute to your dear friend. Miss Masie looks right at home in your garden, how do you get her to sit still and give you that look?

    Enjoy your weekend.

    Happy days.
    Bev.

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    1. Thank you, Bev. I think Miss Maisie was born to be a model for my photos. She has that look down pat, doesn't she. She really has the most adorable looks and knows when to show them. =) I have never had a dog who sits forever whilst I take photo after photo of her; she seems to enjoy being the star attraction.

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  3. Oh Kim such wonderful, eye-pleasing photos you share today! I can only imagine what it feels like and what it smells like with all the blooms and flowers around! My whole body and spirit gets nourished when I walk in nature surrounded by all its splendor. Thank you for making my Saturday morning a lovely visual experience!

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  4. Hi Kim
    After losing my FIL this summer, Terry and I spent MANY hours in the swing by our pond filling the time with thoughts about life after death, recounting the many things about him that we loved and just sitting in silence enjoying the fish and my beloved frogs.

    Winter is coming quickly to Northern Indiana USA. NOT my favorite time of the year. I enjoyed wandering through YOUR garden and find it interesting that we have many of the same plants and we are on the opposite sides of the planet.

    This was a lovely post.
    xx, Carol

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    1. Hi Carol, 'Tis strange isn't it, you up there reflecting upon your FIL by your pond and me reflecting upon my friend beside my pond. Ponds and gardens are indeed wonderful places to be still and just be. Thank you so much for visiting my place. Sending you many hugs. Kim Xx

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  5. What a gorgeous post !!!!
    Your garden is really beautiful !!! A little piece of heaven....
    Enjoy your weekend outdoor !
    Hug
    Anna

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  6. Sorry about the loss of your friend, it is good to take silence for a while. It's a joy to look at your beautiful garden with so many gorgeous flowers it's good for you to relax.
    Have a blessed weekend,
    Loes

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    1. Thank you, lovely Loes. I can't help but relax in our garden, it is such a joyous place. Wishing you a pleasant week, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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  7. Sorry for your sadness. I will say a prayer and hold good thoughts for the family you mentioned. Your scenery holds such serenity. Take care.

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  8. Dear Kim, I truly sympathise with you at the loss of such a precious friend and indeed with his family sorrowing at this time.
    Your gardens are quite beautiful and a wonderful retreat and place of blessing to enjoy the beauty god has created for us!
    Best wishes X

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  9. What an absolutely beautiful garden! I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. Your garden must give you such peace especially your swing seat by the pond.

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  10. Oh Kim, I cried reading your beautiful post. That is such tragic news for you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Yes I think your spot on the swing seat overlooking the pond is just the perfect place to remember & to pray for them all. Your post is filled with such beautiful flowers - I only wish my computer screen was scratch & sniff :-) Sending gentle hugs to you Kim x x x

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  11. Your garden is beautiful and your photos of it are amazing. I could sit or stroll around in it for ever. Hugs ValeryAnne.

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  12. Your flowers and beautiful garden are food for the soul. So sorry to hear about your friend, his poor family too, I'm glad you have your special place to go and regenerate xx

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  13. Your beautiful words and pictures have filled me up and completed my day! Such sadness to lose a close friend and how his family will mourn for him. We lost a dear friend in October and he was greatly missed at an annual party we attended this evening. It takes a long time for that hurt in your heart to pass. My heart and prayers go out to you and the family of your friend.

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  14. Kim,
    What a lovely garden you have and it did feel as though I was strolling through it, enjoying every single flower. I miss the warm weather already and we haven't even had the worst yet. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend. Such a sad, unexpected loss for his family and friends. My heart goes out to all of you and yes I will say a prayer. Thinking of you all. I must say, your sweet Miss Maisie looks content in your beautiful garden! Shes a beauty! Take care, Linda

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    1. Thank you so much, Linda. Your lovely thoughts have warmed my soul. Yes, Miss Maisie is a beauty....her favourite thing in life is being a model. =) Wishing you the most wonderful week. Kim Xx

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  15. A garden shows us just how transient life is and reminds us that we bloom but for a brief period.

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    1. Indeed it does, Ann. Thank you for popping by. Hope all is well with you....have a lovely week. Kim Xx

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  16. I'm so sorry for your loss, Kim.
    It's wonderful to see your garden! Stunningly beautiful!

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  17. Dear lovely Kim. Sometimes we need a place where we feel close to the Lord. Times of loss and bereavement can be so tumultuous, and having a sweet refuge can be a welcome escape. I know that you are the sort of person who will continue to support your friends loved ones in their grief and loss, and I am glad for you, that you have somewhere to retreat and remember your friend in solitude and reflection. Your garden is truly something to behold. Love, Mimi xxx

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    1. I can but try to support my friend and her children in this sad time, Mimi. Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts; they have put a smile in my day. Bless you, lovely Mimi. Kim Xx

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  18. So beautiful. Such a gorgeous. place. Your images are wonderful.

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    1. Thank you, Kate for your sweet comments and thank you for visiting my place and taking the time to 'pen' your thoughts. It is a delight to have you visit. Kim Xx

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  19. Oh my, your garden is nothing but sweet delight! I certainly would feel close to God walking in it! One of the things I love about spring is the ever changing of colors. Your foxgloves are breathtaking! I love them, but don't have a lot of luck. So sorry about your friend. I'm sure he will be greatly missed!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. I too love Foxgloves, Jann. They grow like weeds around here. When driving along the highways, there are thousands growing on the side of the road. They look spectacular. Thank you for your sweet comments, lovely Jann. Kim Xx

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  20. I'm very sorry to hear of your friend, Kim. I shall certainly keep his family in my thoughts.
    Your garden is looking truly spectacular - you and Maisie did a wonderful job of keeping it up last year and Maisie is looking very pretty amongst the flowers :) x

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  21. Oh Kim, what a joy it must be to walk out in your garden with all those lovely flowers, just reading your words I could smell the fragrance of the roses, and your photo's are beautiful, love love the ones that include the beautiful cross-stitchings too :)
    I want to send my deepest sympathies for the loss of your dear friend, we just never know when our time will be up and shouldn't take one moment of it for granted. What a wonderful spot to go to and share your thoughts concerns to our heavenly father, I will say a prayer for your dear friends and yourself as you deal with the loss of this sweet man.

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  22. My gosh your garden is just spectacular.

    Hugs diane

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  23. So very sorry to read about your friend - we found ourselves in a similar position earlier this year and I understand how you feel. I'm glad you are able to take comfort in your beautiful garden.

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  24. hi kim, your garden really is lovely - the colors are spectacular. i like peaking into your family room and seeing that teacup lamp, it is a favorite. and the banner hanging above, that is so sweet and very unique.

    i wonder how you maintain all of this?? i often feel so overwhelmed by my yard and gardens. the iris are gorgeous and purple, i think they were my favorites!!!

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  25. Dearest Kim so sadden for the loss of your and your husbands close friend. So sad my dear. Death is such a harsh thing and the only way to understand it is with God.. I have been really feeling my mom being go e the last few days.. Its about to be three years and I miss her dearly. Your garden is so wonderful. I lobe your swing. I love all your surroundings.. We are kindred spirits I believe... It is so funny your having warm days in December. It is freezen here all day today..m feels like ice in the air lol... Wishing you. Lovely evening..ps... When do you have Christmas... With love Janice

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    1. The loss of someone you love is always difficult, isn't it, even as days, months, years pass by. I feel you and I are kindred spirits, as well. We celebrate Christmas on Christmas Day, the 25th....not long now till that joyous day arrives. Thank you for your lovely comments, lovely Janice. Sending hugs to your chilly li'l part of the world. Kim. Xx

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  26. A truly glorious garden, Kim. A sanctuary to gather one's thoughts in and enjoy the amazing beauty that surrounds.

    So sorry to read about the loss of your friend. May his dear friends and family find comfort at this time.

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  27. It certainly is at these times of unexpected departures that we realise how fragile life really is and when the Lord decides it's time for us to leave...there is nothing we can do. My sympathy goes out to your friends and to you on the lose of a dear loved one. Your pond and its surrounds must bring you much comfort and joy in times of reflection. It is a beautiful place. I did notice too that your furry pet in the background looks very civilized...something I wish our own bratty dog would do. lol
    Hugs to you. xx

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  28. I'm so very sorry for your friend's family, and for you. I can tell how much he was loved by the way you talk about him. God obviously has a plan, although sometimes we are hard pressed to see it. Your garden is a good place to be and spending time reflecting by the pond is good for the soul.

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  29. Wonderful photos Kim of your pretty garden, a joy to see when all is sad and dark and rainy over in my part of the world. Is that the pond your husband made? how he must love to contemplate it. Sorry about your sad news.

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    1. Thank you, Regine. May you have a blessed day. Kim Xx

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  31. I am so very sorry about the loss of your good friend, Kim. I know what loss his family, and friends are feeling and I will remember them in my prayers. Yes, life is so fragile, isn't it?
    Thank you for sharing the beauty of your lovely garden with us. I loved your darling bunting of doilies and linens. I'm glad that you take time to gaze upon your beautiful pond and reflect on the beauty that God has gifted to us here on earth. Love and hugs are sent to you.

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  32. I enjoyed these, Kim. Wonderful photos of flowers and color when it is so gray and gloomy around here.
    Amalia
    xo

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  33. My dear Kim... I can't tell you how the beauty you captured through the eyes of your camera ministered to my soul today. The glorious colors of spring in your garden are about as close to heaven on earth as you can get! The joyous colors of hope and beauty springing forth abundantly all around you, oh how it would make your heart sing! I can understand just how you feel as you sit there by your little pond, and feel the touch of the Master oh so close, and to be able to whisper and know He hears. Such sadness and sorrow for the loss of that dear precious man, and the heartache his family and your family feels, but oh the comfort of sharing that sorrow with the ONE who does understand and know best how to comfort, in such a glorious little haven of rest. My dear, you are blessed to have this place to go in the midst of your sorrow, and I know that your prayers there are making a difference for that precious family. I will most certainly be in prayer with you, many miles away, but our Father hears us just the same, what a thought! Many hugs to you today dear friend, this post today was a joy to my soul. I am so glad to share the joy of spring with you, even as winter is making itself at home here :)

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  34. Dearest Kim,
    I'm feeling amazed more and more at your stunning pictures, your world charms me so much, it's a little bit of Paradise !
    Enjoy your late Spring, sweet friend of mine, it's such a wonderful season !

    Hope you're enjoying the best of weekends,
    I'm sending blessings to you,
    with utmost gratitude for the wonderful, precious lady you are

    Xx Dany

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  35. Oh my heart. How very sad. I know what that shock feels like.... I trust his family will be alright.
    Your garden, is most beautiful. It calms me just looking at it. I can nearly smell those roses.
    How blessed you are to live there. I grew foxgloves for the first time this year and they bloomed!
    Blessings on you Kim. Thinking of you

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  36. These moments when the fragility of life hit so close to home...are overwhelming indeed. I'm grateful you are wise enough to take quiet time to reflect upon and comprehend your loss. I always love when you share your garden with us...as Carla said above, it calms me too! (Esp. since we are always in opposite seasons!!) Thinking of you....with hugs and smiles! V

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  37. So sorry to hear about your friend. I'm remembering someone too.

    I appreciate your showing your flowers now that we are in the midst of cold, dreary days.

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  38. Oh my dear friend...if I am able see through the tears I will get this comment typed to you. I see I have missed this post. I started out to comment on Holly's most beautiful wall hanging...and then I read further down, knowing there was more to the story. My heart is so saddened by your great loss. There are no right words to say at a time such as this, only that I pray for the Lord to continue to bring peace and comfort. I was mesmerized by your stunning gardens...it put an image in my mind of what I think heaven must look like. Meeting with the Lord in that special place, your beautiful swing overlooking the pond, is a refuge like none I've seen and I am truly in awe of this place you have created. Life is precious. Thank you so much for sharing this bittersweet story and I will continue to remember you and sweet Holly's family in my prayers. Hugs

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