Sunday, November 11, 2018

What is it about flowers??



What is it about flowers?? What is it about flowers that resonates with my being?? What is it about flowers that feeds my soul?? What is it about this floral addiction of mine from which I have no desire to be cured??


Is it the universal language of flowers?? Is it the symbols that traditions and folk lore have alluded to for each flower; love, purity, friendship, gratitude, innocence, remembrance, affection, loveliness, celebration.........yes, yes and a resounding yes!



Is my addiction, my penchant for flowers something that manifests itself in the beautiful garden in which I wander each morning, secateurs in hand to cut a pretty flower or two? Is it the divine fragrance each flower gifts?? Is it all the pretty dresses each flower wears?? Is it the symphony of colours within the spectacle of a garden. Is it the beautiful reminiscences a flower brings to mind.....recalling those memories one hides within one's heart?? Is it the beautiful floral fabrics from huge, blousy blossoms to tiny sprigs.....which I am drawn to?? Is it the glorious floral-inspired paintings from the sublime brushstokes of Monet, Margareta Haverman, Margaret Olley, Van Gogh to name a few which I have always loved?? Is it those quilts where blossoms flourish all over that captivate me, and the cushions I have fashioned where  a concoction of ribbon flowers dance with floralicious delight?? Is it the pretty floral patterns on vintage tea cups and teapots that sit ever-so-prettily on my dressers, with an air of expectancy waiting to take part in a little tea ceremony each day?? Is it the  books which line the shelves of my burgeoning bookshelves, where page after glorious page delight me with photographs or botanical artworks of floral gorgeousness, taking me on a magical journey where flowers abound??


What can I say. The answer to all these questions where it appears I may just well  have a predilection to all things floral, a 'slight' floral addiction, is yes, yes and again I say yes. That's what it is about flowers. It is all the above and more; where it seems to me that the beautiful flowers are what pops up time and time again in my creative journey. It is the beauty of flowers in all their glorious representations; in Mother Nature, in paintings, on fabrics, on quilts, in embroideries of bygone eras, in books.......so, so many intangibles of why I love them so. Flowers touch me, inspiring me daily from deep within my being, nourishing my imagination.




Indeed, for me there are few things that are  as alluring as flowers. I do not say this lightly. Although I live in a little patch of paradise and marvel at God's wondrous creation every day, from the majestic mountains that surround me to the clouds in all shapes and forms dancing across the sky playing the game "can you guess what I am??";  it is the flowers in all their guises and colours which thrills my soul the most.



Flowers are a veritable pot pourri of magical delight. They make my heart smile. What is lovelier than a gift from a friend of a sweet smelling bouquet of beautiful blooms when one is feeling sad, or perhaps to celebrate a special occasion. A bouquet of overspilling blossoms, cinched together with a pretty ribbon is truly one of life's simple pleasures. AND....of course a home with a vase or two of blossoms in every room is one of life's beautiful delights. Indeed, it is a rare thing not to have a vase of pretty blooms somewhere in my home; even in Winter, where only a single flower might be seen to cheer my day. 



The flowers which have put a smile on my face, indeed, the flowers that have satisfied my addiction this last little while are the Irises and sweet, sweet Lilacs.......Iris - royalty, wisdom, valor..........Lilac - spirituality, purity, innocence, love and passion.... hence a little (just a little) photo shoot was required. =)


This last little while I have been deeply saddened by the news that some beautiful ladies whom I have met here in my little place find themselves travelling down difficult and torturous paths. Others too, whom of late have had loved ones pass away and have had to say their final goodbyes. Beautiful ladies whom though I have never met in person, I feel we are kindred spirits. Sometimes in life we are faced with hardships that are almost too much to bear. I have sat much in my garden this week. I have thought of you with much love and prayed to my Heavenly Father that He may wrap his arms around you, your family and loved ones and give comfort that only He can give. On my morning walks I have looked heavenward and prayed for you. As I think of you, may I gift each one of you a beautiful bouquet of flowers filled with much love. Wish oh wish I could knock on your front door, greet you with a warm smile and an engulfing hug and gift you with a bunch of flowers.....but I cannot. Please know that way down here at the bottom of the world, there is a lady who is thinking of you with much love♥

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




48 comments:

  1. A beautiful post my love. Flowers just take you places. xx

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  2. Beautiful dear Kim. I too love flowers ... I cannot imagine NOT loving them. They are so uplifting. Today I am feeling weary but I have been outside with my snips & picked beautiful roses, penstemons & some fernery & made up 2 vases for the house. Though everything is a bit of a "tip" at the moment, the flowers make me smile. As did your post today. I am so very sorry to read of the ladies having difficult times. Xxxx

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  3. Hi Kim wow love your pretty flowers my favourites are the iris,flowers always make me happy xx

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  4. Oh how it fills my heart and soul to know that you might be praying for me from so far away! It is so fun to see what it is like in your Tasmania through your blog and the commonality we share. Please know that I will do the same for you from the northwest corner of the United States...sending prayers dusted with the beautiful colors of that wonderful bouquet! What a truly special thought...just to know that no matter where we might live we can be connected by our faith, inspired by our creativity and blessed by each others heaven sent prayers! I am standing at your gate extended a bouquet of love and friendship to you my friend. ♥

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  5. What can I say - Flowers are..... well flowers - nothing else can equal them!!

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  6. It was lovely to find you in my inbox this sunny Sunday morning - a treat to share with my first coffee of the day. Such beautiful words and stunning pictures. It is always the flowers that catch my eye first in our garden - when I go out later after a couple of days of rain, there will not be many flowers in our autumn garden but I shall enjoy seeing every one. Have a lovely week. xx

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  7. Beautiful flowers and a beautiful post. I could look at your lilacs for hours.

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  8. Your photos are extremely beautiful. Your blog is a gift of flowers to the world. Kim, and I'm sure the ladies in your thoughts will be very appreciative of your pictures and words :)

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  9. I grew up in a big beautiful garden and love flowers too, but alas, with space and sun so limited, I have to take my flowers season-by-season and one at a time.

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  10. I grew up in a big beautiful garden and that is probably the thing I miss most. With the lack of space and sun, I have to take my flowers season-by-season and one at a time.

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  11. Flowers are joy !!!!!! And yours are gorgeous !!!!!
    Thanks for sharing those beauties !!!!!!
    Have a bright week !
    Hug
    Anna

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  12. Jaw-droppingly beautiful!! We awoke to our first frost of the season this morning, 21°F, and your bouquets are more than a welcome sight. Thank you!

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    1. I don't envy your frost at all, Rita. 21°F is just a wee bit chilly for me. I am so delighted to sprinkle your place with a pretty bouquet or two. Have a lovely week. Kim Xx

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  13. Oh my, such a beautiful post filled with the most beautiful thoughts of a sweet lady! Your love for flowers shows in your beautiful garden and floral creations. Your thoughts at the end are so sweet and I hope and pray those ladies receive your words with joy and enjoy that pretty bouquet you made for them.

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  14. Your flowers are truly a feast for the eyes! I enjoyed them so much as this week as we experienced an unusually early snow and extremely cold weather. It was odd to see snow on our autumn-colored trees. I also heard the news of a sad medical diagnosis of one of my blogging buddies this week. She and several others are in my daily thoughts and prayers. Wishing you (and all of us) a beautiful week, dear Kim!

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  15. You have a way with flowers, both real and fabric. You have a wonderful way with words as well. You made my mind wander and think about what flowers mean to ME. They have a wonderful power. They are my first thought when a gift is given to cheer someone or convey my love for the receiver.
    XX, Carol

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  16. Gorgeous, Gorgeous and Gorgeous!!! I can almost smell the lilacs.
    Thank you for the sweet comment you left about my watercolor quilt. I did it on a whim just to experiment with the fabric paints and my free motion skills on the sewing machine.
    Have a lovely day.
    Connie :)

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  17. i too, have a deep love for all things floral!! your flowers and gardens are always so beautiful.

    you are right, we are kindred spirits...and i hope your sadness lifts and your friends are on a better path! we are all climbing a mountain!!!

    gorgeous pictures today, they made my soul soar!!!

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  18. I love your photos, and your love for flowers! I do too, but who doesn't ;)

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  19. Awww, your flowers are beautiful, Kim!
    Ours have taken a battering from the rain and only a few remain.
    I feel I can almost smell your gorgeous lilacs!
    Hugs,
    Barbara x

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  20. Fabulous post...Feast for the eyes and balm for the soul...I can't live without flowers...Thank you for sharing LOVE in this lovely post!Sending hugs too!

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    1. I cannot live without flowers neither, Maristella. Thank you so much for your sweet comments. Kim Xx

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  21. Flowers seem to be a universal language - speaking volumes. I can almost smell how heavenly they are. This was a lovely Sunday post and much needed this week.

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  22. A bevy of gorgeous, Kim. As I was reading, I could smell the lilacs. So many memories are triggered by different garden delightful smells.
    Wishing the best for your friends...

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    1. Lilacs have the most beautiful fragrance, don't they. Yes, there is nothing quite like the potpourri of scents wafting around in the air within a garden. Thank you for your sweet visit, Dixie. Kim Xx

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  23. Loved your sentiments because it's exactly as I feel. I'm not good at expressing my thoughts and feelings as you are. I would love to be a poet and a singer but alas, it was not meant to be. I do love crafting and gardening however. I lost my fur baby early this summer and couldn't do any crafting because she was always nearby indoors but I was a wild woman in the garden-she was not an outdoor dog the last 4 or 5 years. I couldn't pull enough weeds! We've had some freezing weather and sadly the perennials have begun to hibernate and the annuals have succumbed. Such a sad time. Now I rake with reckless abandon......and today I spotted 3 little Johnny Jump Ups that made me smile. My African Violets inside have buds about to burst open-I will have to be content with them and beautiful photos that others post, as you did. Be Blessed.

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    1. Those 3 little Johnny Jump Ups and your pretty African Violets will keep a smile on your face till Spring comes your way once again. How sad that your fur baby is not with you anymore. I wouldn't mind being a singer too, but alas I only sound half okay in the bathroom. =) At least you and I can enjoy our gardens and crafting. Thank you for your sweet comments, lovely lady. Enjoy a blessed week. Kim Xx

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  24. Oh my! Like sumptuous paintings! And your lilacs might be the prettiest I have ever seen. Lovely colours! Anna x

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    1. Yes, the Lilacs are pretty, though they are past their best now. I will have to wait another year to enjoy them once again. Hope you have a beautiful week, lovely Anna. Kim Xx

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  25. A wonderful praise song on all beautiful flowers, what is life without flowers?
    I love the lilacs, their colors and smells, and your photos of the lilacs and irises are really amazing.
    What a sweet and touching words with a lot of warmth from your heart, thank you my dear Kim.
    Lots of hugs♥

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    1. Isn't the scent of Lilacs divine. Thank you for your sweet comments, lovely Loes. Kim Xx

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  26. Oh Kim, such a beautifully written, touching post. If only I could write and express my feeling like you do. You are absolutely surrounded by the most beautiful flowers and colors. Thank you. I planted a Lilac bush last spring. Sure hope it will thrive and be beautiful.

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  27. Lilacs are my favorite flower! I love the gentle color and the fragrance. I'm always amazed at what you do with fabric and ribbon! Lovely!

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  28. Oh bless you dear Kim, for giving us such beauty through your pictures and through your words. I know you have thought about us and I do feel your warm hugs and love across the miles. One day we will all meet in heaven and our souls will know each other. You'll be the head gardener and quilter, and I'll be baking for our tea party. Have a beautiful week, my friend. xx
    p.s. I love those flowers made from ribbon! Aren't they dainty little darlings?

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  29. Amazing flowers and pics. Your last paragraph of this posting really hit home with me. I know that you did not realize that I'd lost two dear friends; the first in the middle of September and the other one in early November. Your words, though not meant for me, touched my heart and soul. Thank you, Kim, for your kindness and the gorgeous bouquet. May the good Lord wrap his arms around you also.

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  30. What a feast of flowers! I'm so glad that as we approach winter you are approaching SUMMER! I can enjoy all of your lovely blooms! Great post, sweet Kim.

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  31. Oh my Kim, your post could only lift someone's spirits with all these beautiful flowers to feast our eyes upon. There is always such beauty and details in each flower that makes you marvel and just brighten a day!! Your pictures are all beautiful of them. Flowers and birds are my two favorites. I hope that those ladies that are going through rough times right now may be lifted by Jesus and find the peace that only he can give.
    Have a fantastic week!

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  32. I found myself in all the questions you asked and all the answers you supplied. I cannot live without flowers. They are feast for the senses and the best medicine for the soul!

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  33. ***sigh*** what glorious pictures, my friend. I so needed to see these delightful blossoms as it's been cold and lifeless here in the mountains. The trees have lost their leaves and the ground is brown and bare. Thank you for the beauty. Sending love and hugs your way!

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  34. Kim - if I was going to choose an addiction, it would certainly be flowers. And your desire to offer your friends around the world a bouquet of your beauties, is a gift of the heart. Hope your week is going well, and thanks for visiting my blog!

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  35. Such lovely photos of beautiful flowers you gift us generously! I am certain that the ladies will receive your kind thoughts, Kim.

    -Soma

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  36. the most beautiful flowers and colors. Thank you. I planted a Lilac bush last spring. Sure hope it will thrive and be beautiful.

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  37. What beautiful flowers! I feel the same way about them. Now that we are deep into fall here, the flowers in my yard are just memories. Thanks for posting pictures of yours! A friend of mine has been giving me flowers about every 2 weeks since my diagnosis. Such a beautiful gift!

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  38. You have brought me tears with your beautiful flowers and heartfelt words...especially the part about praying for these wonderful ladies, who you have never met in person, but are going through some very dark and trying times. Our Lord works through our blogs...I will never be convinced otherwise. You have a beautiful spirit and what better addiction could one have if not to flowers?? Just don't ever try to find a support group to help you "recover" from it.♥♥♥

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  39. How lovely! Not only the flowers, but your words as well. It was so lovely to come and visit here and see those incredible blooms and dream....woke up to over 3" of snow here this morning.

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  40. What a beautiful ode to flowers!!You are such a beautiful way of expressing your language of flowers and of sharing your heart through them!! And they speak of our Heavenly Father's overflowing love and magnificent Creation!!! Have a blessed day and full of floral delight!

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    1. How lovely of you to visit my little place and leave such kind comments, thank you. Your visit has delighted me. Yes, the saying "One is never closer to God than when in agarden" is so true isn't it. Kim Xx

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  41. Wow, what a symphony of colors! Enjoy the stroll through your blog in my cold dark morning...

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