A Bit of Summer: Flowers and Books

"The kiss of the sun for pardon,

The song of the birds for mirth,

One is nearer God's heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on earth.

DOROTHY FRANCES GURNEY

Gratefully we've had a few sunny days in June. And we've had more than plenty of rain. Our sunken patio has turned into a wading pond - it rains faster than it drains. And our lovely peonies which were just opening this past week, even though propped up by peony rings, are now hanging their colourful heads in sodden masses on the ground. But all is not lost - the blooms of our mock orange are opening and giving our hearts a fragrant lift. Thankfully they weren't shredded from the persistent rains.

Here are a few photos I took before the rainfall began in earnest.

After a browse of my book shelves, I found a few titles which either evoke the season of summer, or they include the word "garden", "flower", or the name of a flower.

NONFICTION

An Island Garden

by Celia Thaxter

(orig. published in 1894, part memoir, the author describes what's

going on in her garden on Appledore; a delightful read)

Foxgloves and Hedgehog Days,

Secrets in a Country Garden

by Daniel Blajen

(the author discovers that gardening is much more

than a chore or hobby)

Garden Blessings, Poems, Prose and Prayers

by Jane Cotner

(anthology of writings that offer a common

appreciation of gardens and gardening)

Garden Maker, Growing a Life of Beauty and Wonder with Flowers

by Christie Purifoy

(author enjoys a little bit of heaven

on earth in her garden)

Leaning Toward Light,

Poems for gardens and the hands that tend them

by Tess Taylor

(poems that make the reader want to lean toward the light)

Life in the Garden

by Penelope Lively

(memoir about art, literature, and gardening)

Secret Gardens of Cornwall, A Private Tour

by Tim Hubbard and Photographs by Jo and Rob Whitworth

(take an armchair tour through 20 Cornish gardens) 

The God of the Garden,

Thoughts on Creation, Culture, and the Kingdom

by Andrew Peterson

(author writes to wake up readers to the glory

of God shining through his creation)

The Paper Garden

by Molly Peacock

(biography of Mrs. Delany who begins her life's work at 72)

FICTION

A Few Green Leaves

by Barbara Pym

(fiction about English village life) 

Elizabeth and Her German Garden (fiction)

by Elizabeth Von Arnim

Flowers in the Rain

by Rosamunde Pilcher

(a collection of short stories that make nice summer reading)

Midsummer Mysteries,

Tales from the Queen of Mystery

by Agatha Christie

(short stories that include Poirot and Miss Marple)

Monk's-Hood

by Ellis Peters

(Brother Cadfael uses his knowledge of herbs from his

garden to solve a 'deadly recipe for murder')

Rose in Bloom

by Louisa May Alcott

(YA novel; "Everyone seems to think that Rose should

get married. Everyone but Rose.")  

The Gardener 

by Sarah Stewart and pictures by David Small

(children's picture book) 

The Last Garden in England 

by Julia Kelly

(in this novel, five women are connected

across time to a certain garden in England)

The Lost Garden

by Helen Humphreys

(novel set during WWII, a young horticulturist leaves

London for the Devon countryside to teach a group

of girls about growing crops for the home front)

The Name of the Rose

by Umberto Eco

(novel set in 1327 where Franciscans living in a wealthy

Italian abbey are suspected of heresy. Seven deaths turns

Brother William into a detective)

The Secret Garden

by Frances Hodgson Burnett

(children's novel - a forever favourite)

A question I saw recently on social media. "When you find yourself needing to unplug, what are your favourite activities to engage in?"

A: I read, write cards and notes by hand, go for a walk, pet the neighbour dogs when they stop by, lay down for a tiny rest, sit in a sunny nook with a book in hand, watch the birds, notice the clouds, sip something warm or cool (depending), browse a beautiful photo-filled magazine.....

What works for you?

❦

On that note, I'm wishing you a beautiful day,

Brenda

Photo credits:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

Guest Blogging Elsewhere Today: Beauty and the Writer

Image by Andreas from Pixabay

 

I have a new post up on InScribe, my writers' fellowship blog. This month we are chatting about beauty and the writer. I'd love for you to stop by - here's the LINK.

Hope your summer is going well.

 ❦

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Brenda

Five on Friday: A Bit of a Catch Up

"In early June the world of leaf and blade and

flower explodes, and every sunset is different."

attributed to JOHN STEINBECK

One. Outside My Window

The tulips are done but they made quite the splash earlier in May. The purple ones above were the last to bloom - the colour makes me swoon, and I hope these bulbs will multiply profusely from season to season. They now make room for the lilacs and irises and alliums. Peonies are still setting buds - nearly ready to add their bright burst of summery brilliance.

A mallard momma duck and her ten ducklings wandered through our garden the other day looking for a way to the pond on the next street. Alas, in our neighbourhood everyone has fences everywhere, so Momma had a time to find a way. After nosing around for a while, ducklings falling over themselves to follow her, she took time to rest in the shade of the leafy elderberry shrub. They nestled under her wings. If I could have spoken Duckese, I would have softly advised her to keep to the left 'round the corner and then head north. She was gone the next time I looked - I hope she 'heard' my little prayer. 

We've had a few warm summery days—the long evenings are such a delight. And this week we've enjoyed some proper rains. We got five inches in two days. Just soft and steady all day, all night. Didn't hear of any flooding in our area. The green has sure popped out. Trees are now fully leafed. Even with the slow cold start to spring, we're finally here.

 

Two. A Wedding Shower

Traditionally, June is the month for weddings. And although my dear niece is not getting married until later this summer, a wedding shower is planned for her this weekend. I don't know if this 'trend' is more widespread, but I am noticing around here that the new flush of brides seem to be enjoying a return to vintage and thrift store finds. And even Grandma's China and pretty bowls. I had great fun 'shopping' in my own home... after secretive chats with the bride's mom as we thought about which of my treasures to pass along to my beautiful niece as she starts her own home (I can't show pictures for then the surprise will be out).

Three. Thinking About

A little stream of consciousness writing for this section. I like stickers and I found one today that said 'Be happy'. Good advice. I have tried to be a happy person over my lifetime. Not happy as in jovial all the time, but happy-grateful for all the good that comes my way even when I feel less 'blessed'. I'm more successful at it than other times, but I learn as I go. And when I came to realize that living life in a spirit of gratefulness really does help me when the ugly stuff shows up, my life became more beautiful.

I'm not saying it's still not a daily struggle. 'Out of sorts' moments can invade in a blink, colouring the atmosphere around us, casting dark shadows. Especially when there seem to be so many horrid situations marking our world and darkening it. And I start to wonder how we can continue to cope when so much comes at us. No wonder so many of us feel unwell in body as well as soul.

I sat writing in my journal early this morning, mulling it all, and I was reminded of some of the words Jesus spoke as recorded in the New Testament, how we are not supposed to carry the load ourselves. Trying to keep on top of things is overwhelming, and in this faulty world there is no way we can do this day by day by day in our own strength and wisdom. Here are the words that refreshed me - I felt the weight lift. I share them in case you, too, have been feeling the weight of the world, with hopes they give a similar relief:

Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you (refer to 1 Peter 5:7).

The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to Him. And the peace ... comes (refer to Philippians 4: 5-6 ESV).

Come unto Me all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest (refer to Matthew 11:28).

The perfect love [of Jesus] casts out all fear (my version of 1 John 4:8).

Four. Books I Read in May

Reclaiming Quiet, Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention by Sarah Clarkson. I spent the last few months slowly rereading this quietly inspiring book by a favourite author. In a world fraught with many cares and terrors, Sarah looks at "practical strategies to resist hurry and cultivate holy attention through stillness, prayer, and listening for God's voice". I felt my mind and heart slowing down, her beautifully crafted words "transforming my interior life into a place of wonder and rest". 

The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung. A standalone, fast-paced political thriller. The story follows Alice Li and her mother, Vivien Li (a famed Tiananmen Square dissident and global human rights activist) through family struggles, digging into the ancient past, political terror, and the precarious balance of world power.

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl. It's a tale about Stella, a cautious young food blogger who books a flight to Paris after her estranged mother's death. Written by acclaimed food writer Ruth Reichl, the story is sumptuously packed with delectable descriptions of food along with romantic, sensory-rich depictions of Paris in the 1980s where Stella learns to embrace life, courage, and friendship. A pleasure to read.

Elephants Can Remember by Agatha Christie. One of her last books, published in 1972, this novel follows eccentric crime novelist Ariadne Oliver and famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot as they join forces to investigate a cold-case 'murder-suicide' of a prominent English couple.

Five. June at Last

"What is one to say about June—the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade? For my own part I wander up and into the wood and say, "June is here—June is here; thank God for lovely June!" GERTRUDE JEKYLL, from Wood and Garden, 1899

❦

On that note, I'm wishing you a beautiful day

and a wonderful summer ahead.

Heart hugs,

Brenda

Photo credit:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

Hello May, Time Away

Image by GuangWu YANG from Pixabay

"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'"

ROBIN WILLIAMS

Hello May, we've been waiting for you!

Last week, experiencing yet another bad winter storm of snow and high winds, we lamented that Spring was never coming. But the last couple of days have been sweetly different. We have awakened to sunshine and blue skies...and it's a fine morning today. Spring bulbs are springing up everywhere in our garden—purple crocuses, white and blue scilla, and tête-à-tête daffodils, all adding welcome colour in a still mostly brown garden. We spotted our first bees busy in the blossoms. We are dizzy with delight.

Rejoicing in little graces in our days: We didn't need to wear a jacket this morning when out for our walk. Pussy willows are bursting out along the banks of the pond - a thrill since childhood. Robins sing from treetops. Ducks quack as they fly overhead. Grebes call and red winged blackbirds whistle. At last, the sights and sounds of Spring are all around us.

I had been reading a few of Agatha Christie's Poirot short stories in the evenings before bed. I'm surprised at how much humour she slips into her unfolding mysteries with that British repartee between Poirot, Hastings, and Inspector Japp. I have now turned to a newly purchased copy of Miss Read's novel, Village Diary. Which is a gentle, cheerful, and humorous peek at life in an English country village. It was first published in 1957.

We've been busier around here with helping others in our little world. Not just my mom, but others in our circle who are reaching that age when illness creeps in and sets their paths, and ours, in a different direction. Time in the ER and hospital with loved ones filled our days this past week. Thankfully the patient is home again, and we hope he will regain his strength and vitality.

With Spring here and the outdoors calling, along with us keeping our eyes and hands near those we love, I will be taking some time away. I will write when I can (or feel inspired). Thank you again to everyone who left comments on recent posts. Be assured I have read them and appreciate each one very much, even though I haven't taken time to reply.  

I'm wishing you a lovely Spring. And I'm hoping your days will be filled with little surprises and treats 'out of the blue' to fill your hearts with delight. I hope your hearts will be lightened and your cares will be lifted. 

"It is a serious thing

just to be alive on

this fresh morning in

this broken world."

MARY OLIVER

"I always think my feelings

are SO complicated but then

Spring happens and I'm like,

oh no, wait, I'm fine."

UNKNOWN, found somewhere on line

❦

Heart hugs,

Brenda

Five on Friday: Celebrating My Birthday Week

Image by Muneeb Malhotra from pexels.com

"There are two great days in a person’s life – 

the day we are born and the day we discover why."

WILLIAM BARCLAY

My birthday has snuck up on me this year. Of course I knew it was coming but still the weeks have flown. And as I write this post on the eve of my birthday, it certainly doesn't seem possible to have reached the grand age of 69 years. My goodness, wasn't it just yesterday that I celebrated my 60th with a wee visit to Oxford, the city of 'dreaming spires' and the home of my soul.

- One -

We have not been best pleased with the weather this week. It's not supposed to be this wintry anymore, we say with hands on our hips. We get a warmish day here and there, then we think, okay, now spring is here. My deep purple crocuses were coming up all sweet and innocent in the sun warming days. And then yet another blast of winter—snow, freezing temperatures, and wind—settles for a few more days. As I mentioned in a note to a dear friend, a lesson can be gleaned from these little brave souls of nature. I looked out my study window and saw the green shoots standing sturdily amidst the snow. They knew to just wait it out. (I love winter, but on my birthday, I'd much prefer pussy willows and spring bulbs.)

 

- Two -

I believe that no matter what condition you are

in when someone close to your heart remembers

your birthday and wishes you a happy birthday,

you feel happy.

A. Singla

It's true. I feel happy. My mail box has been filling

with birthday cards and delightful surprises all week.

Cards from friends near and far. I am well blessed to

 have such lovely people in my life.

- Three -

I've been indulging in a little BritBox watching. I had taken advantage of a 7-day free trial through Prime to watch a series with David Suchet travelling where Agatha Christie once travelled. With the free week nearly up, I went to cancel, except they offered me three months for $2.75/mo instead of the usual $10.99/mo. Well, how can a person refuse such a bargain. My first film has been to watch Persuasion with Amanda Root as Anne Elliot and Ciarán Hinds as Captain Wentworth. There are none finer, in my books, than these two to portray one of my favourite Jane Austen novels.

- Four -

A dozen gorgeous red and pink roses

from my sweetheart. He really is a sweetheart!

- Five -

 A collection of 'eldering' birthday quotes that lift my spirits this week.

"Anyone who keeps the ability to see

beauty never grows old."

Franz Kafka

"All we have to decide is what to do

with the time that is given us."

J.R.R. Tolkien

"With long life will I satisfy [you]

and show [you] my salvation."

from Psalm 91 (NIV)

"[You] will still bear fruit in old age,

[you] will stay fresh and green."

from Psalm 92:14 (NIV)

   

I opened today's post with those words attributed to William Barclay. And as I close, I want to muse a moment on them. At age 69, I hope after all these years I have figured out why I was born.

I believe God made me for a purpose.

He made me fast. And when I run I feel his pleasure.

Eric Liddell, in the movie Chariots of Fire

(I have often thought of those words in relation

to my own life, especially to my writing life. He made

me good with words, and when I write I feel his pleasure.)

*

He has good works for me to do.

- to love him and to love my neighbour.

- to live in gratitude and thankfulness.

- to live in the beauty of kindness, creativity,

and companionship.

On the eve of my birthday, as I sat at my desk writing this post, the grey skies had cleared. And the setting sun filled my room with that soft, gold light... filling my soul with joy. In my heart, at least, Spring had arrived.

❦

Wishing you a beautiful week ahead,

Brenda

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I post on Fridays