Amazing Grace: A WORLD FILLED WITH FLOWERS....

Flowers are beautiful, and I have such a love for flowers, I love to plant seeds and watch them make their way through the soil...I love to fill pots with dahlia's, impatients, coleus, vinca's....I love to watch my morning glory wrap around poles, the gate, and every plant it can....My 4 o'clocks spread like weeds, I love how they just take over.....

I have to say the results of my flowers is basically up to me, the care and time I put into them. I am so very blessed that they are not only MY flowers... my family also are really starting to enjoy them, helping me water and nurture them. Watering takes close to 45 minutes two times a day in the 100 degree weather, yet it just seems like when I am among my flowers, my worries, stresses and anxiety disappears. The more flowers the better, the brighter the color the better. I like them in vases, on the vine, and on my table. With such warm (ok HOT) weather, they have a tendency to wilt...I used to stress when they would wilt, yet now I am able to look at the wilting flowers alittle different....it reminds me that the flowers had a life, had a past and when the weather cools down, they have a future as they start to liven up and bloom again.

I have to agree that flowers are the sweetest things God ever made and forgot to put a soul into. They definitely have a special place in my heart and they are so good for my soul. I love when I pass a florist shop, it never fails to attract my attention. The splurge of colors, the heavenly scent, the freshness. I love to drive around and take notice of peoples yards and their ideas and love of flowers. Lately, life has been busy, sometimes feeling overwhelmed with everything, yet it's amazing how soft delicate petals and the innocence of their beauty just seem to stare back at me, when I need it the most! Not only do I enjoy them as they grow, but I enjoy them in a vase or jar or watering can. It's amazing how something so simple can cheer me up and lift my heart. I am sure there are other people that like me forget about my wants, forget to take the time for myself and give myself a treat. I've always been big on appreciating the little things and it's these little, simple things that are the best treat or expression of care that I can give myself. I usually hit every nursery in town and even out of town...buy them by the flat, or climbing vines or in the gallons.

I am big believer in pampering yourself, in doing things for yourself, yet, its easier said than done....so instead of waiting for someone to do something nice for you, or buy you flowers...take matters in your own hands. Treat yourself to a new potted flower, whether its a rose bush, honey-suckle vine, or a container of impatients. I know the power of flowers. I know what it's like to have flowers all around me, every little corner outside, by the gate, under the mailbox, hanging from hooks, and covering the ground. There is just something about flowers that do something to change your mood, bring a smile to your face, fill your soul with peace and joy. Flowers inspire me... I am inspired to treat myself to new flowers for my yard each week, (just a small amount, I promise no more flats or gallons by the dozens!)

As I am writing this blog, I have a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers and purple and yellow iris's in a pretty pink water pitcher I bought in May from an Amish family in Missouri. Flowers and their fragrance is just refreshing..... there is something divine and magical about flowers, some are so intricate, silky, bright, soft, unusual coloring, shape and size.

Just a mini tour of my yard and my mom and daddy's yard....

a rose is a rose is a rose! ( a knock out rose)

Morning glory brings me such glory in the morning....

all new front flowerbed ( and I love spray-paint, turn old things into new bright things!)

a part of a snow covered garden at my parents...

my brothers memory garden....extremely meaningful and extremely peaceful....I so miss our gardening times and talks together...makes me sad, yet happy cuz I know Jeff has a huge garden in heaven