Through My Window: The Beauty and Complexity of Everyday Life

Rhododendron blooms in November, forsythia buds swelling, anxious to show off their yellow skirts in December! A hydrangea bush sported new blossoms and a few tenacious roses clung to the bushes that were not pruned back as late as October. Even a single lilac blossom dared to emerge just before Thanksgiving.

Here it is, January 2024, and the green shoots of the daffodils are beginning to pop up in the garden. It has been the rainiest year in CT history. It seems as if there have been very few sunny days in a row. I may float away! This week the temperature plummeted to 15 degrees and there was a coating of ice everywhere.

Never fear! Two days after a new coating of snow, sleet, and 2-3 inches more rain the temperature climbed into the 50's.

I am confused. The plants are confused, and the world is confused. The roots of some of the oldest trees have found it difficult to maintain their grip in the soggy soil. Rivers and streams have overflowed their banks bringing the fruits of fall black walnuts, hickory nuts, and chestnuts to grow in new unexpected places.

Everywhere our expectations are being challenged. A rise in winter flu, new strains of COVID, and RSV virus, days of longer darkness, political unrest in the world, and election rhetoric have dominated my world.

Sound bleak? Maybe ....but I am excited. My world is full of sunshine. Our book "Tulips Talk ... Are You Listening"' is finding its way around the world. A Garden bouquet of personal floral tales and life lessons that speak to the soul. Angela and I will be at The CT Convention Center in Hartford in late February presenting 4 programs at the CT Flower and Garden Show, the only spring garden show in NE.

I can't wait to see the blooming landscapes and gardens, hear the soothing sounds of the water features, inhale the smell of the mulch and mosses, and revel in the fresh fragrance of so many bountiful blooms. It is a time to look forward. Flowers are a constant. I learn from them. No matter what Mother Nature throws at them they withstand, persist, and adapt.

So today, I sit in my office, surrounded by a garden of my favorite floral images, scrolling through a library of photos to share. If I close my eyes I imagine the sounds of bees buzzing, the butterflies posing on colorful blossoms, and the hummingbirds filling their tanks as they arrive at the feeder after their long journey.

I remember the floral offerings I have created to speak words of condolence. I smile at the photo of the perfect bridal bouquet that celebrates true love. I am wondering which piece of art I will have the opportunity to interpret with flowers at the Wadsworth Atheneum Fine Art and Flowers event in May.

I will deliver more books to the Post Office today to encourage readers to remember the words and feelings that flowers have brought to their lives. I will happily make a cup of tea and read their email comments.

I too, will learn the lesson of flowers.

I will withstand, persist, and adapt.

In the meantime, I might just have to find my husband's old fishing waders !!!!