In the wake of more heartbreaking news over the weekend, I decided some ‘self-care’ was in order. So I sat on the porch on this beautiful morning. I thought I’d share some views from the porch. Enjoy.
A miniature rose bush sits on the picnic table. Don gave it to me for our anniversary.
The butterfly bush is getting ready to bloom in a week or two.
Coneflowers and hosta.
Annabelle hydrangea.
The overwintered geranium is blooming.
Misty morning and bunnies dining.
Pots of flowers and gardening supplies.
Right next to the entrance to the porch.
Early morning sunlight through the trees.
I hope this has provided a brief moment of respite for you. The world seems to be spinning out of control. When “the world is too much with us” (thank you, William Wordsworth) I seek beauty in nature’s gifts. I dig in the soil. I even pull some weeds. I thank the heavens for this beauty.
Happy Monday.
Beautiful views from your porch. Peaceful this morning. The world is just such a sad and scary place right now. I’m going to putter around my home today and stay away from the news and social media! Hugs!!
Me too, Linda. xo
Claudia, I like the word self-care. It has been a quiet morning of puttering around my house and enjoying my own peace. beautiful garden pictures to look at, thank-you for sharing.
I like ‘enjoying my own peace.’ Perfect.
Thank you for sharing the peace and beauty in your garden.
You are very welcome, Sylvia.
Lovely.Thank-you Claudia1
You’re welcome, Grace!
Thank you for sharing all the garden beauty with us this morning. Especially love the pics of the bunnies!
They are awfully cute, Regina!
A beautiful refuge from the harshness of the past few weeks.
I thought we might need that today. I know I do!
Thank you Claudia. the Photos are lovely. The sentiment too
You’re welcome, Kathy.
Great pictures. Thanks for sharing with us! Very very warm here this week. I was out in the yard quite early today. It is such a peaceful time of day, and nice and quiet before all the hustle and bustle begins. Have to keep the birdbaths full, and the plants in pots wilt rather quickly in this weather…. as do I!!
Have a peaceful day, and may there be NO horrid news we have to handle. That is what I wish for today. ♡
That is the perfect wish, Chris. Maybe even some good news.
I have been refilling the birdbath at least 3 times a day. The birds are in there all the time and it’s so hot that I’m very aware that they need that water! Also the bees…who wait for me to finish adding water so they can take a drink.
All day long yesterday all I could think of was, “This must be what 1939 felt like…” It was obviously not a good feeling. Darkly depressing was what it was – truly almost physically-depressing. Then I remembered a line from my go-to guy for Difficult Times, Winston Churchill, who said “When you’re going through hell, keep going…” And of course, he’s right. We have to keep going, and remember that this is not North Korea. The people are not powerless here. But it will take tangible action, speaking up and getting involved. BY EVERYONE. So here’s to everyone doing just that. PS – here’s to more garden pictures too. I think we’ll all take whatever beauty we can get right now. If for no other reason than it shows us what we’re fighting for… 🌹
Action, speaking up and getting involved. Absolutely necessary. Garden flowers, plants growing, birds in the birdbath, bunnies, Henry – they all keep me grounded and give me hope when I feel despair.
That rose….so lovely and delicate in the midst of the strong dark green…..seems symbolic somehow. And refreshingly beautiful. Thank you for sharing these things with us, Claudia.
You are most welcome, Joan.
Something peaceful, so very much needed right now. This lovely post is balm for the soul. Thank’s Claudia!
You’re welcome, Janie.
Self-care…I like it! We had a planned outing today…there was actually a liberating feeling as I was driving down the interstate at 70….like I was driving away from the world’s problems. It was nice! Like you said…we just have to keep going…and keep our wits about us. Thanks for all the pics…they soothe the soul! ;)
I bet an outing would be just the thing! You feel like you’re getting away from it all.
Don’t you just love Nature… it always amazes me. Oh, and you’re so pretty! ;)
Cielo
Why thank you, Cielo! Have a great day.
I don’t comment often, but every day, your blog is what I turn to first when I turn on my laptop. I actually think of your garden often, especially while I am puttering around in mine. You have such a varied species of flowers and plants up there and I am just always delighted when you post pictures and stories of your garden – it makes me smile – and these days, we all need a smile! :)
That makes me happy! If I can make you smile, I’ve accomplished something!
Gorgeous photos. I so appreciated them this afternoon. I agree that the world is a scary place anymore. Also, I spent the morning in the ER because my pacemaker decided to record some “not so fun” things. I’m home now and plan to NOT watch any news whatsoever tonight.
Blessings,
Betsy
Don’t watch the news, Betsy. I hope you’re feeling better!
Very calming photos indeed.
I hope you got some better rest.
Having had to gear up for my 4-month cancer checkup, left wilted but relieved afterward this morning (all good news), I spent the afternoon on the sofa, my dog curled up around me (she doesn’t like the air conditioning), watching TV…which I normally never do during the daytime but, you know, today, it’s what I needed. Tomorrow will be more productive. These medical appointments…the time leading up to them…is stress-filled for me. You’d think I’d be used to it after three years of same. I’m grateful for my very intelligent, level-headed, quietly-compassionate oncologist. It’s one of the times my HMO hasn’t let me down.
Very, very happy to hear all is well, Vicki. Take care of yourself, my friend.
Thanks, Claudia. Always appreciate your replies.
Claudia, do you ever by chance visit a wonderful blog from a gal named Donna MacDonald called A LOVELY INCONSEQUENCE – she wrote a short spot-on piece Monday called “Rosie’s Choice” about feeling unsafe and unsure in troubled times (and remedy for same).
No, I’ve never seen that blog. I’ll go check it out. Thanks, Vicki!
Beautiful view! Thank you! I love your garden so much!
Thank you, Sydney!