The ‘real’ landscaping people came by yesterday to clean and dispose of the huge fallen trees in the backyard. They worked for hours out there, but even so, no huge transformation is noticeable.
And the privet looks better just up to some extent, but I’m afraid that trying to make any sense of this strange and indomitable landscape is going to be almost impossible, and we have to understand that this is not the house in the roses; nor are we to expect a garden anything like the one we once had…
Strangely as it may seem, thought, I am not complaining. And if I decide to go deep into my soul and examine the feelings harbored there, I should not be surprised. I have changed—something in me has changed; quietly and secretly… and I don’t wish for comparisons. I am truly happy and in love with the more natural surroundings in which we now live… oh let the grass grow as it wishes, and let the wind wave the untrimmed honeysuckles and ivy hanging from the trees without care, and let the birds feed on the wild berries growing in the flowerless ground and the privet be the den, nest, burrow, hole, cave and stable for every creature. I would not change a thing.
And how astonished and amazed I was this morning during our breakfast when my husband shared with me these same feelings… I hadn’t mentioned him the way I feel about this wild garden of ours, and yet we both share the same prerogatives. How amazing this is to me.
I had to laugh the other day while out in the backyard painting
this little mahogany table you see here.
I had it in our sunroom-dinning room, but I thought it too dark and too serious for the sunny disposition of our little cottage. So I decided to paint it… I’m not the best of painter like so many of you out there are and I don’t know anything about fancy painting and waxing techniques. I just paint. So you see, I was sure I was doing a very poor job at it, but then I heard those birds… above the thick, and above the privet and the gigantic maple trees out there somewhere singing to me: pretty pretty pretty… and what do you know… those birds were so right!
Yes, pretty… I decided to believe the birds!
The little dark table looks awesome now in this blueish-grayish color
It gives such a nice contrasting punch of color and happiness
and simplicity to the room that even my husband, who’s much against painted furniture, had
to agree on it. I just love it!
To all of you:
Celebrate life on a routine basis,
and definitely, when peace and joy come into focus
Love
Cielo
The birds are right, your painted table is lovely and that color is perfect, so calming. I love your garden and the natural, wild feel of the woods beyond. The house in the roses was the black dress, a little more formal, The little white cottage is free flowing like the pretty long skirts you wear. Both are beautiful, just different. My taste runs to the natural, wild look. I have so many plants in my house, my mother says it looks like a jungle, but when I walk through that door at night, the feeling is like none other. I think no matter how you choose to decorate your world, it should evoke that feeling always. That is why so many get pleasure from visiting you, your obvious joy in your surroundings is contagious. You make people feel happy..
ReplyDeleteSherry
Sherry…. can you be my sister? No, really... you make me feel so comfortable with myself, so at home. You were given a special gift from above. Did you know that? You can read other’s heart. And that’s a God’s given gift. And I feel you have uncovered my soul, just as it is… in all its plainliness and simplicity and unadorned purity… not everyone has that insight or clear perceptiveness. But you do. And I thank you for that my friend.
DeleteLove
Cielo
"Bloom where you are planted" came to my mind as I was reading your words today...and that is exactly what you are doing! I just can't tell you how happy I am for you, and your table really does look pretty! God knows the desires of our heart.
ReplyDeleteYes... "bloom where you are planted". That's exactly where I want to get with my life... in this life. Thank you Delaine.
DeleteBlessings
Cielo
You realize, don't you, that you have been on that ancient archetype of Odyssey of spirit where the protagonists, you and your husband, travel... Travel.... Move.... And journey to discover enlightening news about themselves, their personal journey sojourn here on earth, the world. By reading and being with you I have been also on a vicarious journey. I don't think I've learned and grown and changed enough...but thank you for sharing...
ReplyDeleteOh, and I agree with your pretty birds! That table is exquisite and happy!
ReplyDeleteThe table is stunning and you did a wonderful job - the birds were right. The comment above about the house in the roses being a black dress and this little white cottage reminds me more of you - you are a free spiritual person - loving all the natural beauty that surrounds you. Enjoy your stunning little cottage.
ReplyDeleteMary
I love that sweet little table you painted. It is a perfect little bright spot.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean I left beautiful gardens at my other house but they do not suit this house by the bay-where we want unobstructed views of the water and land beyond it. I have some gardens but nothing like I had before....and it is okay....xo Diana
You express the feelings in my own heart so perfectly - the natural, raw beauty is always best. So very pretty and rugged and desired more than any other.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful home and your spirit with those of us who hear the same message from the birds and listen.
Your wild garden is a different kind of lovely, but lovely all the same. So glad that you and your sweetie are of one mind in enjoying it as it is. Perhaps some knock-out rose bushes wouldn't be amiss...
ReplyDeleteBe aware that ivy will kill any tree it climbs and that the saying in the South is that the only good ivy is ivy in a pot.
Your newly blue-grey table looks beautiful in its new home. Your dining room looks like you've been in your home for years rather than weeks. Applause!!
Hugs!
The table is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteYour wild garden is pretty, too.