What do you love?
I thought about this as I deadheaded roses early this morning. They’re yellow floribunda roses, and they bloom all
summer in front of the office at my apartment complex. Last year, as I struggled
to relocate (both literally and metaphorically), those beautiful roses greeted
me each time I returned to the apartment with another load of boxes. They gave
me welcome, serenity, beauty, and encouragement, like a candle in a window.
This summer, I have returned the nurturance by deadheading them. As I work, I talk to them. I thank them,
encourage them, or just say “good morning.” You might think it silly, but I believe
I am not alone in loving things as
well as people. “What do I love?” When that question is answered, the next is “How
do I show it?” It’s easy to love people
who love us back, to see our joy reflected in their eyes. We’re challenged to love people who don’t
love us, who may, in fact, make us crazy. And we’re conditioned not to love
things. But this isn’t about obsessing or ownership, whether of things or
people. It’s about recognizing relationship and contributing to the life of the
other, while appreciating their contribution to ours. Caring for the roses
doesn’t make them mine. But it does enrich their life, and that goes out into
the world the same as a breeze, a cry, or an advertising slogan.
What do you love?
Shirley Neary has made a name for herself with her
art quilts, and has a gallery in Dundee, 21st
Century Quilts. She clearly loves color, texture, and stories. But now, more and more, she’s expressing those
loves with paint. Over the next several months, she’ll be making transitions
and will sell the gallery. Keep in touch with Shirley via Facebook.
Thanks to all who posted comments on my blog or sent
e-mail. It’s great to hear from
you! I conducted my first Prize Drawing
yesterday evening—old-fashioned names in a hat. And… ta da! The winner of my
brother’s newly published novel, a signed copy of Cotton and Silk, is Linda Meigs.
Congratulations! You can learn
more about the author, Michael J. Smith and his writing here.
I can deliver the book to Linda at her wonderful Farmers Market, every
Sunday 11-3 at The
Florence Mill.
How do you show
your love?
Suzanne
What fun that Suzanne surprised me with her brother's book at the market...on my husband's birthday. When I read about the book on the blog I thought of John. He reads everything World War II. I will read it third, because after John's reading, it will be passed on to his mother, who reads even more WWII than he does. His parents are 90 and lived through the war...John's dad, Bob, survived the Battle of the Bulge (and he reads nothing about the war). Thanks for what you do, Suzanne
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