24 Comments
User's avatar
Michael's avatar

Thanks for reminding me of the things that really matter. Kings and countries come and go but the transcendent beauty of the everyday is eternal.

Expand full comment
Graciewilde's avatar

Thank you, Michael , for reading this one. I know that being outside and really looking at the every changing beauty of the day is the key to living in the present. Although there is something beautiful about every month, May sure has an abundance of that everyday beauty.

Expand full comment
Kathleen Hobbs's avatar

Beautiful, beautiful pictures of all the flowers

Expand full comment
Graciewilde's avatar

Thank you, Kathleen! I am lucky to live in such a community that nurtures home gardens.

Expand full comment
Kathleen Hobbs's avatar

You're welcome. I'm lucky to live in such a neighborhood also. Makes walking so very enjoyable.

Expand full comment
Sage’s Mom's avatar

I posted pictures of my garden today. I think nature is soothing. My head is a mess right now.

These are all beautiful.

Expand full comment
Graciewilde's avatar

Indeed, nature is the balm for much of the anxiety and stress of the world today. Be with the flowers.

Expand full comment
Bruce Tomlin's avatar

Thank you for the beautiful flowers and words that matter and resonate with me.

Expand full comment
Graciewilde's avatar

Ha! Thank YOU, Bruce, for the birds you post! Beauty from a different mother!

Expand full comment
Nancy's avatar

Powerfully beautiful! ❤️Connecting with nature is even more helpful for me as an elder now.All my life though,connecting with nature has been such a helpful blessing,helping me to have more inner peace is something I am extra grateful for lately😊🌻🌺. Thank you for the beauty,hope,and truth you share.❤️Keep shining!

Expand full comment
Graciewilde's avatar

Thank YOU, Nancy for reading and for adding to the conversation. Every day the news tears me apart - more bad stuff today - I want to just fold in on myself and disappear but that's not going to help anything. Instead, I try to find the beauty in the world - in the natural world and in the kindness and courage of human beings everywhere. It's the only way I know right now to keep going.

Expand full comment
Nancy's avatar

I sure hear you Gracie dear.I get so discouraged that all of this toxic,apathetic,and even criminal stuff still has a green light Please forgive me for venting.Connecting with nature continues to help keep me going.ALSO, having kindred spirits is something so important, thank you for being in my world dear one.♥️🌟 Keep shining!

Expand full comment
heydave56's avatar

Nicely done! The white rose pics show an awesome use of shade.

I agree that the early part of the day is its own reward for getting up and out early.

Expand full comment
Graciewilde's avatar

Yes! Besides stillness and solitude, the early mornings bring cool shadows (figuratively and often literally around here). I'm glad you enjoyed looking at them. The roses are overflowing right now here. Are Iowa gardens filled with roses now too?

Expand full comment
heydave56's avatar

I'm in are with few urban gardens. But I hear that at the botanical garden, where I do volunteer, the rises are awesome. I just don't seem to stop and smell that part of the grounds!

Expand full comment
Graciewilde's avatar

This small town is nice that way b/c gardens are everywhere. But no botanical garden!

But THIS is my fav botanical gardens ever: https://www.gardenbythesea.org/

Expand full comment
heydave56's avatar

And that garden by the sea is stunning!

Expand full comment
Graciewilde's avatar

Yes, the Mendocino Botannical Garden is remarkable. Part of the garden is more manicured (including a spectacular dahlia garden that is in bloom from about June through August) and part of the garden is a natural garden that borders the ocean. It is a lovely place to walk and breathe.

Expand full comment
heydave56's avatar

Wow, first, thanks for reading beyond my typos! All this magic is done on my phone, so...

I have been spending part of my days here: https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/ and I shamefully realize I was taking many of the sights for granted. But when I keep my wits about me, it strikes me how much of a gem it really is in this urban environment. You have a standing offer of a behind-the-scenes guided tour.

Expand full comment
Graciewilde's avatar

The Des Moines garden looks very cool too. I like that they encourage visitors all year around. I can imagine winter would be an interesting season in that garden.

Hmmmmm . I just looked up the meaning of Des Moines - according to Google "of the monks" but apparently no known orders of monks in the area? Maybe a mangling of a term used by Native Americans?

Expand full comment
heydave56's avatar

I honestly don't know myself. I'm just trying to convince people not to pronounce the "S's"!

Expand full comment
OregonBoatingGuy's avatar

You are a good photographer. Our flowers are lovely this year as well, though we’re a long way from roses. Thank you!

Expand full comment