Does this happen to you? ...
You look out the window, and the arrangement of colors and elements offers fashion advice?
You spend a day raking leaves, and the twist and turn of swirling debris conveys wisdom about current events?
I don't think I'm unique, in that my garden offers mundane and life lessons every time I look or step outside.
As autumn fades to winter here, I'm contemplating the lessons I've learned this past season, as entries in the "garden lessons learned" meme. Here are a few thoughts:
Allow time to look very closely at nature, to see the true "big picture."
When it's time to say goodbye, rejoice for another soul's "freedom flight."
Rejoice in the promise of tomorrow, whether there are signs of it today, or not.
Appreciate the beauty of a life that may not mature or grow; it is simply beautiful today.
Young and old, together, can make the world a better place.
Keep on moving--the journey is worth the effort.
Adjust your tools to match the conditions and the challenges.
Sing with your true friends--those who stay with you in every season.
Break the rules! Hike when the weather says "no" and point your camera toward the sun.
What lessons did you learn this past season? Leave a comment, or share your link to a blog post--old or new--that conveys practical or thoughtful lessons from the past season. Winter blessings to those in the Northern Hemisphere and happy summer to those in the Southern Hemisphere!
I like the freedom flight and the butterfly.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to say goodbye, but witnessing freedom is a special privilege.
DeleteI will have to think about this a bit before I can give you a full answer. I am learning that when you are disabled and can't do what you want to do you have to just let things go...you know it will get better. Patience.
ReplyDeleteOh, Lisa. Yes, it's hard to be sidelined and unable to do the things you want to do. Take care.
DeleteI love how you said to hike when the weather says "NO" ... I have done that. I have also hiked when the To Do List says "NO"
ReplyDeleteMy lesson is to take time and enjoy ... sometimes the other stuff just has to wait. Enjoy while you can.
Yes, re: the "to do" list! There will always be a "to do" list, right? But usually that list can be put aside while we take a few breaks to seize the day!
DeleteIn the spring of all the plants will begin to live again, I already miss it. Regards.
ReplyDeleteI miss the green and growing things, too. The winter is too long for me. I hope your winter won't be too harsh, Giga.
DeleteBeautiful, Beth! So many words of wisdom, and stunning photos to accompany them, especially that last one. I doubt if I get a post up in time this month, but I may try for a late one at the end of the year. I was thinking as I worked in the garden after the election that gardening is really the best therapy. Nothing like focusing on the beauty and little miracles in nature to take your mind off worldly problems.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rose. Yes, gardening is great therapy, indeed. I know how busy December is--gosh, there's so much to do! Happy holidays!
DeleteThank you for these great lessons and gorgeous photos. The garden has much to teach us!
ReplyDeleteHi Peter: Thank you! Yes, I think I know "clouds" and then I realize ...
DeleteStunning photos and good advice for life and all (good and bad) that it brings.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Nature teaches the lessons. I need to keep reminding myself to watch and listen. ;-)
DeleteThat was very uplifting! Thanks for making me think about everyday wonders :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! The little things in life give me hope.
DeleteSome very wise and hopeful lessons from the season. Nice photos too, especially that last one.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jason. It's interesting how little things can change one's perspective and make a day brighter.
DeleteThinking of it as "freedom flight" can ease the sting of many departures.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed. There's a long story behind this one--both the butterfly and the message behind it. :)
DeleteI loved this post Beth..
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michelle. :)
DeleteThat last photo is fantastic, Beth! So glad you decided to take that hike and point the camera toward the sun :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Aaron. I'm usually amazed by some scene or event or plant or encounter every time I hike. Best exercise in the world. :)
DeleteBreak the rules...loved that! How many times do we do that, inadvertently, and then realize that we stumbled on a gem. That's one of the reasons I never take gardening "rules" at face value but always try to test the limits.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, I'm trying to do a bit less and enjoy a bit more, especially when it comes to the garden. The lesson? Take time to smell the roses...literally...and truly enjoy what is right at your doorstep.
You are wise, Margaret. I'm thinking about you daily and hope you are finding time for self-care. I'll look forward to your posts after the holidays. Agreed, re: the rules. Some of them are based on wisdom and others are based on "that's how we've always done it." The latter need to be tested, in my humble opinion. Blessings to you for the holidays!
DeleteYour thoughts are so true! I especially like your last photo and the sentiment that goes with it. Some of my best moments in the garden have come on days when I almost stayed inside because the weather or some other circumstance would hinder me. But nature always has a surprise blessing waiting for those who seek it.
ReplyDeleteYes! I find it near impossible to pull myself out on cold winter days, but even on those days, nature always shares a miracle or two or three.
DeleteA post I really needed to see today, Beth. Just lovely. The sentiments are so very true.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen. This is a hard time of year for me. Focusing on the little signs of hope and encouragement help me to appreciate the season as a time of reflection. :)
DeleteA great post and super photos, Beth. Lessons learnt this year? A tricky one, it needs some thought.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chloris. All garden and life lessons are valuable--including those that require great thought.
DeleteBeth, your post was a breath of fresh air with sage counsel that spoke directly to me this morning. You are a wise woman.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I have to keep reminding myself about these things. The simple things in life are the ones that really matter in the end. Blessings to you.
DeleteBeth -You are not only wise, you are a brilliant writer. Photographer too. I'm so glad we met.
ReplyDeleteOh, you are so kind. I'm so happy that we met, too, Pat! And you are even more lovely and fun and kind in person than I expected. Blessings to you in the season and the year ahead!
DeleteI love the lessons you find in each season — and they are always from a positive perspective which definitely helps these days.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. I try to stay hopeful. I don't always succeed, but I keep moving in that direction. Best wishes for the season!
DeleteGood thoughts, Beth. Nature in the bigger picture is one many need to embrace.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna. Indeed: We think truth is revealed through "great" mountains and people and movements, but sometimes the tiniest creatures and life forms in nature send us messages of warning AND hope. Will we notice?
DeleteI enjoyed your comment about fashion on my post. You are right, the colors do inspire fashion and what colors might be fun to wear.
DeleteLovely posting, Beth, with beautiful pictures. Difficult to pick a favorite but love that attractive fall planter for 'adjust your tools ...' All so true.
ReplyDeleteBeth, I do apologize but I just accidentally erased your nice comment on my 'Dozens' posting. I'd appreciate if you would redo it. Thanks. P. x
Hi Pam: Oh, I will go back and add a comment. Sorry, I didn't have access to my computer for a few hours. Thanks for your kind comments, always. Happy Holidays!
DeleteWonderful photo captures . . .
ReplyDeleteLoved the "things I've learned this year" . . .
Well done Miss Wisconsin . . .
Thank you, Lynne (Miss Michigan). :) These were lessons from autumn, but yes, they can apply all year. Cheers!
DeleteHow lovely, what a great post and photos, I might not comment as often as I would like but I all ways enjoy reading your blog...
ReplyDeleteAmanda xx
Thanks, Amanda. I always enjoy visiting your blog, too. :)
DeleteThe time to rest is as important as the time to grow.
ReplyDeleteWhen the thread breaks (visualize a seed fluttering away in the wind), remember “the right stuff” is always with you. https://marianstclair.wordpress.com/2016/05/30/the-recipe-box/)
Love this post:^)
Marian: Your tribute to your mom is so beautiful. She is beautiful as you are, and obviously taught you well. I appreciated the way you described her as the first true leader in your life. Moms deserve more credit! Indeed, the right stuff is always with us. :)
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