Greeting, dear Sunny Buddies,
Well, now, we are into July, which is a month of celebration for me. Lots of family birthdays this month, including mine. Also, David and I married in July too.
So there is cause for merrymaking every week in July, which I just love. The sending of a card, having a family gathering or downing a cheeky wee glass of wine. All are so welcome after the challenges of the last couple of years. Happy Smile, and I wonder;
Do you have a special month like this too?
What events and memories are there for you?
Feel free to share :)
Arrivals and Departures
A couple of weeks ago, it was Father's Day. It was a lovely sunny day, and David and I went for our weekly visit to Dawyck Botanic Gardens. We love this place. There is a fantastic cafe there with lots of gluten-free options. After our coffee and scone, we walked around the beautiful gardens. The smell of honeysuckle and a bird's chorus signalled their joy. The tranquillity of the space was lovely—a truly delightful place to cherish.
As you approach the exit of the gardens, there is a space to buy plants.
There, just waiting for me, was a lovely Hosta. Like the one below, my dad had the most amazing Hosta plant in his garden. I loved it, and he would nurture a cutting for me every time I moved house.
I have moved house a lot! And yet, in every garden I had, there was a Hosta courtesy of Dad.
David is not much of a fan of the plant because the slugs liked them. But as we walked around the plant sale, he pointed at the Hosta. He then said, 'As it is Fathers' Day, would you like this to remember your Dad?'
Oh my, that was a lump in the throat moment.
Dad loved being out in the garden, and he loved his comfy clothes. Check out his jumper with the holes in the arms. Despite my Mum's pleas to throw it away, he insisted that it 'still had life in it'. A suitable epitaph for a man who lived to be 92.
Dad departed in 2017. I so appreciate having this plant memory right outside my back door. I can visit with him every day if I choose.
He was such a happy presence in my life, and this makes me smile.
The theme that emerged for me in this week's post was how plants can remind us of people we love and significant events in our lives.
My second memory this week is of the arrival of my daughter Judy.
She was born in April, and as is often the case with first babies, she was late. Memories of the last few days waiting, in anticipation, for her arrival always arise when I see Daffodils and Forsythia. They usually arrive here towards the end of March, and I sigh and think. Ahhhhh! It will be Judy's birthday soon.
So every year, when I see the first Forsythia, I send my lovely daughter a text, saying, 'The Forsythia is out. It must be someone's birthday soon'. I know that she likes that I always remember to do this. Mmmmm.
Questions for this Week
I was out for a coffee with my good friend Bob Palmer this week, and he shared how much he liked the Sunny Optimist. In particular, he spoke of appreciating the questions I pose each week. Bob has travelled the world and has the most beautiful garden. So I wonder what his answers to this week’s questions below might be.
Mmmm, Cheers, Bob!
What plants highlight special events in your life?
Who are you reminded of when you see a specific flower or a plant?
Are there plants that elicit memories that are evocative for you?
As always, dear Sunny Optimists, I would love to hear from you,
Ann
Marigolds have a strong connection to my mom's mom. Her name was Anna Marie, but all of the grandkids called her Honey. I realized later that was probably because that's what her husband called her, so we thought it was her name. It was ironic though because she was anything but sweet. Despite her roughness, she loved to garden and marigolds bordered every garden, probably because it was practical. They repel most animals which protect the other plants. Anyway, it's the smell that takes me right back to my five year old self in her yard, holding her rough hands. If you squeeze a marigold flower, it smells a little peppery. It isn't sweet at all, but something more earthy and savory. It is a perfect juxtaposition from their riot of joyful color. Just like Honey.
Thank you Ann.
A very happy birthday to you and a very happy anniversary to you and David.
March is my month - lots of birthdays including my own.
Daffodills (for hope) do it for me as spring is my favourite time.