Wednesday, June 17, 2009

"A Thing Of Beauty Is A Joy Forever"


My past, present and future gifts of flowers continue to bring joy into my life. Early on in my life my grandmas and my mother instilled their love of flowers, in me. The soft pink vase with lilies of the valley on it, was a birthday gift to me, from my grandma on my 6th birthday. At the time I am sure that this did not impress me as it does now. I treasure this little vase, and sometimes I wonder how and where she bought it. She did not have a driver's license, lived on a farm in the country, and money was tight. With that said, it becomes even more valuable to me.








Sometime during the last ten years my mother gave each of her five girls a beautiful china tea set for Christmas. It was a generous, thought-out gift, and one we will hand down to the next generation. Everytime I see it displayed on my dining room hutch, I am reminded of her and her love of flowers and all pretty things.


Yesterday, I stopped at a neighboring farm that had a tiny table setting out by the road with the most vibrant blue, pink and white larkspur bouquets. The young daughter came running to me, so excited that someone would stop to buy a bouquet. She was quick to tell me that the bouquets were 2.50 each. What a deal! She pleaded with me to come into their barn and see the gift shop they had opened. Oh, my I wish I could have shown you this small, unique and interesting shop that her mother and her had created. I spent time looking at the antique treasures they had for sale. It was an unexpected stop in my day, but it sure was a blessing. I found myself coming home with a huge bouquet of larkspur. I decided to arrange(as you can see I am NOT a florist) in my old wire holder with four old canning jars. It filled the four of them, and brings a smile to my face each time I walk into my kitchen.

I am helping my dear cousin do the favors for her daughter's upcoming wedding. It is always a privilege to work with her. She is a multi talented person, especially with her treasured sewing machine. It would take many posts to show you her varied talents. She surprised me with this gorgeous pillow she made for me. She just started creating these and I feel so honored that I received one of her small masterpieces. It will serve as a constant reminder to me, of her love of flowers and sewing.

As for flowers of the future...here is where I dream of being today. An elegantly set table in the woods, with fresh white flowers on the table, afternoon breezes adding comfort, and good friends to talk with. Okay, it is dreaming for me, but I shared today how flowers have been a big part of my past, my present and hopefully will be in my future, because "a thing of beauty is a joy forever".

13 comments:

Stacey said...

Good Morning Judy. :)

I thought about doing a similar post last week. Flowers in all forms make me happy too.

Your piece from your grandmother is beautiful! I love your tea set too. How neat that your friend is sewing the pillows. Great for her to do that!

Thanks for your sweet note about my weekend away. It's always so nice to get home even if it's just a day or two. We are leaving again Friday for a family reunion down near Austin, TX...hot, hot, hot! My dad said it was 101 yesterday.

Have a wonderful, flowery day. :)

Judy said...

Flowers do much to brighten up any table...or room. I see there are petunias in a vase on your last pic...a flower I never think to bring in. Right now I have pink dogwoods in the front entrance...and bouquets of lavender on the porch...int eh kitchen and powder room.

Enjoy your 'things of beauty'...they are treasures, everyone.

LisaShaw said...

Everything is absolutely beautiful and I so love that China Tea set! What a precious gift.

I pray blessings upon the wedding of your friends daughter.

You are always such a blessing Judy. Thanks for that marriage comment on my blog. I really liked that! :)

Barb said...

Judy....it is all so beautiful. The teaset speaks to me but more than anything...the flowers in the canning jars! Goodness....I love this.

I have noticed as I get a wit bee older....it is the simple things that bring me the most joy. I can get lost in a glass of orange juice....the color, the smell, the complete beauty. Isn't life wonderful?!

Loved your post.

Barb

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Lovely photos -- I see we enjoy similar tastes in what we think is beautiful.

Tea with Tiffany said...

Hi Judy,

Loved seeing all the pics of the flowers in your life. What a deal the fresh ones were.

Flowers definitely speak life and joy to me. Thank you for sharing.

Have a great week!

My blog is acting up. hopefully I will figure it out soon. I can only open it with Firefox not Internet Explorer anymore.

Peace and grace,

Tiffany

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love the bouquets in the green jars. I haven't seen those in a long time. I have started to give my older grandchildren different things from my house. I can tell over the years the things they liked. Especially since they are starting their own home. Blessings
QMM

Happy@Home said...

This is a beautiful post, Judy. I think the pink vase from your grandmother is such a special keepsake and the tea set that your Mom picked out for all of her daughters is so beautiful and thoughtful too. And I love the larkspur in the canning jars. This is a great time of the year for bringing beauty into the home, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

I changed my blog title and erased 300 posts. Now its just photos of nature and Buddy's work. Thank you for your post today, always brings a smile when I come by for encouragement and hope.
Christina

Blessings each day said...

What I have left of my Grandmothers is basically just some photos and memories as I was so young when they died and there were many older grandchildren for each of them by then. How sweet that you treasure them.

You did a terrific job of arranging those gorgeous flowers, absolutely terrific!!

The flowers on that pretty pillow from your friend look as if they are smiling (to me).

God's gift of flowers to us is cause for so much joy!!

blessings,

marcy

Shelley said...

Judy - you make everything lovely! You are an inspiration!!

Elyse said...

what a sweet and heartfelt post. a pleasure to read. i love how you arranged the larkspur. love it!

thanks so much for saying hello! your blog is delightful.

xo

Anonymous said...

Lovely post Judy. All of your things are just beautiful! It made me happy reading about all of them. I especially love the tea set your mother gave you. What a treasure to hand down some day. I hope you have a lovely weekend.

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