She took an old wooden shutter, painted it white, and then painted the middle panel with chalkboard paint.  On the blackboard she used her colored chalk and wrote out the "porch rules" for my porch.

It is the perfect addition to my porch and the most creative gift.

Thank you dear daughter!

I am surprised at the early blooming of  the roses this year.

This bouquet graces my kitchen table today, and looks so good in the old blue canning jar.

My love affair with roses continues on.

Georgia O'Keeffe says "Still, in a way, nobody sees a flower, really.  It is so small.  We haven't the time.  And to see takes time.  Like to have friends takes time."

Whether in the sun's brilliant rays, or the days of rain and storms, their delicate blooms offer color, fragrance, and true beauty.

I read a tip from a professional rose grower, Carolyn Roehm, that I want to share with you;

"TIP...All floral preservatives contain the same basic ingredients; a biocide, an acidifier, and sugar.  You can use a commercial preservative or you can make your own;  Fill the vase with a solution of equal parts lemon-lime soda and warm water.  Than add two or three drops of bleach to prevent bacteria or add two ounces of original Listerine mouthwash to each gallon of water.  Listerine contains sucrose(food), bactericide, and acid.  Acidified water moves more easily up a cut stem."

What helpful advice this is and I look forward to using this tip.

Whether a cut bouquet of roses...

Or a fence laden with fragrant blooms...my passion for roses continues on.  I dream of walking out my back door to a scene like the one above.

I am reading the inspiring book "One Thousand Gifts" by New York Times Bestseller Ann Voskamp, and without a doubt, roses are one of the gifts I am so thankful for today.

What is your favorite Summer flower?