Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Red Roses and the Victorians

This is what's going on in our back yard today. Yes, I know it's mid-November, but the day is bright and sunny with fluffy white clouds, and the roses seem to be on their own calendar.

There are some different colors of roses opening up, but I was reminded that in the Victorian era flowers had meanings associated with them, and the associations with red roses are especially heartwarming: Love. Respect. Beauty.

In the wake of the election results, we need to be mindful of all of those who feel vulnerable to the the bigotry that is finding ever freer expression.  Let's pray that those who have mean spirits and hatred in their hearts, those who too easily dismiss or ignore the hardship of others, can open up their hearts to love, respect, and beauty.

And while standing up for others, let's offer love, respect, and beauty at every turn of the road. Our culture is in dire need of these right now.


   

8 comments:

PlanetKimberly said...

I'm glad you have beautiful roses blooming! My rose bush is dying because of our drought/water regulations. I'm hoping I can revive it. Maybe it needs Miracle Gro...

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

Hi, Kimberly. We are in Sacramento and we've been having a drought . . . although in recent weeks we did get a little rain. We can only water once a week. Otherwise, these roses are valiantly blooming despite our "benign neglect."

Rosi said...

I have lots of roses at my house too, but my experience has been roses pretty much year around except after I cut them back. It's one of the bonuses of living in the Sacramento area.

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

You do have a point, Rosi; although often ours have stopped blooming after November. We're right in Midtown, so that may make a difference.

Tamara Narayan said...

We were hit with snow yesterday, so no more flowers. There was one last hyacinth bulb, but I think it's frozen solid now.

As for the election, we will all have to rise above our differences, somehow.

cleemckenzie said...

My roses are still in recovery mode. The deer broke through our fence and had a feast a few months ago. There wasn't a leaf left on any of my bushes. The roses are coming back, but I'm now grateful for a single flower a month. Guess I have to wait until next year.

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

Hi, Tamara, I'm sure it's sad to see the flowers grow, but I remember from earlier days that snow brings its own beauty. Thanks for stopping by.

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

Hi Lee. Yes, that's the seasonal aspect of life. In one way I think gardening keeps you in tune with things you can't control, but bring you into sync with nature and the cycle of life.