Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Wednesday 29 December 2021

Almost the end of 2021

 This week has seen children laugh with delight at presents, families separated with Covid isolation, others together, and for two of my overseas friends, a loss so  huge for each of them.

Carole, over at  From My Carolina Home shared  her loss of a very dearly loved cousin,

 and KB, over at Romping and Rolling in the Rockies lost her dearest Dad . 

At a time like this, words hardly seem to say enough.

The garden provides some beauty amongst the grief, as it is shared round the blog and Instagram and Facebook world.

The golden lily flowered as promised, here it is beside the Bird bath that Moxy so loved .

The tall Hollyhocks have delicate almost translucent petals, and reach for the sky. The plants range from some 5 foot to  maybe over 8 foot tall, one has reached the spouting on our friend's garage.The lily plants are almost as tall, and have so many buds on each stem, far surpassing the ones  there last year.


The petals have the late afternoon sun shining from the west.



Finally some words for us all , as at any time we may have loss and  grief in our lives. I cannot remember the author or where I found them.

" Love cannot be measured by its capacity , or held in your hand.

It will light your life in the darkest of times.

It will be that wonderful link between family, friends and pets.

Believe in yourself , for when you love, time is eternal.

Greetings from Jean

18 comments:

Susan Heather said...

Your garden is looking lovely. Friends across the road have some Hollyhocks I must try them again. Great saying.

Marie Smith said...

It is never easy to lose one we love. The holidays make such a loss tougher though.

Your plants are incredible. Enjoy!

Out To Pasture said...

Loss and grief are part of life's texture. Affection and beauty as well. What a dreamy view from your friend's farm. Your flowers are putting on quite the show. Especially the show stopping hollyhocks.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jean,
Your flowers are all beautiful. Great quote! Take care, have a great day!
I wish you all the best in 2022, Happy New Year!

Inger said...

I only know KB of the two you mentioned and I feel so sad for her. Nature will help her in her grief, I believe. Snowy there now, but flowers will come in the spring. The quote was beautiful.

Jenn Jilks said...

It's a difficult time of year for many. I have to turn off the news and Facebook posts from those suffering. I just can't take it.

IT is so hopeful to see your flowers. I know spring will come.

Carol Mattingly Photography said...

Such a beautiful tribute to lost loved ones. And your Lily and other flowers are gorgeous. Take care Jean and Hugh. HAPPY NEW YEAR to you both!!!! Carol

Kathleen said...

Happy New Year, Jean. That is a lovely poem that says it all so well. The flowers are a joy to see in our winter; thank you for sharing them.

Mystic Quilter said...

Beautiful flower photos Jean and the words at the end of your post are priceless and so very true.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

I think of you every time I get ready for my walks as I put on a neck warmer and the hand warmers too. So cozy, Jean. Always grateful for your gift. Yes, life certainly has its ups and downs and we are almost in a lockdown situation once again. Hopefully for the final time. I do hope you and Hugh have a fabulous New Year, one with good health and happiness. xx

The Padre said...

Sending Love And Light - Big Hugs My Friend - All The Best In 2022

Cheers

Our photos said...

Thank You, Jean. Let's hope 2022 brings more nice instead of grief....

Tanya said...

Sorry to hear of your friend's losses. We know it will come but a loss is always painful.

The Padre said...

Thought About You Today - Sending Positive Vibes

Cheers

The Padre said...

Big Hugs

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
I hope you are doing well, take care!
Enjoy your day and the new week ahead.

Fundy Blue said...

Your flowers are lovely, Jean! But especially lovely are the compassionate words you shared. I'm sorry for your friends' losses. Sending you a big hug!

The Padre said...

Hope You Are Having A Delightful Day - Big Hugs My Friend

Cheers