Rosebud popping out and a vacant bird nest for rent near Longwood’s large lake
Yesterday was gorgeous! Cloudy, breezy, mild. Perfect for visiting Longwood Gardens. Here are some favorites taken, as always, by D. All I did was Read the rest of this entry »
The photo above isn’t at all connected to my dream. It is, however, a magnificent view of a tiny corner of stuff the good people at Longwood Gardens take care of so I don’t have to take care of it! Isn’t that wonderful? I think so.
Now here’s the dream. Read the rest of this entry »
Today I’m featuring several photos I love to look at. They calm and reassure my heart no matter what’s happening around or in me. I hope you enjoy them, too, and find some peace slipping into your heart today.
That’s a mature dawn redwood at the top. Read the rest of this entry »
~~~My favorite! A Longwood Meadow bird house hat in late autumn finery.
Is Longwood Gardens addictive? Maybe. No matter. It’s a healthy addiction! Especially on a chilly, breezy, bright sunny day that just happened to be my birthday. Here’s a tiny peek at what we saw Read the rest of this entry »
20 November 2015
One more ring around
The core of who I am
And will become
At a loss
I stand mute
Inhale this world Read the rest of this entry »
fairy drops
leap sparkling in
august dance
* * *
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 4 August 2015
Photo credit: DAFraser, August 2014
Longwood Gardens
Frequent Visitor to Water Lily Ponds at Longwood Gardens
Every time I visit the water-lily garden at Longwood, I want to sit on a bench and drink in the serenity. I could use a little right now. So here it is. A virtual tour. Free of charge!
This photo looks back toward a large display hall in the Conservatory.
Note the round pond in the center of the courtyard,
with a blossoming lotus plant in the center.
Six rectangular ponds like this one surround the central pond.
The garden also includes plants that thrive
in ponds and wetlands, such as
this Dwarf Papyrus from South West Africa.
Here’s a view looking toward another side of the Conservatory,
water-loving plants in the background.
Next, close-ups of water lilies in full bloom.
It takes a lot of effort to keep this garden looking spiffy!
One last serene lotus blossom.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference.
Click here to read the full text of the original prayer.
* * *
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 29 June 2015
Photo credit: DAFraser, October 2005, July 2014, June 2015
Full text of serenity prayer attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr, written in 1926.
deep purple iris
unfurls soft silky petals
brushed with gold highlights
Telling the Truth 