Before we enter into the frenzy of jumping head first into autumn fun, I wanted to take a moment of sorts. A quiet reflective moment, a holding on to the strands of time swirling around us moment. Swinging, thinking, humming, being…
The blooming of the giant dahlia (6" in diameter) means more to me than I can describe. Take something strange (dahlia tuber), plant it 5 months prior, nurture it, and then poof, a flower. Always always amazes and thrills me.
Garden chat, boring or meaningful?
Meaningful to me, because it has taught me over the years (the former most worrying anxious stressed person) how to be almost (almost being the operative word), the polar opposite. It keeps me sane and grounded. It keeps me company. It makes so many life things seem frivolous.
It makes so much time seem wasted on idle chatter and worrying about pointless things.
It shows me that time passes and causes changes, so very quickly. Figuratively and literally. 5 a.m. is dark now, plants die. Seeds drop with hopes to begin their journey over autumn and winter, becoming new growing beauties in 7 months. Hopes for the future…
And yet, there is still the now that needs minding.
How much present time do we miss, worrying about the future?
My heart strings get tugged tightly, as I say good-bye to the last of the evening primrose (now towering dry stalks, plucked out of the earth)…
I know I will see them again next year. (I hope)
I loved how they beautifully untwisted at sunset, and you could just watch, entranced, as they twirled open.
Their good-bye reminds me that, things might be different next year.
Things could be vastly different for any one of us. We could lose someone we love, we could gain a family member, we could move. We could fall in love. We could have heart ache. The bestest thing in the world could happen.
Who knows?
Anything can happen from here to next spring/summer.
From here to tomorrow really.
All of it matters.
All of it dances in our thoughts.
But the most important thing is the now.
Savoring the last sweet evening primrose flower, as I pick one and pop it into my mouth.
Sweet, soft. Curiously lovely and sweet.
The last one on the now dry plants…
Stop what you are doing I tell myself.
Go hug the pups and lovee.
Go now.
I just ran outside and hollered at Mister Lovee –
"HEY? GUESS WHAT???" I yelled.
He asked, what???
I said –
I LOVE YOU!
In the moment.
I am desperate for fall.
But I don't want to forget the summer. What with a mere couple of weeks left to savor.
I want to make a memory of the good times gathered over the last few months.
Did you have any summer moments you will carry with you forever?
Good ones? Bad Ones? Sad Ones? Fun ones? Amazing ones?
One thing you can hold dear?
A handful?
Maybe if we share one "this summer" memory with each other, it will be the thing that gets ingrained into our summer 2011 mental journal?
Here are a bunch of random summer tid-bits, and maybe at the end, I will come up with one of my own fave summer memories to share with you…….
Daily tomatoes (plus all our veggie crops this summer)…
Sooo many pumpkin vines planted everywhere. In patches, in random spots…
Even…
Outside of the cottage…
Vines…
Pomegranate babies…
Beginning to collect zinnia seeds…
Which live at the ends of the petals.
Isn't that sweet?
Missing our girl, which is sooo bitter sweet.
She taught us how to love furry children, and because of her passing, we came to adopt baby Miles (who is now 9 months old). But we still miss her terribly…
Volunteers…
So many…
Gourds.
Each tree with their own curious type…
Some so high, we will never ever reach them…
Best friends…
Those two are way in love these days.
Miles and Mister Lovee…
Little Matty (below) is never left out (ever, I cuddle him all day), but he likes his alone time, and really doesn't like anyone infringing on his personal space 😉
(dad and matty)
Unless he is in the mood for love. That's the way he rolls…
Matty is always behind me, or beside me.
He must be at my side, or he freaks out.
(his back leg healed and now he has injured his front right, my nerves!)
Cute little tough guy.
Oh oh, lets not forget the ants…
They cause me great pain with their paths of petals…
That they have stripped off of "all" of my climbing roses.
Sniffle.
Thank goodness for butterflies to balance out the insect woes.
Oh and, did I mention how tall that dahlia grew from that funny little tuber way above? (it's on its 3rd bloom)
But I have to say, one of the best parts, the bestest most entertaining parts of summer…
Was having the privilege to…
Meet all of your secret celebrity boyfriends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You wild women you 😉
Some of those are so funny!
(Yes, it took me an age to gather all those photos, what was I thinking? But half way in, I couldn't give up, isn't it worth it? Sorry if I missed anyone, it was not intentional at all.)
I guess, if you could bring them to a tea party, this is what the guest list would look like, haha!
Fan yourselves with this before you faint.
You girls are so funny!
And some of you, what with your multiple crushes, tsk tsk!
What secrets you weave, hahahehee 😉
And now, le't set on our way to Halloween adventures. What do you say? I mean really, we have less than two months to savor the highly anticipated time of year. Spooooktaculartime. I am sooo ready!
I have to run, I am late in feeding my guys, but back so so soooooon!
ps: My summer memories 2011 – Meeting my siblings at the family pad, for barbecues with Mombie and Dad this summer, wonderful. So great to have parents to love. Also, everyday with the boys, memorable, priceless, heart filling.
pss: This post actually made me realize that my summer is a bit of a blur. Oopsie! It seemed so long, and now, it feels almost gone. OY! (maybe because it is, ha!)
psss: Just because.
Oh! Gosh, Vanessa
You made me laugh so hard with all of those ‘hunks’ of actors photos!
What a lovely selection of handsome men!
Ah, but I loved your muse talking about what a year can bring…love and loss…all in the plan of life itself. May we cherish what we do have and live life to the fullest. I love, love, love all of our flowers, vines, vegetables, your furry babies, your love of life. You inspire me everytime I come to your enchanting magical abode.
May sweetness always surround you~
much love,
Miss Teresa
That was suppose to be “your” flowers… I missed typing the ‘Y’
Meep! Meep!
Haha oh Miss V, that collage of our crushes is pretty much the most awesome thing ever! I know had a lot of great summer memories, but like you said it is a bit of a blur and it is hard to pick out specific ones. I think my recent trip home was definitely one though. I got to see my parents, go camping, and hang out in my mom’s garden and have tea in the lovely weather. I am just writing a post right now with lots of photos of her garden! There will also be a picture of my mystery plants that are growing where I planted the pumpkin, if you care to check it out and give your professional opinion!
OMG! You totally had me searching for my faves….although, I realize that I spelled Cary Elwes name wrong when I sent my comment.
Didn’t throw you! He’s there….and sexy…haha!
Love your Summer memories…what a beautiful labor of love that garden of yours is!
I just am not very productive when it’s hot.
We actually had a thunderstorm and a bit of rain in Southern CA…and I was in the best mood! Summer is nice, though, because my Hubby is a teacher, so we go on an extended camping vacation up the coast to Oregon every year….this one was especially memorable because my 5 year old remembered some of the places we went to the year before. It was so much fun to see her so excited about revisiting some fave places again.
It was bittersweet returning home. She started Kindergarten this year…..and is growing up so fast….
The tomatoes we started early before we left were laden with yellow and red cherry fruit upon our return…which we happily savored!
I think next year, we should try growing dahlis in our small yard. I think they’d really add a huge impact to the yard….and hollyhocks….have you ever grown those? They have always been on my list of “somedays” 🙂
I think I’ll have one more gander at the wall of hunks before I go ;P
Hugs,
Cameron
It’s so funny you mention living in the moment in this post. I was just thinking the same thing as I was walking to bring my sweety her dinner tonight. As I walked along the road in the hot sun, I thought about how I can’t wait for the cool, crisp days of Fall. Then I thought about how I spend so much time looking forward to the oncoming season, that I surely am not getting all the joy & pleasure out of the current one I could. So. I’ve decided to just soak up whatever’s going on NOW & leave the longing for the coming days. ^-^
As for my favorite summer memory… It’d have to be every time I visit my garden & seen all the changes! Nothing fills me with sheer joy & glee like having watched all those tiny seeds turn into the huge, booshy plants they are now. So much excitement! =D
I hope you are having a most wonderful night & enjoy every last bit of Summertime.
XOXO
My most memorable moment of summer was being detained by the secret service at the White House. Yep, you heard me right. My son was interning at the library of congress this summer and his best bud was interning at the White House and arranged a tour for us. We were SO EXCITED!. Unfortunately, three weeks prior my husband had a stress test and there was still radioactivity in his system (scary huh?) and it set off sensors. Secret service came after him with hand held geiger counters and we were detained and interrogated. We did however, get to sit in the Taft presidential chairs behind the roped off area while waiting for SS with an even bigger geiger machine. Hubby and I sitting in our Taft chairs just looked at each other and burst out laughing. It was just too weird. We were eventually released I am happy to report.
Hugs,
Lisa
Summer is starting to fade everywhere. All of our favorite things that we’ve planted are starting to look different, even the air smells different. I hate to seee my summer end yes, I’m including the hot hot days that I complained about. Now it is time to get the lightweight coats out..
My most favorite summer memory is vacationning in northern Michigan with my family and photographing the most amazing sunsets ever…A future post.
Most memoriable moment for me was spending many nights outside with my family (bbq’ing) with a hot breeze blowing down our path, or walking my parents yard while my mom tells me all about the beautiful plants she has…but in all honesty, I am S0o0o0o0o0o0o0o excited for fall…I am a HUGE fan of cold weather…:)
Oh how this post touched home for me. You never know what changes may be on the horizon. I lost both of my parents in June, in the span of a week. My dear Mother passed on June 1st, which was their 43rd wedding anniversary, and my Dad followed her home on the 8th. It is a loss that I feel so keenly. If only I had one more moment to tell them how much I love them, to thank them for all the love they had given me throughout the years. So, hold your loved ones close. Never let an opportunity go by to tell someone that you love them, to let them know how much they mean to you. For you never know what life has in store. Time is fleeting. Everything you know, everything that you may take for granted, can be gone in the blink of an eye. Embrace life and savor all of the miraculous gifts it has to offer. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to love.
Garden chat—->meaningful!
you
bet,
missy!
🙂
plus,
i had 14 caterpillars
feast on my fennel & parsley
last month
and many have Turned & flown away.
a Cruel Summer
for my fennel& parsley,
well,
maybe..
{{why oh why
am i All Over
that long haired guy
from Leverage:
Christian Kane
??? }}
that was hottttt! – those guys, not summer 😉 I have the hots for Scott Conant – a celebrity chef and Russell Crowe (weird but seeing him Gladiator did something for me!) That would be some tea party…..
My dahlias were eaten by earwigs – so unbelievably gross – not into insecticides but might have to use granules next year……do you have scorpians?
Never knew the seeds were on the tips of the petals……don’t stop gardening chat – you are saving us a fortune! Love your furry, flowery world….
Oooo so many hot men all in one place, what is a girl to do.
Anyway despite this summer being a bit grey and miserable here in the UK my abiding memory will be going to the Zoo with all my family and watching my stepson and nephew hand in hand running here and there excited to be in each others company and exploring the zoo. It really was too adorable.
Ps I find your gardening chat meaningful and inspirational.
Dear Lovely Ms V,
We are thinking a bit alike again. That happens a lot even though I don’t tell you. 😉
I just recenly lost someone close to me and have been thinking a lot. Remembering good times and worrying aboout the future of those who depended on this person. All of it has me concentrating real hard on what is right in front of me. Thankful for everyone/everything.
I’ve taken to telling myself (out loud if I have to) “Here and Now” when I’m spending too much time looking backward or forward.
I am glad to see that you are enjoying the last days with your beautiful garden. You worked so hard and the beauty you’ve created in the desert is beyond magnificent.
That dahlia is to die for. I planted several but the mama bunny who lives in the ivy ate every darn one of them. I was so bummed about it until I got to enjoy the baby bunnies a bit. 🙂
Enjoy your “Here and Now”.
V
Vanessa:
I can’t believe you managed to track down all those “crush photos”! I can’t believe you found a picture of Brian Haner Jr. and Dan Smith and all my other crushes!
I laughed and cried all the way through this post. Being a gardener myself, the end of summer is always bitter-sweet. The heat here in the desert can be unbearable at times, and I often find myself dreaming of Autumn. But the change of season always lends a bit of sadness to my heart…even though I’m an Autumn gal through and through.
….and Baby. What a beautiful little space you have for her. RIP sweet Baby!
Okay…I’m off to grab a tissue. I can’t stop crying.
xoxo
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
Reflecting on the close of the summer season and the seasons of life brings a sting of tears to the back of my eyes. A moment to remember from this summer was my parent’s several week visit in which we celeberated my Queen Mother’s birthday. Remembering their vibrancy as younger folks and the realization of they’re entering the autumn of thier lives.
Vanessa, I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved fur baby. All my fur babes are close to my heart but the ones that touch our lives in special ways will always hold a special space in the heart of hearts.
Thank you for sharing your end of summer garden reflections!! Let us adventure to the bounty and magic alure of autumn with our summer memories like a packet of magic sprinkles.
I live vicariously through your garden posts, so please keep them coming. They are so inspiring.
My favorite pieces of summer was all the time I got to spend with my fiance. He is a school custodian and works second shift during the school year, but in the summer he works first shift and we get to see each other much more often. I wouldn’t trade our time for anything. 🙂
I love the collage of crushes. It made me laugh and sigh. So much beautiful man. Whoo.
Blessings.
Oh you made me smile with our picks of our fave crushes and have to admit there are some mighty nice crushes there that everyone chose.
Our drought ended with rain, rain, rain, more rain, floods, winds, bits of siding blowing off the house, trees falling all over the place (I couldn’t even get out to go to work this am because of trees and a power line and power pole across my road) But the crews have beenw working all day so most places have been cleared. We’ve lost so many trees in this area this year.
Truthfully this hasn’t been the best of years, but that is what life is some days are good some days are bad. Right now I just have to take each day as it comes.
Our highlight was going to hubby’s family reunion and seeing so many family members. Seeing my daughter walk around with her uncle while he pointed out all his flowers and garden plants was very nice. Seeing my granddaughter play with her cousins who adore her was fun, too.
Vanessa, I enjoyed your summer memories. Bless your fur babies! Yes, I spotted my secret celeb. boyfriend, sweet Johnny Depp! Looking forward to fall and Halloween! Twyla
Vanessa,
Wow! Now I know what true beauty is! That little pink bloom, so simple, so pure, and so deliciously wonderful, has made me realize that life is full of twists and turns, but when it all comes down to it, it’s simple and pure, like that flower. And who knew it would grow? Life is full of wonders and miracles, don’t you think?
Yes, summer has passed in a blur. It seems to have lasted so long but when I think back to summer vacation, and the lazy, heat-filled days I wasn’t scrambling to finish my AP history homework, I can’t really remember them at all…that’s strange.
Oh well, at least we have Halloween to look forward to! And I also have this moment right now, just typing on my computer, enjoying an ice cream sandwich, and swooning over that gorgeous picture of the little pink flower! It makes my heart fill with joy!
Thanks so much for sharing and making my day delightful!
Hugs and hexes,
Jessica
A Woodland Fantasy
wow, look at all our celebrity boyfriend. I saw quite a few who are on my top ten list. Love you compiled all these pictures.
Summer went so fast for me. The whole being pregnant during summer kind of made Summer a lot more challenging for me. Next summer, I can share my first summer with my little one.
Can’t wait for the Halloween party announcement
Hello there! What sweet memories of the summer! This summer seemed longer for me, but when I look back it’s hard to remember all the beautiful things that happen. That’s why I love blogging because it’s a journal of my little activities. I had quite a few too! My sister announced she was having a little one, summer bbqs, hot sand on the beach between my toes, our little trips exploring new england, our weekend trips to Boston, the sunflower maze, picking flowers, veggies and fruits, my peach tree, and peach iced tea, and much more. I am looking forward to the fall too. This post made me think about memories and making memories. Every season I am going to promise myself to do one or more things that are worth remembering, whether it’s planting a new flower, learning a new language (that might take several seasons ;)), going somewhere I’ve never been before. I can’t wait!
And one thing I will always remember about this summer is all of our crushes! You are too cute and funny Vanessa! When I saw them all I gasped and laugh! I was surprised how similar are crushes are too!
Take care sweet Vanessa!
Kim
Your posts are always a delicious treat, V, always causing me to pause and consider…life, living, loving, garden growing. I, too, feel a tightening of heart strings as the seasons change, a kind of melancholy, knowing, as you have said, that change is always there. And wishing it wasn’t. Or rather wishing that the beautiful changing circle would always come ’round the same way again with everyone and everything in it that we love. Oh, how wonderful it is to have the gift of memories! Then we can keep going on to create the new ones 🙂
There are many 2011 summer memories that I enjoy…one is that my daughter and I spent July back in Tucson, where we used to live. We had super times with our friends.
Thanks for spending your time putting together the Crush Collage!! It’s very cool to see what a diverse group of females we are! And yet similar, too, ha!
You are so very bewitching, heee-heee!
My Beloved Fanciful friendling, your dalia’s are to die for!!! So beautiful to feast my weary eyes on…new glasses that my eyeballs haven’t become accustomed to, yet ;-(.
AND ALL OF THOSE BeAtIfuL men and Darling Dan with his guitar…how I miss him on this earthly plane.
I’m with you on the gardening and me thinks it’s because we are working amongst the Great I AM’s creation. We sow seeds and water, but He’s causes the plants to grow and the flowers to bloom and with each petal that unfolds there’s a secret love letter from Him to us about His love and the care He takes with our lives and hearts. There is no place like a garden to bring peace to the soul and draw one’s spirit to the Lover of our souls.
He LoVeS you Vanessa and so do I.
OH Sad Thought…can you believe the city of Anaslime does not allow bee keeping ANYWHERE??? No bee’s for me…wah!!
all i can say is, the guy from gene loves jezebel?? what???? hahahahahahah! xx
Is that Butch Walker? Hardly no one knows who he is. I always loved Rick Springfield & have a crush on Gene Simmon’s son (I think he’s so much better looking than Gene). I’ve been working on a Rockstar crush post for my blog. Sorry about your baby.
We don’t grow many things, but when we do, it is so true, how much perspective it gives us!
Happy Fall!