I'm wondering when spring will be really be here as the weather here is so ambivilent.  It can't seem to make up it's mind.  The river is at flood stage and the wind has blown at 62 mile an hour.  This is very strange weather and I'm just wanting something predictable.  Oh, that's right we're talking about the weather.

I do know my roses are't ready to make any predictions.  The peonies are coming up and daffodils are in bloom.  Nothing even resembling a like rose bush has made a leaf  yet.  Well, I just know I'm looking forward to planting marigolds and zinnias and watching the rose bushes putting on their beauty.  

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

 

The Rose

"The optimist sees the rose 

and not its thorns;

The pessimist stares at the thorns,

ovlivioius to the rose."

Kahlil Gibran

~~~~~~~

Raindrops that nourish

Beauty in its perfection

Beauty of the rose 

Today is one of those days when the chill outdoors causes one to reflect on the beauty of Spring.  The rose is one of my favorite flowers.  Though Spring is some time off.  I thank God for cameras and the photos they take.  Just another gift for which I am grateful!  

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Please visit recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!!  

Roses Are Red

Just after the rain

She cradles water with care

Tender are her ways

~~~~~

I have been enamored  of roses since I was a child.  They always look dainty and elegant. What they don't want to let you know is how how strong they really are.  My dad nursed his roses with tender loving care (along with his begonias).  When it came time to work in the garden in the spring I had my own garden plot in which I was allowed to plant zinnias.  When I was old enough Dad taught me how to prune the roses and then was able to help him. . .I still had the zinnias.  And so my love of roses!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Please visit recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

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Roses Bloom in Joy

Oh, rose of beauty

When Irish eyes are smiling

My heart sings for joy

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Please visit recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

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Pretty In Pink

The color is pink

Ruffled edges all around

Beautiful the Rose

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Please join Maggie at Magical Mystical Teacher .  It's always a pleasure to read another one's haiku.  

Creation of Rose

Beauty of the Rose

Fragrance and color supreme

God's own creation

All beauty is love

And fragrances calm the soul

All praise creator

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Please visit recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

O Spring

Hope springs eternal

And Spring comes to those who hope

And roses will bloom

There’s one certainty

Whether sunshine or in rain

It’s always welcomed

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Please visit recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Roses In Bloom

 When we were in Baton Rouge a couple of weeks ago, we went to the Botanic Garden at Independence Park.    It was cold and not much was in bloom.  There were a few iris budding but not many in bloom.  And then we came upon the Rose Garden.  Bushes were in bloom everywhere.  Just being in the midst of this color and fragrance of the roses diminished the chill.  

My dad loved roses and took a great deal of pride in his garden.  I guess that is where I learned to love them, though I do not claim to be an expert in their growth and care.  There were so many varieties in the garden that day that I could not possibly know which was which.  All I know is I really enjoyed my walk through them that day. 

And so I ascribe to William Shakespeare's quote, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."  Is it enough to appreciate a rose and not know if it is hybrid or English rose?  I hope so.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Today, I share this post with Mersad.  I invite you to join Mersad at Through My Lens.  There are wonderful posts there.  

Please visit Judith at Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday and share in the beauty offered there.

I think you should take some time to visit Imagin-in-ing.  You're sure to enjoy it!

In Praise of Creation

When beauty arrives

Exquisite in its being

Praise the creator

Beauty is present

Precious is the life it shares

Praise the creator

Beauty is captured

Creation is of your God

Gentle on the eyes

~~~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

 recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Finally, I am joining A Soulful Life for Soulfood Friday

The Autumn Rose

Walks do the soul good

Reflecting on God's beauty

Lifts me to new heights

Shadows and sunlight

Lights and darks and shades of pink

Boast of God's glory

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Finally, I am joining A Soulful Life for Soulfood Friday

The Glory of An Autumn Garden

But friendship is the breathing rose, 

with sweets in every fold.

Oliver Wendell Holmes

My favorite rose in the garden.  It's hardy and beautifully dainty at the same time.  It withstands the summer heat and the autumn chill.

The aster greets us as we pass 

With her faint smile 

Sarah Helen Power Whitman

Butterflies, bees and moths  in the garden.  Don't you just love it? And the Aster has become one of my favorite flowers

The burning bush is oh so lovely when it's color is brilliant red, but seeing her change so gloriously allows me to appreciate her even more for all the labor that goes into it. 

Earth laughs in flowers.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

This wee hibiscus is sheltered in the bushes and even now is budding again.  How I have come to love these creations.

I'd rather have roses on my table,

than diamonds on my neck.

tEmma Goldman

And that pretty much says it all!!!  Have a wonderful week and don't forget to give the Glory to God!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Please visit Judith at Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday and share in the beauty offered there.

I'm been inviting you  to  join Monday WRites by Gillena Cox.    Today maybe you might join her in this adventure.

I have found a new place to play and invite you to join Mersad at Through My Lens.  Should be fun!

I'm also joining Catching Light for some lovely photos today.  Why don't you stop by?

Single Rose Bud

 t

A single red rose

Waiting to boldly blossom

Happy to be loved

~~~~~~~

A rose bud of any color causes me to smile.  It has exquisite folds, delicate layers, and hues all their own.  I anticipate the blossom, but can wait because the bud is so very singular.  It's one of of a kind.  Even the bud residing next to it will not be the same.  

And so it is with humanity.  It is a bud.  It will blossom.  It is diversity.  It is a beautiful creation.  We should all spend time enjoying it instead of demeaning, debasing, or humiliating it because some are different.  We should allow each and every person bloom without pruning it before it has a chance to bloom.  Allow God to prune the flowers in the garden, for he is the Head Gardener.  

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

I'm joining for the first time Little Things Thursday.  Drop by by and visit!

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Shelter from the Rain

As we anticipate the first holiday weekend of the Summer Holiday Trilogy, those being Memorial Day, The 4th of July, and Labor Day, I am struck by the joy and sadness these holidays represent.  In fact, they are a celebration of life for those who gave and we who have received.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
celebrating the beauty in
all that surrounds me.

I must be open to it!

~~~~~~~~~~

Shelter from the rain
Waiting to feel the warm sun
Finds security

Wrapped among the leaves

She awaits her fulfillment

Bursting forth in bloom

~~~^j^~~~

Wishing all a grand weekend of family, friends, food, and fun!!!  OH!  Don't forget, it's time for the INDY 500!!!

~~~~~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

I'm also joining Lou Ceel at Haiku Friday.  Come play with words.  It's such a joy!!!

Joy in the Garden

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
celebrating the beauty in
all that surrounds me.

I must be open to it!

~~~~~~~~~~

                                   

roses so fragile

beautiful and delicate

strong on slender stem

a fragrance so sweet

Scent of the holy angels

was creator sent

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

I'm also joining Lou Ceel at Haiku Friday.  Come play with words.  It's such a joy!!!

The JOY in HAIKU

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
celebrating the beauty in
the gifts of the garden.

I must be open to it!

~~~~~~~~~~

                                   

Wondering if Spring would ever come.  But sure as the sun rises in the East so will the blossoms of Spring burst into being!  

Garden of the Soul
Roses ever bloom
Even with the weeds.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

I'm also joining Lou Ceel at Haiku Friday.  Come play with words.  It's such a joy!!!

Mosaic Monday

'Tis the last rose of summer, left blooming alone;

 all her lovely companions are faded and gone."

Thomas Moore

It's been a glorious weekend!!!  How lovely the work of the Creator's hands.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   Visit Macro Monday,  too.  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Sunlit Sunday and Mosaic Monday

I'd rather have roses on my table, 
than diamond around may neck.
Emma Goldman

Indeed, I would rather, too!  And when the sun shines on the blossoms the glory of God shines even brighter!

~~~^j^~~~
Cathy

Karen has invited us to join her on Sunlit Sunday.  Stop by and offer your bit of sunshine today.
And please visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   And though I hve nothing to offer at  Macro Monday  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Sunlit Sunday

Roses are beauty
With the sunlight reflecting
Its untold beauty!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Karen has invited us to join her on Sunlit Sunday.  Stop by and offer your bit of sunshine today.

The Joy in Tea Talk

I'm having...English Breakfast tea

My teacup...is a delicate beauty I found at Mother Teresa's Treasures, our church's thrift store.

I'm feeling... Excited in anticipation of the next week...should be more excited about the here-and-now but starting Saturday celebrations begin.  Saturday is the Fall play at Memorial High School and my granddaughter is student director.  Then on Wednesday we begin our Thanksgiving journey to Charlotte where we with celebrate with David, Kelly, Maddie and the boys as well as Jimmy, Kelly, and Xavier who will come from Atlanta.  (Yes, there will be two Kellys.)

On my mind...completing my Bible study lesson.  Can you tell I'm having a difficult time staying focused?

Please join Ruth at Tea Talk today.

~~~~~~~

Today I also join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

She's still blooming.

~~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!!!
Cathy