Roses. No matter what age or stage, where you live or work- I think of you as my Roses. Do I have favorites? Well yes, I do, I’ll tell you later about those… here’s the thing I like best about blogging I get to meet folks from all around the world. It’s like travelling- maybe better. That’s also what I love about writing my newsletter too. It’s a grand collage of all types who have one thing in common, they’re amazing, talented and creative- some may just be starting out or dreaming like little rosebuds- waiting to bloom. Or, they just begun their creative journeys full of hopes and plans.. Some just need the Marketing Tips or Encouragement or even what the big industry folks are saying. Others know what they’re doing, they just need a fresh perspective. The latest newsletter is about ‘Posting in Difficult Times’.
Then, there’s others who want to download a PDF- like the current newsletter which included – ‘Create Spring Gift Guides Now.’ Why? Because in difficult times- we have a chance to pause and do something behind the scenes while being respectful and careful during these trying time.
I’ve been doing these newsletters for well over a year now- it gives me a chance to work with a smaller group. I’m thankful for All who’ve signed up- it feels like giving out a a few roses when I send it and when I hear from any of the subscribers- well it’s the best bouquet of Love to hear their thoughts. You’d be welcome too, if you decide to sign up too. Just reply to this post with your email address. My promise to you is that I’ll never cram your inbox and it will be worth your precious time. Your email will not be shared with any 3rd party. And, while it would break my heart to see you go- you can unsubscribe at any time.
Now, about my favorites? Well, the New Dawn Roses on our picket fence are heirloom roses given to me by one of our daughters- it’s an early and prolific pale pink rose. Then again, our whole fence is a bit exuberant – they’re Showoff’s really.
I love the ones I saw in Santa New Mexico several years ago- tall, stately and bright. That image of a climbing rose over a shop door is a dream.
My Mimi said- ‘Rosebuds are sweet, yet there may be nothing more beautiful than a full blown rose.’ She was a florist so we paid attention. Then there’s this- ahem… since Rosebuds tend to speak to children or young folks, a Full Blown Rose, well we older folks fall into that category, right? At every age and stage, Roses are beautiful! That’s good to know!
That crazy collage with Roses? I took that on Royal Street in New Orleans. It was meant to be a throwaway photo, though it’s mesmerizing and I just couldn’t let it go, especially with those roses. And today, it’s reminding me of you, unique talented you.
Love y’all, Brenda
To sign up for newsletter, you can also email me at brenda@brenda-wyatt.com
Drummers are uniformed, let one of them miss a beat and the melody of the other instruments could fall apart. And… We all love songs with the repetition of a chorus, right? Seedlings are charming alone, even more so in a group. An arbor of roses is pleasing to the eye as much for the repetition of the arches as for the profusion of bloom. A Checker Board is a classic example of Repetitive Design. A cooling rack filled with cookies, even if they aren’t the exact same size, still the eye sees repetition.
A winding staircase works simply because the treads are spaced at a repetitive shape, form and space. An historic staircase is beautiful – even more so because of the repetition of woodwork, including spindles and dare I add? the Color.
We’ve found rounded boxwoods tend to look good year round because of the consistent shape and form. Even clothespins on an empty line are unified in type and shape, even if they aren’t lined up. Why? Repetition of course.
We love consistency. When a design is unified it gives a sense of order and peace. Repetition could be compared to the skeleton or structure on which any or all of the elements are layered on. Alone, it might be overdone. Just remember, that repetition, whether in color, shape or form is very important in design.
Whether it’s the sound of drums, a pan of fresh baked cookies or a tray of seedlings.. An arbor of roses, a staircase winding or not, a row of boxwoods or clothespins on a line.. Repetition is good in writing, marketing- making a point in different ways over and over. Repetition is the strength, the unity, the structure, the very heartbeat of Good Design.
Resilience. The struggle to survive. I’ve learned more about the struggles of life in a garden than almost anywhere else. Observing plants teaches me about the will to live in the most unlikely places. Plants teach us about adaptation, self confidence and seizing opportunities where we can find them. What might have worked before, doesn’t always show up. The support you always had, isn’t there, the truth may be, they’re struggling too. That’s a chance to follow survival instincts. Plants know this.
Some seek Light to grow and bloom. Others flourish in dappled and damp shade and manage to be Pretty in the process. Some simply find a way. Often in the worst of conditions, a plant will sprout leaf and bloom- up through an iron railing, a cracked sidewalk or graveled garden path; a fallen log, a scorching sandy beach- even the mighty oak learns to soar above the forest floor.
Exuberance, enthusiasm, even enjoyment of living is right underfoot. Being forced in a jar or peeking through a picket fence. Or drawing life out of itself like those sweet muscari bulbs, why? Because sometimes- you just have to draw strength from within yourself- right? It’s that inexplicable urge to survive, maybe a zest for living- a joy just to be alive… spoken without words. Look close and you’ll hear these things and more.
No matter how small, it seems to me, there’s not just a the will to live despite circumstances or even survival techniques… there’s some inner workings I don’t quite understand. I only know these little survivors speak to me of purposeful filled living. Add in the will to live.
A fern sprout, a cluster of mushrooms, tiny bulbs in a jar- a dandelion or two. Wood violets, beach flowers, a crazy Iris craning her neck through a picket fence turning her face to the sun.
Even a leafy weed and most springing up from a rocky place- oh yes… they teach me so many lessons and more…
Resilience is what keeps us going. Finding light or enlightenment. Absorbing moisture, putting down deeper roots or pulling from your inner strength. A willingness to grow. Nature is where we find beauty, strength, nourishment and salve. After the year we’ve had, I hope your Resilience has shown up. Here’s to a zest for living, getting going and growing again!
Camellia's Cottage 