When strolling through Golden Gate Park with Hubby, we came upon a seasonal planting area that is tended by volunteers from the community. It was in full bloom with dahlias. With camera in hand, I leaned over the iron fence protecting the gardens and drooled over the amazingly gorgeous dark-brown (and weedless) soil. I almost wanted the soil more than the flowers! I guess that's a sign of a gardener.
Anyway...
As I slowly walked the perimeter looking at the array of dahlias (and the soil at their feet), I came upon this bunch of dahlia petals that had fallen from an overly-heavy mop-head of a blossom. The petals were still so fresh and vibrant, as if they had just fallen minutes before when a volunteer brushed by to tend a neighboring plant.
I only took one photo.
I've looked at this photo several times since taking it.
When I look at the image, the words of a hymn come into my mind...
In a world where sorrow ever will be known,I've always thought it was interesting that the cheerful chorus is repeated twice after every verse. It makes me think that's probably the part that deserves most of my attention.
Where are found the needy and the sad and lone,
How much joy and comfort you can all bestow,
If you scatter sunshine everywhere you go.
Chorus (for the altos):
Scatter the smiles and sunshine all along over your way.
Cheer and bless and brighten every passing... passing day
Scatter the smiles and sunshine all along over your way.
Cheer and bless and brighten every passing day
One dahlia blossom is so small in comparison to the rest of the world. So am I. Yet this dahlia scattered its petals on the ground which caught my eye (and my camera lens) and then made me think of something so sweet as this hymn... makes me wonder what I can learn from that dahlia.
"Scatter Sunshine" (click here to listen)
Text: Lanta Wilson Smith
Music: Edwin O. Excell, 1851-1921
Scripture references: Psalm 100:2 and James 1:27
Cindy, how beautiful. And what a great philosophy to take with you through life. It's so true that our actions, however small can change someones else's day, or life. More then we realize at the time.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing to smile, and be nice, trite as that phrase sounds. There definitely isn't enough of it around, especially in retail.
I can see why you keep going back to that shot of the petals, it's deep, full, and evocative. Although it's a simple enough composition, there is something that tugs in the mind.
And as a gardener, I am loving that soil also.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
What a beautiful observation, Cindy. I love this! Hugs to you, my friend! :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo Cindy! And I was admiring the beautiful black dirt as well!
ReplyDeleteI love your images Cindy! Happy Autumn from Ohio.b
ReplyDeleteThat's beautiful. I love serendipity.
ReplyDeleteYou can learn a lot of things from the Tulips
ReplyDeleteBut especially in the month of June
(la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la)
All in the Golden Afternoon
What a beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteHey Cindy, it is amazing how little things like that matter, and sometimes they are not even seen. You have great eye for little details. BTW I love your new profile photo, you look great! Anna :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting how enjoyable little pretty things are. Like flowers and raindrops...and cute shoes :) I find that more I stop to notice things instead of just plowing through life at top speed (my favorite speed btw), the more I find enjoyable little things :)
ReplyDeleteCindy,it's always lovely to come and visit you here~
ReplyDeleteHaven't been for ages....... and suddenly I got overly homesick for YOU!
ReplyDeleteSo I had to search out your link (found it on F/B).
Hope things are well in your world!
Your blog is beautiful as ever.....
Cindy, your story inspires me. I'm so glad I found your blog on a Google listing of garden blogs. We share the same faith and I have my own story about how my backyard gardens helped me through a tough time. Maybe someday I'll share that with you.
ReplyDelete