Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Finding beauty in backyard flowers and changes



Backyard flowers in bloom photoshoot via Funky Junk Interiors

Today is the day before school starts in our area. The weather even changed as if to better prepare for what's in store. It's beautiful out, but there's a new crispness in the air, gently suggesting you bring out your flannel shirts and blankets soon.

... continued ...

(post heavy on backyard blooms and inspiration)


So many changes are coming. So today I paced around through the garden to capture what will soon be tucked away for another season.

Backyard flowers in bloom photoshoot via Funky Junk Interiors

But I have another reason I wander in the backyard. It's a mental escape. When I have a need to think in the quiet, this is where I disappear to. With camera in hand, I have no idea what will grab hold of me and draw me to shoot.

So I wander.
rustic shed in the backyard via Funky Junk Interiors
I came here to think about Brad and the kids and what's ahead for them. They are coping. My sister is with them helping. But it can't stay that way forever. It's hard. Such big sudden changes for them and I don't know what to do about it or how to even feel.

So I wander some more.
birdhouse and cat by flowers in backyard
My kitten is changing too. Ok, 14 is not exactly a kitten but she will always be that in my eyes. She's moving slower and getting more cuddlier and follows me around just as much as the dog use to. I love it. Her hair is still attempting to grow back and she's looking a little less lion every day. :) I tell this girl I adore her a million times a day.
grapevines growing on shed
Changes are also in store for my boy. A new grade brings bigger challenges, some I'm fearing. But just like last year, I know we'll figure it all out. It's just tricky when mom knows less than her son. :) My little bub is gone. There's a young man in the house now.
flowers in full bloom in backyard
And changes are happening for even me. I'm about to go on another adventure (Bella Rustica announcement here)  that will prove to be a little more challenging than the last one down south. Strangely enough, I should be nervous but I'm really not. I've just decided to be myself and hopefully that will be enough. :)

Some changes are so challenging. But I know if we search deep enough, or perhaps even wait, there's eventually beauty in every thing that comes our way. You just have to have faith that what's before you is meant to be there and try and make sense of it all.

rustic barn wood and rusty metal

We can either fight these changes or jump into them full swing and accept what's before us and do our very best. I'd rather take on the latter. What choice do we really have?

antique teal bulb digger tool on the garden shed

Everything really is beautiful, in it's own way. 

We just have to know what to look for at the right time.

Are you good at dealing with change?
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29 comments:

  1. Laura @ duke manor farmSeptember 4, 2012 at 4:19 AM

    Thanks for sharing your heart!Good luck with your new changes!

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  2. AnonymousSeptember 4, 2012 at 5:12 AM

    and there is beauty in ashes.

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  3. heather @ new house, new home, new lifeSeptember 4, 2012 at 5:15 AM

    September is always a time of changes. I'm happy to say that this year there are none too be or daunting, just a return to normal routine. Last year was full of changes for us with a move to a new town, giving up work, a son going to university, my husband starting a new job. So this year I'm excited for the change in the season even if that is one that just comes naturally.

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  4. Ruby and ArthurSeptember 4, 2012 at 5:20 AM

    I have a lot of changes coming my way soon, too, so I loved this post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I plan on embracing my changes because like you said, what choice do we have? Have a wonderful day, Jean

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  5. SerendipityRefinedSeptember 4, 2012 at 5:26 AM

    We have an odd relationship, "change" and I...sometimes I love "him", other times, well...not so much. Go for it girlfriend and remember, if you don't like the decision that you've made, you can always make another one! Enjoy your "one more day of summer" before school! xo

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  6. Recycled RitaSeptember 4, 2012 at 6:20 AM

    I have struggled with change my whole life but as I get older it is easier. I am trying to push myself to face my fears a little more lately and am having wonderful experiences because of it so I just keep telling myself that "change" is my friend....
    (until it isn't, and then I will be grumpy :) ) karen....

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  7. AudreySeptember 4, 2012 at 8:08 AM

    Lovely post Donna ... very inspiring and beautiful pictures. I wish you all the luck and happiness in dealing with the changes that you are facing.
    God Bless you and your Son. You are an inspiration to all of us, at least, to me.
    Hugs,
    Audrey Z.
    http://audreyzumwalt.blogspot.com/
    Timeless Treasures

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  8. Mary BethSeptember 4, 2012 at 8:34 AM

    Beautiful pictures Donna and deep thoughts. Change and I have an up and down relationship....if I like the change...woot....if not, I tend to dig in my heels and not want to budge....but I have found that for most changes....I have no say whatsoever! My middle guy's birthday is today and tomorrow he starts 9th grade....where has the time gone? I look forward to hearing about your next big adventure ~ I always enjoy hearing your stories....makes me feel like I'm right there in the midst of them.

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  9. Kathryn CainSeptember 4, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    Lovely post and deep thoughts with Grace. Thank you

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  10. AprilSeptember 4, 2012 at 10:46 AM

    Donna - your pictures are beautiful as usual. I'm glad you can go to your yard/garden and photograph while mentally processing. You have had lots of changes in your life lately - big changes. Take time to absorb, relax, and just be. Because as you pointed out "What choice do we have?" I have come to the conclusion - change has come, I can choose to embrace it or fight it. One makes me more miserable than necessary.... Thank you for sharing your heart with us.

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  11. Ann from On Sutton PlaceSeptember 4, 2012 at 1:51 PM

    Oh Donna I love this post. I have learned that we have control over our lives only to a certain point. Some things are meant to be and some aren't. I don't really enjoy change but the past year has been chuck full of it for me. I'm coping OK. I can totally relate to how you feel about your son growing up. My son is 26 and I still see that little boy who was my constant companion. We were such great buddies. He now lives 5 hours away and we talk but it's not the same. Enjoy and savor the time you have with your son. Before you know it he'll be all grown up. :o)

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  12. Julie @ followyourheartwoodworkingSeptember 4, 2012 at 2:54 PM

    I've been thinking about those children without a mother, it's heartbreaking.
    Your photos are amazingly clear and crisp... just beautiful.
    Best wishes to your son as he starts a new year. My youngest just started college, the other two are in university... time flies.

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  13. willowSeptember 4, 2012 at 3:22 PM

    beautiful post. we all deal with change in our own way and as best we can. all i know is change leads to change leads to change.... i suddenly lost my husband of 30 years in 2009. change. i chose to find a new love and carry on. change. my daughter couldn't accept it and has alienated herself and my granddaughter ever since. change. the thing that has kept me going is knowing everyone goes through their own share of change. we have to embrace and be grateful for the beauty and love that surrounds us in day to day living and look for what's right rather than what is wrong.

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  14. TJSeptember 4, 2012 at 4:17 PM

    Be yourself, and that will be enough.

    Remember that everyone you meet is also carrying a heavy burden, so when they seem unkind, remember that they are having a hard time, too.

    Cry sometimes,
    laugh when you can,
    and let yourself remember memories
    without trying to second guess everything in life.

    And keep telling your kitten you love her.

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  15. AnonymousSeptember 4, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    Donna, your words and photos are so beautiful and heartwarming. Change is hard for most of us. I find as I age some things are easier to see change and some not so easy. God's Grace will get you through along with your wonderful attitude. I am keeping your family in my prayers. I think about Cindy's babies and husband often. God Bless you all! Just remember to let your mind and heart work through the process of your loss. We do that in many different ways.
    lin

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  16. UnknownSeptember 4, 2012 at 5:34 PM

    Thinking of you and your family and the pain you are enduring right now. It's so hard to lose someone suddenly. There's no time to prepare. May God keep His calming hand on all of you and give you peace.

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  17. JoaniSeptember 4, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    Loved the photos. A new adventure....how exciting....can't wait to hear about it. You are so inspiring. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week.

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  18. UnknownSeptember 4, 2012 at 7:16 PM

    Gorgeous photos. They are perfect shots. Each and everyone of them inspires people. Job well done. Thank you!
    bean bags online

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  19. Asta LanderSeptember 4, 2012 at 11:38 PM

    Beautiful. Your voice is so honest. Something here has really resonated with me. Thank you.- Asta

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  20. Amy ChalmersSeptember 5, 2012 at 4:59 AM

    Hey you will always do well because you have the can do spirit~personally i do well with change, probably cuz I had to move a lot as a child, but always within the confines of a stable family household. My little "bub" is no longer either, but has really turned into my champion! I couldn't have opened my store without him. Good things are in store for you.

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  21. DanielleSeptember 5, 2012 at 6:29 AM

    Very nice and introspective post. You are able to express your thoughts and emotions so eloquently through words and photos. Change is difficult but it is always there and we must see it as an opportunity in order to move forward with courage.

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  22. Kathy PenneySeptember 5, 2012 at 6:44 AM

    Beautifully written. And I am late on this but my condolences to you and Cindy's family. It is every mother's worst fear- not for themselves but because they won't be there to raise their children. Prayers for strength and guidance in the days and coming years. And for the record, I thought I was good at change until I had my children later in life and there is nothing that will make you realize how quickly time is passing more than watching babies grow into toddlers and beyond and then we realize our own mortality and that of those around us and that we have little to no control over it. It sent me into a panic for a while, but as you said you have no choice but to find the strength to carry on and now I believe I am the resilient person I thought myself to be- or at least closer to it. Kathy Penney from Pinner Takes ALl

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  23. Vicki AshbySeptember 5, 2012 at 8:02 AM

    Donna,
    First let me say how much I love your blog and all you do! It is one of my all time favorites for sure! I am a bit older than you so I know exactly where your heart is at this time. Change brings so much uncertainty but can also bring such amazing and miraculous things. I lost my husband of 33 years in 2009 to an affair with one of my closest friends. I was completely devastated by the betrayal of both. I have 3 amazing boys ( all grown up now) and they were so good to me. The thing that helped me most was much prayer as I know the Lord always knows our steps before we do. Isaiah 61:3 says, "to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of JOY for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness: that they may be called trees of righteousness." I trusted this verse and I could write a book on the unexpected blessings and miracles of the last 2 years! You have already been through a lot and you will do it again. Praying for all of your family.

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  24. MaySeptember 5, 2012 at 8:42 AM

    I am not one who thrives on change. I am constantly trying to hold fast to all I love about today. Over the years I have tried to move from holding tight (maybe too tightly) to celebrating today instead and knowing that it too will slip away. But what comes next can be good too.

    Your family continues to be in my prayers. And whatever it is that is on the horizon...being you will certainly be enough.

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  25. Linda LindleySeptember 5, 2012 at 9:27 AM

    There is nothing that has not been said here- your posts are so inspiring and uplifting. I could almost smell the smells and hear the buzzing bees in your garden. I know that unsettling, deep sadness too, and still have to intentionally fight it off.
    I am so excited for your next great adventure! And yes, you being yourself will be quite enough!
    Thank you friend!

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  26. KimSeptember 5, 2012 at 1:14 PM

    The news about your friend was so sad and it's amazing how your words and pictures brought life, aging, and loss all into sync here.
    I lost my grandmother (she was 91) this past Sunday and just this morning I witnessed the birth of my newest granddaughter.
    You suffer through the hardships but life quietly goes on.

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  27. Debbie @DewdropGablesSeptember 5, 2012 at 5:59 PM

    Beautiful post, gorgeous pictures.

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  28. ChristinaSeptember 12, 2012 at 8:47 AM

    beautiful pictures, Donna! and beautiful words to go along wiht it

    (commenting as name/url)

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  29. ChristinaSeptember 12, 2012 at 8:48 AM

    I am horrible with dealing with change - I dread it and it takes me some tears usually to get used to it and finally I accept it :)

    (commenting with my google acct)

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