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| Our long-awaited flowers, here in Vermont. |
Last year, I bought a $2 package of flower seeds. The picture on the envelope made them look so pretty. I thought they would be lovely here at our humble estate. After the planting, there was not much happening. A few green leaves appeared. There was very little growth. We thought to ourselves, "we will wait and see what happens next season." Fall and winter came and went. Spring appeared with hopeful signs of goodness. The new flower plants (called Sweet William) began to grow but with much more greenery. We waited and watched each day. Suddenly, little delicate flowers began to appear. I was delighted! The patience and the waiting inspired me to understand that good things take time. It was a lesson that brought beauty to my surroundings. I love to visit this little spot each day on my walks. I am in awe of the miracle of such quiet beauty.
It is so peaceful to enjoy homelife. There can be much productive activity both indoors and out. We want to be active and busy with good things. When the grandchildren visit, we like to offer old fashioned lawn games. We have a variety of toys for the yard. These are the types of things one can find at end of season clearance sales for $3 or $5 a box. These include badminton (without the net), beach balls (for throwing and kicking), and little disks one throws to land into a small post. We have had some of these games for a few years. After each use, we return the supplies back into their original packaging and bring them indoors. They stay nice and orderly in this way.
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| Lawn games at our house. |
The other day, we had several children here playing a variety of games out in the fresh mountain air. Some were on swings, others had rackets and were playing their games as if they were on a tennis court. The disk-toss (into little posts with flags) was very popular. The children would add up their points, based on the number marked on each flag, and enjoy a little math. Then we would all go inside for an afternoon rest!
Today, the birds are chirping sweetly. There is a gentle wind to cool off the day. I am grateful for the beauty of sounds and sights all around me. These comforting moments help to give me a sense of contentment and strength for the hard days ahead. In this little retreat, called home, I am quieted and happy. I am grateful.
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives -
Beautiful Living - Feminine Grace.
What it Takes - Old Fashioned Duty of a Homemaker.
Teaching Manners to grandbabies - Tea Time - The Importance of Formal Ceremony at Home.
- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -
Help For Homeschooling:
Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life: Encouragement for Christian Homeschooling by Mrs. White
Paperback, 112 pages
As you read this book, I hope you get a sense that, no matter what is going on in the world, every home can be a homeschool.
Sweet William is a lovely plant, so many different jewel like colours. And it is a perennial so will come back next year!
ReplyDeleteWhen we are patient, God always produces beauty in His time. Your lawn games look like great fun, Mrs. White. I might just order some for may grandchildren to play since they've now moved where they can enjoy a yard and outdoor fun. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteOh dear Mrs. White ~ such a memory you brought back as my mother had a row of Sweet William along the front of the house. The house was white, and I remember how beautiful the flowers and greery was againt the wall. Yes, with all the high tect, simple lawn games are the best. Just last week when we celebrated our great grandson's 18th birthday, we had lawn games. Good for every age. I love seeing the hugh green yard you have. Our complex is beautiful but not spacious and some of the lawn in the playground area is "fake". You truly let me escape the city when I read and enjoy your blog. You are one special lady.
ReplyDeleteSweet Williams always remind me of my childhood, as my father used to grow them. The only problem with them is that if you cut them to display in a vase, no matter how careful you are about removing the lower leaves, they make the water smell awful! They are best enjoyed where you planted them and the bees will love them.
ReplyDeleteSweet William do bring out fond memories of days long ago. As Tracy says - best left outside to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThose flowers are so pretty! I didn't know Sweet William are perennial. I have never grown any but now I want to!
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