Tuesday, May 2, 2017

I Beg Your Pardon

by Kelly



I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden.
Along with the sunshine, there's gotta be a little rain sometime. ~Joe South


These were the song lyrics I was singing in my head when I cut off all the flowers on my David Austin roses. 


The previous week’s storms had really done a number on my roses.  Between the high winds and torrential rain, all of the roses that were in bloom were reduced to stubs...a carpet of rose petal confetti was all that was left.  And then, on the buds that were about to open, it seemed as if the petals had been glued together so the blooms couldn’t fully expand.  And those that did manage to open were really sad looking.  ‘Bedraggled’ as my mom would say.



With another round of storms and heavy rains in the forecast, I decided to cut any of the remaining buds and blooms and bring them inside. Which in hindsight was a pretty good idea if I do say so myself.  Felt like I was totally winning at life with that decision.


As I was playing around and photographing my roses, I got to thinking how silly it was to be annoyed with the rain. First of all, I have zero control of the weather, so really…what good does it do.


Then secondly, as someone who lives in a state that has been suffering from some degree of drought for the past several years, the rain is actually a really good thing.  Barring the damage from flood waters of course, farmers are reporting that their ponds are full for the first time in years.  Rivers and lakes that have been below normal levels are now overflowing.

Obviously, floods have devastating effects and I am not minimizing or romanticizing the damage or the suffering that those affected are having to endure.  What I am suggesting, however, is that what is minor annoyance or frustration for me might be beneficial to someone else.  That it’s not always about me.

I am embarrassed at how often I have to be reminded of this.

As I sit here typing this post, the second round of storms have passed through my areas.  The strong winds that often come in behind these storms is starting to dry things out a bit.  And my roses are strong and green and covered in tiny little buds.


 Life goes on. And I think Lynn Anderson sang it best…

So smile for a while and let's be jolly, love shouldn't be so melancholy,
Come along and share the good times while we can.

Until next time,

Kelly

6 comments:

AFishGirl said...

I haven't thought of that song in a long time. Wise words you write, Kelly, wise words. You see beauty in so many things. The tones of these shots are enormously comforting to me this morning.

terriporter said...

I love this post so much that I read it twice. Well, three times to be honest. Not only are your images amazing and so inspiring the way you made the most of the roses you had left, there is such a good lesson here for all of us and, yes, I have to admit it, me especially. I must remember to: 1. Accept the things I have no control over and even, like you, make the most of them. 2. It's not all about me! Maybe I should print this post out and read it every day! Thank you, Kelly, for the bright spot you always are.

Dotti said...

Your David Austin roses are so pretty! And I love the multiple ways you displayed them for us. Mother Nature will have her way! When will we learn to accept what we can't change?

heyjudephotography said...

That song! Reminds me of my dad playing the LP on the "record player" when I was a kid. I knew every word. A great lesson in making lemonade when life gives you lemons. Thank you for sharing Kelly.

Liz said...

I think we all have times that we need to be reminded that it's not about us. This post is a great reminder for us all! :)
Your photos are wonderful!

Focusing on Life said...

As always, Kelly you're images are beautiful! These pictures have such a nostalgic feel to them, which is a favorite with me! I'm sorry about your roses, but you took something bad and turned it into beauty! We all need to remember that. There's good to be seen in everything!

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