Uphill Battles & Heavy Rain

-
"Grow through what you go through." - Unknown
Life has many uphill battles.
A struggle makes you stronger they say. Nothing should come too easily.
Given the slightest chance, however, life spontaneously knows how to bloom with ease. Above was a gift found at our door created by neighbourhood children I assumed as an Easter project. The sweet pea seeded in an eggshell container had no trouble growing.
Sweet peas were my Ukrainian mother's favourite flowers, not only for their delicate scent and multi-colours but because their blooms replenished themselves. (When a flower is snipped a new bud can come along quite miraculously to take its place.)
One home at Crescent Beach planted a flag to support Ukraine's mammoth struggle.
Another nearby home was wrapped like a huge gift box in celebration of Easter.
I saw a stark tree, sprouts perhaps undercover before yawning and stretching awake.
Just when I thought spring had most definitely arrived everything changed.
A hailstorm's sudden burst of icy tears flew like a random toss of stinging pebbles.
Spring came back just as quickly, though, to find most flowers survived the bruising.
Read one of my past posts about Easter HERE. Explore more at SKYWATCH FRIDAY.

Still the kid I used to be

Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle and Musings of A Puddlist In B.C. to view more West Coast scenes.

Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.

Comments

  1. colleenApril 14, 2022 at 9:09 AM

    Good eye! Let's hope for a slight incline over an uphill battle.

    ReplyDelete
  2. eileeninmdApril 15, 2022 at 4:11 AM

    Hello,
    I have been seeing more of the Ukraine flags and colors around our neighborhood. The views, flowers and landscapes are lovely! I like the cute Egg planter, a beautiful gift. Take care, enjoy your day and happy Easter weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  3. carol l mckennaApril 15, 2022 at 7:47 AM

    Oh what an inspiring post with gorgeous photos ~ love the gift from a neighbor ~ Happy Easter to you ~ Xo


    Wishing you love and laughter in your days,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yogi♪♪♪April 15, 2022 at 7:52 AM

    Great post, yes life can be difficult but life finds a way!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiApril 15, 2022 at 11:12 AM

    Beautiful post! Life is struggle but also a joy.
    Both my maternal grandparents immigrated from an area called Galicia, which was to become part of the Ukraine in later years, so my heart feels extra sorrow for all the suffering they are enduring. O pray for peace to come to Ukraine.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Spare Parts and PicsApril 15, 2022 at 12:07 PM

    What a wonderful surprise to find at your front door! Have a Happy Easter!

    ReplyDelete
  7. stardustApril 15, 2022 at 11:42 PM

    How I wish the ongoing hideous human disasters on Ukrainians end like the sudden hailstorm in this post! But sadly, no prospect so far (tears). The surprise gift by neighborhood children is so lovely. Sweet pea flower is my favorite, too.

    Yoko

    ReplyDelete
  8. Rose PApril 16, 2022 at 8:17 AM

    A timely reminder to take note of beauty and resilience.
    Happy springtime!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiApril 16, 2022 at 9:45 AM

    Thank you for your suggestions on how to keep birds from nesting in my awning. I'll try them! Have a happy Easter!

    ReplyDelete
  10. AngieApril 16, 2022 at 11:11 PM

    Maria - most things are appreciated more when some work has been involved to obtain them. It is highly preferred when it is a matter of personal choice rather than something that has been imposed on you! Happy Easter to you and yours!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Light and VoicesApril 17, 2022 at 2:26 PM

    Greetings and Salutations! Surprise gift for Easter. How nice. I enjoyed seeing with your eyes what is around you. Very nice photographs.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Your thoughts add colour to the content and are always much appreciated. Please note comments that are embedded with activated links might not go through.

Popular posts from this blog

The Couch Art Where Bernie Came To Visit

-
Image
 "On the Web we all become small-town visitors lost in the big city." - Alison Gopnik President Joe Biden's inauguration was bursting with inspirational speeches and events.  Heaven knows many who now breathe a sigh of relief also needed a good laugh.  That's when  Bernie stepped in with his cool attitude and awesome mittens.  I couldn't resist joining so many others who included him in various ways in different spaces. I think he looks super cute and cozy on a sofa designed for the cover art of my Couch & Company  story. Hope you enjoy it and explore more of the artistic side of life at  Paint Party Friday .   Still the kid I used to be Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle and Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride to view more West Coast scenes. Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report .
Read more

Paper Bag Princess Gowns & Mom's Homemade Dresses

-
Image
Remember the beloved children's tale The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch? She had only a paper bag to wear after a dragon destroyed her castle and belongings. The shallow prince whom she rescued showed his true nature by complaining she didn't look like a princess dressed in that bag. Good riddance to the prince but here are some paper dresses any royal or awesome regular girl would be proud to wear. I came upon these works of art at the Oakridge Mall in Vancouver. Hopefully, they will end up in a local museum or someplace where more people will enjoy them. The lovely regal garments made of paper capture the elements and majesty of the natural world. The Langara College Paper Couture Exhibition by Vancouver design students explains what materials are used to create the clothing: "All of the dresses are made from a variety of recyclable white or brown paper, tissue, tapes, glue, spray paint, adhesives, paper twine, coffee filters, cardboard, string, thum...
Read more

The Door To Forest Magic At Sandy Trail

-
Image
There it was ... a bright dollop of sunshine in a tangle of forest greens, browns and silvery grays. The yellow door snuggled against a tree said Fairy Hall and, in tiny faint lettering beneath, No Trolls . Oh, how I'd love to know what goes on inside Fairy Hall. I wanted to tap on the door but, a giant by comparison, I didn't want to cause a scare. I often take the Sandy Trail with its gravelly path, woodsy stumps, well-trod stairs, rabbits, birds and squirrels. I know every twist and rustling sound. But I hadn't noticed the small door before. This unexpected bit of whimsy magic tucked into the forest floor made me curious about what else was in the mysterious thicket I'd yet to explore. When I continued on my way, the trees leaned in ... as if they had a secret to tell. Later, I found another fairy door (below), welcoming, but only to a select few. See OUR WORLD to explore more sights from around the globe and SIGNS, SIGNS . Still the kid I used to be ...
Read more