Outside my apartment and the glass blowing place

We all have many aspects to ourselves - integrating these parts into wholeness is an important step in healing.

My kitchen window has this glorious bush of azaleas under it. Which I can't see, but my across the courtyard neighbors can! (And these photos were taken before the last rain!)

Another huge bush is under the next neighbors kitchen window down the hill.  Here are the iris too!

 

While stopped at the light on State Street last week, I saw the new addition to the site for a glass blowing studio and gallery. It may open this summer. I hope so!

A small and well contained honeysuckle bush was by the parking lot behind the Swannanoa History Museum. I remembered the joy of pulling the bottom off a bloom and sucking the honey, many times. The natural plant has become a bit of a nuisance as it vines all over the place often.

Today's quote:

You may want to press the fast-forward button through your pain, but in doing so you would miss out on important learning.

PS: All the new leaves and blossoms on trees outside my apartment window have hidden my view of I-40 already. Soon, I'll loose sight of the ridgeline on the other side of the valley for about 5-6 months.

A couple of log houses and more

 

A promise of a few iris booms in the near future 

Site of our Good Friday lunch!

Sharing with Wordless Wednesday

Today's quote:

There is so much beauty in honoring those that came before you and seeking their wisdom.

Up the hill from me

 

A good bit of exercise brought me up the hill (walking in the parking lot) to see these lovely flowers.

The sun came out, shining across this Iris !

Sharing with Floral Friday Fotos.

Today's quote:

When we impose our will onto others, we are telling them we want to control and leave them without a true voice.

Outside my front door

 

The treated lawn outside my apartment...it has lots of surviving dandelions at least.

I have been walking around the neighborhood more, so more pretty blossoms will be coming soon!

Sharing with Floral Friday Fotos

Today's quote:

Education is our only political safety. Outside of this ark, all is deluge."

 Horace Mann, The father of American public education.

In my home territory

 

A map on the wall at the Optometrist's office. Where my apartments are located is a blank area.

A new Flame Azalea planted against an apartment wall.

The first of the pretty iris blooms. 

A cute Google-doodle for Earth Day.

A POEM

 Pink of girls

Skipping along.

Giggles and hair

Coming out of braids

Life has only joy,

Right then

Right now.

by Barbara Rogers

We were asked to pick a color, and meditate on it, then write a poem if we felt like it. So this came to me from emotions and experiences of many years ago.

The following photo gives me joy. I am sure you have a photo of a pet or baby or scene that gives you much the same feeling.

Have you ever written poetry?

Today's quote:

Make a habit out of celebrating the small moments in healing, gratitude, and growth.

ALEX ELLE

Last Hurrah of the Iris

 Showing the lovely back of my neighbor's home.

OK, this huge varmint is living in the ground...but maybe not big enough for a groundhog.  I hope it's not a rat.

Downtown gardens

 On the ridge between two parking lots, and the slope below, are great gardens by the Garden Club of  Black Mountain.  Last week I caught this iris smiling at me as I gazed toward the railroad tracks below.  To find this lovely area, look on Depot St. where it meets Dougherty...behind the Center for the Arts.

Iris, part 2

Just about to open, remind me to go back and get another shot of this beauty!

What amazing colors!

A columbine snuck into my view

another columbine shared a different color

Thought for the day:

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.

Albert Camus

Iris, goddess of the rainbow

Bertha had made a complete Iris garden.  Dozens of different varieties.  I'll share some with you today, more tomorrow.

Thought for the day:

There is nothing in your life that cannot be overcome; whatever the situation or problem, there is always a solution.