It started with an email. As a subscriber to the local garden centre’s newsletter they kindly offered me a tray of wildflowers. A sucker for anything floral and even better if free I was eager to acquire some. There was only one problem — I was in Sweden and the offer expired before my return. With a big sigh I accepted this was one deal I’d not take up.
A day after my return to England another missive stated that the offer had been extended one more week. Imagine the dash to my car, engine revving, tyres kicking up the dust as I drove away! Unfortunately this was not my departure to the garden centre, rather a subdued tired drive, remembering to keep on the left and at last I was there.
Stepping past tables of beautiful blooms, bushes in full display and hanging baskets in all their glory, I enthusiastically walked up to the tills to claim the free tray. With unmatched enthusiasm, I was directed to a trolley outside. My heart sank a few notches. Before me were three forlorn trays, featuring the straggliest weedy flowers! I nearly caved into my initial desire to leave them alone before choosing the best of the worst and headed home. Maybe, I hardly dared to hope, maybe with TLC galore they might flourish.
Mid May – the straggly ten wildflowersMid May – planted and looking rather lost!
In the following days and weeks, I avidly studied the wildflowers which had been delicately planted in a corner of the garden. What magical transformation as the warmth, sunlight and watering helped them recover and grow in unrivalled spurts.
Mid June – Promising!Mid June – First flower!
Soon glorious green plants with fragile flowers swayed in the breeze, filling the mass of brown earth with buoyant blues, reds, and yellows.
End June
Nurturing and growth became the motif for me during the month of June. A month of reflection and these humble wildflowers symbolised the metamorphosis within me.
The wildflower garden this week in July – full ground cover.
Having helped a young couple over two weekends to move into their first home I pondered the love, care and nurturing that led to this moment. To help them find their wings and to give them belief in themselves. Heartened by their joy and excitement my thoughts drifted back to my life.
This month my husband and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. I must have blinked for a moment or a lot longer as I was not at all aware when those years flew by. For days I contemplated this Silver occasion, waiting for an epiphany to strike me. Instead, an awareness crept up on me, maybe while gazing at the wildflowers, the roses and poppies. That the richness in life is in the minutiae, that it is impossible to sum up a quarter of a century of togetherness. However, the growth, the care and nurture of each other and our relationship is tangible, an exponential development of our existence. The small moments of caring and love, of understanding, of laughter creating a whole.
We celebrated over a long weekend with friends. On one afternoon I was entranced by talented students at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey, England. Founded by the master violinist in 1963 the school, with just over eighty students from ages 8 – 19, takes in pupils from around the world, whatever their financial circumstances.
The orchestra and auditorium at the Yehudi Menuhin School (Photo from school website)
As they are guided by their teachers, so our spirits were lifted by the sheer and absolute beauty of the music. I was transported up and beyond the wonderful auditorium, tears in my eyes. At one stage my friend put a knowing arm around me and we just nodded. No words were needed then. Later picnicking on the school grounds with the other members of the audience conversation flowed easily, our joy shared as we discussed our awe of these young gifted musicians.
The importance of our roots was reinforced during the visit to one of England’s largest vineyards. Set in the beautiful Surrey Hills the chalky soil is key to the success of the 256 acres of vines at Denbies Wine Estate.
Each year is fraught with possible hardship, particularly from the elements with regard to frost and rain. The grapes are harvested by hand for the most part, tenderly picked to avoid any damage to the skin which in turn would effect the quality of the grape’s juice.
Below is a slideshow of a series of carved oak barrels exquisitely detailing the wine making process from the training to the tasting!
Once again the theme of nurture and care, of dedication flowed through this beautiful and relaxing visit. The highlight of the visit included the tasting experience of some of the sparkling and table wines as well as a road train tour. The latter provided stunning views of the landscape and the hills full of young vines with a chance to view the young budding grapes just as they were emerging from the flowers.
The flowers have just ceased and young grapes soon on the way.Young vines trailing down the steep hillside.
How could we not celebrate our special day without a romantic meal? I was overjoyed to have the chance for a sublime meal and experience at The Ivy. The iconic restaurant was founded in 1917 and even this one, an hour away from the original in London, features the signature harlequin stain-glass windows!
Me outside The Ivy after dining!
The Ivy is not somewhere we would normally go but wow, the food was superb, the dining experience exquisite and we were even presented with a surprise delicious anniversary dessert!
Our surprise chocolate choux pastry and strawberry dessert.
The evening is engraved in my mind and spirit.
To finish my post, I want to share a few sentences from a precious letter written to us by my dear departed grandfather upon our marriage. (To those who do not know, he was a fisherman.) As always upon reading this loving analogy I am struck by his eternal wisdom.
‘ It is rather difficult to explain to someone else what a marriage is to me, but I will use an image.
That this will be a boat (a fishing boat) is quite natural to me. The boat (love) is setting out to sea, out to the North Sea. It isn’t a day trip; it will probably be a week before you are home again.
You are not guaranteed nice weather. It is autumn and you have to meet storms as well as sunshine. What is the first to do before you set out on such a trip? It is to check the condition of the boat which is to carry you. You don’t set off with a boat that is ready to ‘fall apart’. No, it has to be of the very best material available. The engine (heart) has to be strong and safe. You have to learn to listen to the engine that you can hear the smallest change in tone and rhythm — and as quickly as possible correct any fault. I hope you understand my image.
Yes, this I also have to say: when you have been fishing for days and nights and have no strength left, then drop the anchor and fasten the hawser at the front. The rest and sleep is indescribable. Do not forget the anchor and the hawser. One more thing, do not anchor on clay bottom — it can set you adrift. Anchor on a hard bottom so you can trust your anchor.’
Layla, thank you so much and it’s wonderful that my post has inspired you! That means a lot to me! I love sharing my garden photos and this post all about nurturing was the perfect excuse … oohps, reason! 😀
Happy Anniversary, Annika. I love all the connections you make between growth and nurturing. I have a very small garden and some indoor plants. I love them all, I suppose because I’ve made an effort to support them. I love the ones I carefully chose to buy and the ones that showed up uninvited. Sometimes I’m in awe of how they grow and change seemingly on their own…a little and some sun. But then it’s dry, and they need me to water them or they’ll wither. Of course, that’s like any relationship.
Your visit to the Yehudi Menuhin School made me think of some of the teachers in my past. The professor who taught me Chinese brush painting is only one. He lovingly nurtured all his students. We stayed with him for years.
Nicki, thank you so much for your beautiful comment and for continuing the connections! It sounds like you take nurturing to a whole new level in your garden and indoor plants and it is such a joy to see the colourful results! Oh, the sight of withering leaves sends me into a panic and I often make the mistake of overwatering here – too much nurture?! Maybe we should try not to over compensate so much with plants … and in life generally.
It sounds amazing to have learnt Chinese brush painting. Do you still paint? I am imagining a quiet but rather intense class at their studies. The professors and teachers who stay with us are wonders indeed.
Annika, what a beautiful post, from start to finish. You describe so well the lessons of love and care, of flourishing, of gardens and marriages and how it takes effort. Happy 25th anniversary my friend. ❤️ It looks like you celebrated in style and your grandfathers words are so wise and thoughtful. We are coming up to 32 years this December. Thank you for your beautiful reflections. Love the wine oaks too. Like anything, it improves with age, if we tend to it. Sending lots of love your way. And here’s to many more years of love. And yes, to the power of nature. ❤️❤️
Miriam, warmest thanks for your thoughtful and warm comment! 🙏😀 It means so much to me that you see into the heart of my post, can relate so well to the importance of nurturing in all aspects in our lives (even to the wine!😀)
Your wishes mean a lot and wow, how exciting about your upcoming 32nd Wedding Anniversary. Do you have any plans to where to celebrate yet or will you see where life takes you at that time? You and your guy seem like true soulmates and it is wonderful how you are striking out on new ventures and adventures together in life! ❤️
Thank you for your kind words about my grandfather’s letter – one I treasure! I love that he had a gift for writing, not something I appreciated at that time but I do recall the wonderful in-depth conversations, at times challenging as he wanted to ensure that I took in all angles of a topic. A great teacher!
The nature in your part of the world is stunning and breathtaking- here in our gardens I see the wonder in each flower, especially after they arrive in the most fragile of states!
Lovely to chat here, Miriam! With much love & hugs xx 💕
Annika, it’s funny how I mistakenly said “to the power of nature” in my last comment on your post, instead of “nurture”. Yet they both relate don’t they.
Yes, your grandfather was very wise but we often don’t realise quite how much until much later. I think it’s wonderful you have that letter, and those lasting words of his. 🙏
As for our upcoming anniversary, I’m not sure where we’ll be. Perhaps closer to Melbourne, where our family is, as our anniversary is only a week before Christmas. But time will tell. Have a great week my friend. xx 😊
How I love this post, dear Annika. Nurture being the strength that runs through it all. The metamorphosis you feel within yourself. So deep and sheer.
The nurture that gave the young couple their wings. How great and true.
and in the reminiscence of your 25 years of marriage- nurture and love made it grow strong. To add to the wonder, heavenly music that deeply touches the heart. Locally grown and made wine – with nurture and care – and taste their result. The dining at the Ivy is also a very special experience , the nurturing they give to their guest and food. You look wonderful in the picture.
To end this with the wonderful analogy from your grandfather brings tears to my eyes. He knew the importance of love and nurture. And of course, the poor plants you nurtured back to glory and life.
Wow! Miriam, your wonderful and poetic comment is stunning – thank you so much! 🙏 It touches me deeply how you take to heart all the elements in my post, binding them together in this comment. I hadn’t thought of the nurturing at The Ivy, but of course, just so! Taking exceptional care of us, the food sublime. Aww … glad you like the photo – how could I not have one from outside the restaurant?!😀
You are so right, my grandfather knew everything about love and nurture, himself most happily married for so many years and seeing the love and care between my grandparents taught me much. The letter is precious and treasured.
The music triggered something within me, an awakening and it felt miraculous- a feeling that has stayed with me thankfully.
The wildflowers are the pride and joy of my garden; I wonder if the other flowers and plants are a bit envious but I do greet them too! 😀 I had slim hope for the straggly plants but wow, they just continue growing and some are a metre tall now!
Sending you much love & hugs, my friend! Let’s toast to nurturing everything in our blessed life! Xx 💕
I am always in awe of people who can nurture plants. (I am not one of those people.) I’m so happy for you that you revived those beautiful, dainty flowers. Well done. And congrats on your anniversary! (We just hit 21, and I agree–where did the time go?!) Gotta love those moments when the beauty of music brings you to tears. And super sweet (in more ways than one!) about the dessert. Congratulations to you both!
Betsy, thank you so much for your wonderful comment and wishes! 🙏 Happy 21st and I know, times goes so fast. Soon you will be on your 25th! When I was younger I had zero interest in gardens and flowers – and even when I tried everything died. Luckily I seem to have developed green fingers and with good weather the garden is a riot of colours! Dainty is definitely the word for these wildflowers. I am surprised they stand up to the breezes no matter strong winds but all good … so far! Haha! That dessert was divine and as we hadn’t known this was coming had already two. Well, we weren’t going to leave anything – they were just too tasty! 😀
Hi Annika – such a beautiful essay about life, care and nurturing. And those wildflowers are really thriving! I love how you tied all these examples together. Happy 25th anniversary. We just celebrated our 30th and it hardly seems possible that many years have passed. I really enjoyed your grandfather’s wedding message, too. What a treasured keepsake. 🧡🧡🧡
Barbara, bless you for your lovely comment and it means so much how you capture all its elements so beautifully. 🙏I realised the post was becoming an essay and went with the creative flow of all my emotions and thoughts – the theme of nurturing running through it all! Awww … Happy 30th Anniversary and hope you had a lovely celebration.🎉 You are right, the letter is very precious and one I treasure and keeping very safe. xx ❤️
What a lovely peaceful post, Annika! We spent some time visiting with family in Surrey a few years ago so I was delighted to read about your sojourns there…so glad you had a very happy anniversary celebration with a blooming garden to boot…
Kimberlee, how wonderful that you’ve been to Surrey and isn’t it beautiful?! I can’t get over the number of trees and for the first time really took in the Surrey Hills. I teased my friend why we’ve never been up there – I’ve been visiting for over thirty years. Did you climb up to Box Hill? The views are supposed to be glorious and our port of call next visit. So glad you felt the peace within my post and the garden is a haven of flowers this year – the wildflowers playing their important part!😀
Surrey (Redhill) was our base as we explored beautiful castles and the pier in Surrey’s neighbouring counties! We loved every minute of our time there and would love to return…
I liked the boat analogy, Annika. One always hopes for smooth sailing but has to prepare for storms. They are bound to happen. And I loved the nurturing the plants took and the ultimate rewards they brought— and will continue to bring. Happy Anniversary!
Curt, it means a lot that the analogy spoke to you and I love how you encapsulate it here.🙏 My grandfather was such a wise and deep-thinking man but I realise how much so from re-reading the letter. You’re right, the plants are continuing to flower and growing taller each day! I have hopes they will last the summer (as long as we don’t have a heatwave!) Hope you’re keeping well and having lots of adventures! 😀
Letters like that are treasures, Annika. I feel like we really lost something when writing letters gave way to all of the different means we have of communicating today.
Heat waves are getting harder and harder to dodge. I’m now plotting our way back across the US after our four months of exploring the Pacific Coast. I do as much as I can to avoid the more serious aspects of global warming.
Happy Anniversary, Annika. What a beautiful post. I loved watching your scraggly weedy-looking cast-off plants flourish into a full and beautiful garden. What a lovely way to show how “nurturing” works in our lives. And certainly it applies to marriages – really, to anything we love. It looks like you celebrated and nurtured marriage beautifully. Here’s to many more. ❤
Diana, bless you for your wonderful wishes and comment. I think, like many of us, I have been caught up in the busyness of life and marriage I never seriously considered the nurture element within it – glad it was happening subconsciously! 😀 Haha! Yes, cast-off sums up the little tray of plants and I love how they’ve grown and continue to give such buoyant and beautiful blooms. Here’s to nurturing … and mustn’t forget ourselves too! Hope you’re continuing to have a great break and enjoying your projects! Hugs xx ❤️
This is a lovely post. 💕 Happy 25th anniversary, Annika! You had a most memorable blink. What a beautiful celebration! 💜 The wild flowers were meant for you and they knew they would be cared for. I love it when I see the sad flowers perk up after some TLC. 🌺 I just bought two pots of daisies on the clearance rack. They looked half dead. A few hours after I got home and some watering, they now look as healthy as can be.
The carving on the oak barrels tell great stories. Thank you for including the beautiful images. 😊
Miriam, I know, I’m worried what will happen when I blink again for the next 25 years! 😀 Thank you so much for your lovely wishes and beautiful comment. What a lovely thought – that the wildflower tray was meant for me. I did consider rescuing the other two trays as well but hope they came to a good home and TLC. Awww … great that your daisies are flourishing and you gave them just the nurture they needed. I’m glad you enjoyed the oak barrels and I too loved the storytelling of the process in this artistic manner. Surprisingly no body else on the tour seemed to be that taken with them. After so many photos already on the post I did consider leaving them out but glad I included them in this gallery format. Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, my friend! Xx 💕
“Whatever will be, will be!” As the Wiseman says, it’s not what happens that counts, but how we respond to it. No worries, Annika! Your green thumb helps your life flourish and you’ll have many beautiful stories to share! 😍
Where do I start Annika on your lovely post… Firstly I will start by congratulation on your 25 years of marriage… A wonderful Anniversary you both had.. Such a beautiful place, and meal…
I was entranced with looking at those carving on those oak barrels.. and it is also good to know we have some good vineyards here in England too.. I know my hubby and I went visiting Austria or on the Rhine, we would always try visiting a vineyard and of course take in some ‘ Wine-tasting’ 🙂
Your gift of the wild flowers, lovingly nurtured through the months are each pockets of special colour that will reseed themselves… I adore all kinds of poppies and was delighted to see your poppies ..
Thank you Annika for sharing such a delightful garden and wonderful celebration memories Here’s to the next 25 years, 🥂 🙂
Wow! Sue, thank you so much for your terrific comment and I’m smiling how you take in so many of the elements within it. 🙏Your warm wishes are much appreciated and it was indeed a very special meal out in such lush surroundings! Haha! The next 25 years are almost scary to contemplate but bet they will fly by too!
How lovely that you and your hubby have enjoyed visiting vineyards abroad and of course, the wine tasting! Having been to one in France before I must admit that was my favourite as much more detail and also close to the operations. The outside tour was fun and oh yes, sampling always a plus!
The poppies just keep coming and I wonder if it good summer for them. I imagine your garden is a haven with beautiful blooms! I’m definitely giving the wildflower garden a go next year – and trust that it will flourish! 😀
Hope the sun pops out now and then for you and that you’re having a lovely weekend, hugs xx 💕
Annika, this post is beautiful and profoundly touching from beginning to end. Congratulations on your anniversary – 25 years is worthy of a grand celebration, and it sounds like you had one! Your grandfather was a wise man to make that analogy. What a beautiful gift to receive from him. I’ve never been married, but I have deep friendships, and I feel his words can also be applied to those relationships. We are like family, and it can be rocky as we change and grow, but we always find a way forward because it’s all so worth it. Enjoy your weekend and your beautiful plants, my friend. They are stunning. ❤️
Tanya, thank you so much for your wonderful comment and warm wishes! It was a very special celebration and we managed to drag it out for a week – why not?! 😀 Tanya, your thoughts about the analogy and friendship is heartwarming and so true. Friends like that become like family, a blessing in life, ones to nurture through the years and all we experience. Maybe we should start celebrating friendship anniversaries as well! Xx ❤️
Happy Anniversary, Annika. Your post was soul nourishing – a reminder that care and love are necessary ingredients for growth, whether it’s for wild plants or our relationships. Your garden is lovely and your grandfather’s message was so inspiring. Could it be that you get part of your poetic nature from him? ❤
Carol, heartfelt thanks for your warm and thoughtful comment! ❤️ I love how you found my post soul nourishing, we mustn’t forget to nurture our soul as well! 😀 It’s been a hectic month and I enjoyed the dawning realisation of what it has all really been about and the richness in life! Awww … your final sentence touches me deeply. Wouldn’t that be something?!
Your wildflower garden is inspiring, beautiful, a wonderful tribute to nurturing and patience and tenacity. Your acknowledgement that “humble wildflowers symbolised the metamorphosis within me” seems spot on to how I’m finding myself thinking lately. Less formality, more spontaneous creativity. Thanks for sharing your photos and your thoughts.
Ally, I’m glad this post resonates with you – it is an inner journey and one that is slowly dawning upon me. This post is one of the more unusual one by me and at first I was wary of sharing it here … probably the personal feels a bit vulnerable but great to see that it ‘speaks’ to you and others. I like the phrase ‘spontaneous creativity’, finding it both liberating and inspiring. Let’s go for that! 😀 Thank you so much for your thoughtful and warm comment. xx
You and your rescued flowers simply glow…congrats on 25 years and thank you for such an insightful & beautiful post. How inspirational to see/hear younger generations pursue/develop their passion for music! hugs.
Laura, bless your your beautiful comment! 🙏 The wildflowers seemed to lead the direction of this post and my thoughts. Glowing eh? 😀 I’m both smiling and blushing although I must admit I’ve been on a high for many weeks but rather relaxing to fall back to ‘normal’ life (whatever that is!😀) May you have a lovely weekend! hugs xx
My goodness, what a beautiful post, Annika. I love how your wildflowers slowly grew and bloomed with care and weather. You’re right, nurturing flowers it’s much like a marriage. Congratulations on 25 years.
Jennie, warmest thanks for your lovely comment. The wildflowers are now my first of port of call every morning, wanting to see what new surprises spring up! The theme of nurture just seemed to take over my month and it naturally fell to thinking about a long marriage. So that’s what I’ve been doing all these years – nurturing away! 😀
What a wise and lovely man! Many congratulations to you and your other half. It will be 35 for us in August- a lot of water under that boat! I had faith in your straggly weeds and it was good to see them flourish. Wishing you many happy years of flourishing.
Jo, thank you so much for your warm and wonderful comment! 🙏I totally agree about my grandfather although he was always very humble man and would cringe at all this praise! 😀 Thank you also for your kind wishes for the anniversary and the future. Congratulations to you both on your upcoming 35th Wedding Anniversary. Wow! That is amazing and I hope you have a chance to celebrate. An opportunity for the whole family to come out to you?! 😀 Haha! Glad you had faith in the wildflowers, they looked so pathetic once in the ground I had zero belief they would grow – reckon they wanted to prove me wrong and think they will flower all summer. Wishing you a lovely weekend, Jo!
It’s Mick’s birthday today and we’ve just had a lovely lunch with friends. Strolling back, but it’s hot! Our wedding anniversary is only a week away from our son’s and this year is his first, so we’re having end of July holiday together and that’s it…till whenever. Still planning 🤗🩷
Pat, those moments of discovery are precious and ones to hold close to the heart! The garden is a riot of colour this cooler and damp summer – I’ve managed to restrain myself and not over share here! 😀
Hi Annika, this is a delightful post. I also love flowers and watching them flourish and grow. Congratulations on your wedding anniversary. Your granddad’s letter is beautiful.
Robbie, thank you so much for your lovely comment and wishes. This year the garden is a riot of colours and flowers – I reckon the cool grey weather works best for them! I know, my grandfather’s letter is precious and he had a gift with words – something I hadn’t appreciated so much as young. Hope you are okay and that your aunt is improving. Thinking of you. xx
A most beautiful post Annika. You gave the wilted flowers love and they bloomed beautifully in your garden. That’s what happens when we nurture something – or someone. ❤ And your grandfather was a poetic and wise man. A beautiful love letter. ❤ xx
Thank you so much and this is very much a post written from the heart! The flowers are continually surprising me as after these first blooms I expected them to wane but not at all! On my next visit to the garden manager I’ll show them some pics. The letter is so precious and special, one of only a few from my grandfather and his wise words touch me deeply each time I read it. Xx ❤️
Thank you so much for the lovely wishes, Donna and it’s wonderful you feel the power of nurturing within my post. So many emotions swirling inside me, longing to be given a voice! Xx
Thank you so much, Jennifer and your kind wishes mean a lot to me. Wishing you both also a belated Happy Anniversary for last year! Hope you had a lovely and special celebration. Xx ❤️
Linda, thank you so much and a joy to share! With so much going on my thoughts and emotions were in overdrive and glad they found coherence here! The wildflowers are a delight and seems they will keep blooming through the summer – they given me ideas for next year’s planting.
My warmest congratulations on celebrating 25 years of commitment and growth together, Annika. Your symbolic insight on nature and time resonated. Every day is a celebration, an opportunity to nurture love with patience, understanding and unwavering support. I know exactly what you mean by “blink” and the years pass.
I especially appreciated your words: “Nurturing and growth became the motif for me during the month of June. A month of reflection and these humble wildflowers symbolised the metamorphosis within me.” To know that we have the potential to grow continuing through life is a most precious gift.
Wow! Rebecca, heartfelt thanks for your beautiful wishes and profound comment. The month of nurturing was the epiphany I realised at last (I’m usually faster on these things!😀😀) and it is wonderful that you more than understand the emotions I’m writing about, the wonder of growth. Nature grounds us all and gives us the balance we need; the post could not be written without the symbolic wildflowers and their impact on me. Here is to the precious gift of all potential in life, to recognise it, appreciate its value- and celebrate those blink of years! Xx ❤️
Happy 25th anniversary, Annika. Thank you for sharing your grandfather’s letter and wisdom. I love the wildflowers and poppies that you have nurtured this summer. Have a wonderful week!
Natalie, bless you for your lovely comment and warm wishes – thank you so much! 🙏😀 My grandfather’s letter, one of only a few I have from him, is incredibly precious; his wisdom profound and his storytelling beautiful. The garden flowers are amazing this year, probably helped by the cooler wet weather, and a joy to share here. Wishing you a lovely weekend, Natalie!
The wisdom of your grandfather brought tears to my eyes. A treasure to have such a wise man as your grandpa. Sounds like you’re having a wonderful summer. The free flowers, the music, the wine, and a heartwarming 25th. Congratulations, Miss Anika. Belated Happy Anniversary. Hugs. 🤗🥂
Lori, it is indeed a summer of such richness and I feel blessed! It has nearly been overwhelming with emotions and this post has been bubbling away until given voice! You are right, that letter is a treasure indeed, one of just a couple I have from him. It means a lot that his words touched you so deeply. Both my grandparents were so wise, grounded, loving, caring and also filled with a sense of fun of life! Along with my mother I couldn’t have better role-models! Thank you for your beautiful comment and also your lovely wishes! I wanted to mark the 25 years of marriage and think we managed that – extending it to nearly a week! Wishing you a great weekend, Lori. Hugs xx ❤️
As the wife of retired fisherman, I can really relate to your grandfather’s analogy of fishing and marriage. I enjoyed reading that and find it very much on the mark. Nice post, Annika, and congrats on the anniversary.
Anneli, it’s wonderful that you can relate to the analogy and I am always in awe of my grandfather’s storytelling – usually verbally and this is one of the few letters I have from him so very precious indeed. Many thanks for the congratulations – much appreciated. By the way, does your husband (and probably you) still go out to sea? My grandfather did for decades after his retirement.
What a beautiful post Annika! It is filled with so much wisdom about the need for nurture and care over time to build love and relationship. You and your grandfather have it right. Happy Silver Anniversary! 💖
Brad, thank you so much for your warm and understanding comment! 🙏 I had to smile how the epiphany I was expecting to be floored by instead sneaked up on me during the whole month. Being in the peace and tranquility of the garden I was powerfully reminded the gift of nurture on all levels in our life. My grandfather’s letter has me in tears each year when I read it – he was a true storyteller and so wise – I miss him (and my grandmother) keenly.
Congratulations on your 25 years. Superb nurturing I guess and in June your wild flowers. So lovely. We have had so much rain here in Southern Spain that the wild flowers have been tremendous but I missed this being in even rainier UK. But now here the butterflies are everywhere around. Yes the power of nurture is so important and great when nature provides.
Georgina, thank you so much for understanding the multi-levels of this post. Yes, I just hadn’t really thought about nurturing a relationship but realise this is just what we do (or should be doing) every day! What a wonderful gift!
I hadn’t realised there had been so much rain in Spain and wow, the flowers and landscape must be flourishing. How lovely for you to see so many butterflies but sadly there seems to be a dearth of them here in England. Oh yes, hasn’t the rain here been dire and that was why I was even more surprised that these weak plants flourished. Here’s to nurturing and the wonder of nature!
Good to hear from you and I guess nature nurtures us. Yes, we have been blessed this year but also have a deeper bore hole dug and then the water flooded out from it too without pump! 100 m down and all filling up below to help the trees and us! Think though too much rain is not good for our UK butterflies. The climate is no longer stabile enough but amazing how wildlife overcomes adversity.
What a pleasant, re-centering read. Love the story of the wildflowers (I found myself feeling sorry for them and angry at whoever abandoned them to near-death!). Congrats on your anniversary! We just had our 40th–would have forgotten if my son hadn’t called!
Jacqui, I’m giggling away at you nearly forgetting your 40th wedding anniversary! 😀 Good on your son for reminding you. Did you celebrate the day? We managed to make a week of ours but usually much less fuss. Congratulations to you both.🎉
Thank you so much for your lovely wishes and it means a lot that you see the ‘re-centering’ of this post – very much so and it’s been an interesting month.
Haha! I’m with you on the wildflowers – they were in such a state and felt like they’d been given up. Admittedly there were originally 1,000 trays and I was very late to the deal, all the same. They are flourishing now and giving us much joy.
Thank you so much, Althea!🙏 It does seem rather miraculous how the flowers recovered and grew so quickly. It’s not as if the weather has been favourable – mostly grey and quite cool! I’m chuffed to bits with them and greet the each day! 😀❤️
Ashen, thank you so much! 🙏 I must admit I’ve never dithered this much with regard to a post – worrying if it was too personal or naive but hoped it would resonate with others. Your ‘life-enhancing’ comment means so much to me. 😀
It is a beautiful post. Nurturing gardens and marriages, there are connections. Ivy seems to be a great restaurant. I finally bought your “The Story Teller Speaks” but the paperback from the American Amazon. I am looking forward to reading it. And Happy 25th Anniversary. Our 33rd anniversary is this month too but at the end of July.
Georgina, bless you for your lovely reflections. Yes, the last one is the only non-fiction piece in the collection. My niece made a beautiful print from the last few paragraphs of this story which was so sweet.
Thomas, thank you so much for your wonderful comment! It has been quite a month and the nurturing theme snuck up on me very gradually – especially as regards marriage but realise, of course, this is what makes them work! 😀 Thank you for your lovely wishes and Happy 33rd Anniversary for later this month! 🎉
Aww … it’s great you bought my book and the paperback to boot – thank you so much and enjoy! Happy Reading! 📚😀
Annika Perry 
A beautiful post that has me feeling inspired! Love this sense of nurturing and all the lovely garden photos!
Layla, thank you so much and it’s wonderful that my post has inspired you! That means a lot to me! I love sharing my garden photos and this post all about nurturing was the perfect excuse … oohps, reason! 😀
Happy Anniversary, Annika. I love all the connections you make between growth and nurturing. I have a very small garden and some indoor plants. I love them all, I suppose because I’ve made an effort to support them. I love the ones I carefully chose to buy and the ones that showed up uninvited. Sometimes I’m in awe of how they grow and change seemingly on their own…a little and some sun. But then it’s dry, and they need me to water them or they’ll wither. Of course, that’s like any relationship.
Your visit to the Yehudi Menuhin School made me think of some of the teachers in my past. The professor who taught me Chinese brush painting is only one. He lovingly nurtured all his students. We stayed with him for years.
Nicki, thank you so much for your beautiful comment and for continuing the connections! It sounds like you take nurturing to a whole new level in your garden and indoor plants and it is such a joy to see the colourful results! Oh, the sight of withering leaves sends me into a panic and I often make the mistake of overwatering here – too much nurture?! Maybe we should try not to over compensate so much with plants … and in life generally.
It sounds amazing to have learnt Chinese brush painting. Do you still paint? I am imagining a quiet but rather intense class at their studies. The professors and teachers who stay with us are wonders indeed.
Annika, what a beautiful post, from start to finish. You describe so well the lessons of love and care, of flourishing, of gardens and marriages and how it takes effort. Happy 25th anniversary my friend. ❤️ It looks like you celebrated in style and your grandfathers words are so wise and thoughtful. We are coming up to 32 years this December. Thank you for your beautiful reflections. Love the wine oaks too. Like anything, it improves with age, if we tend to it. Sending lots of love your way. And here’s to many more years of love. And yes, to the power of nature. ❤️❤️
Miriam, warmest thanks for your thoughtful and warm comment! 🙏😀 It means so much to me that you see into the heart of my post, can relate so well to the importance of nurturing in all aspects in our lives (even to the wine!😀)
Your wishes mean a lot and wow, how exciting about your upcoming 32nd Wedding Anniversary. Do you have any plans to where to celebrate yet or will you see where life takes you at that time? You and your guy seem like true soulmates and it is wonderful how you are striking out on new ventures and adventures together in life! ❤️
Thank you for your kind words about my grandfather’s letter – one I treasure! I love that he had a gift for writing, not something I appreciated at that time but I do recall the wonderful in-depth conversations, at times challenging as he wanted to ensure that I took in all angles of a topic. A great teacher!
The nature in your part of the world is stunning and breathtaking- here in our gardens I see the wonder in each flower, especially after they arrive in the most fragile of states!
Lovely to chat here, Miriam! With much love & hugs xx 💕
Annika, it’s funny how I mistakenly said “to the power of nature” in my last comment on your post, instead of “nurture”. Yet they both relate don’t they.
Yes, your grandfather was very wise but we often don’t realise quite how much until much later. I think it’s wonderful you have that letter, and those lasting words of his. 🙏
As for our upcoming anniversary, I’m not sure where we’ll be. Perhaps closer to Melbourne, where our family is, as our anniversary is only a week before Christmas. But time will tell. Have a great week my friend. xx 😊
How I love this post, dear Annika. Nurture being the strength that runs through it all. The metamorphosis you feel within yourself. So deep and sheer.
The nurture that gave the young couple their wings. How great and true.
and in the reminiscence of your 25 years of marriage- nurture and love made it grow strong. To add to the wonder, heavenly music that deeply touches the heart. Locally grown and made wine – with nurture and care – and taste their result. The dining at the Ivy is also a very special experience , the nurturing they give to their guest and food. You look wonderful in the picture.
To end this with the wonderful analogy from your grandfather brings tears to my eyes. He knew the importance of love and nurture. And of course, the poor plants you nurtured back to glory and life.
thank you , Miriam♥️
Wow! Miriam, your wonderful and poetic comment is stunning – thank you so much! 🙏 It touches me deeply how you take to heart all the elements in my post, binding them together in this comment. I hadn’t thought of the nurturing at The Ivy, but of course, just so! Taking exceptional care of us, the food sublime. Aww … glad you like the photo – how could I not have one from outside the restaurant?!😀
You are so right, my grandfather knew everything about love and nurture, himself most happily married for so many years and seeing the love and care between my grandparents taught me much. The letter is precious and treasured.
The music triggered something within me, an awakening and it felt miraculous- a feeling that has stayed with me thankfully.
The wildflowers are the pride and joy of my garden; I wonder if the other flowers and plants are a bit envious but I do greet them too! 😀 I had slim hope for the straggly plants but wow, they just continue growing and some are a metre tall now!
Sending you much love & hugs, my friend! Let’s toast to nurturing everything in our blessed life! Xx 💕
I am always in awe of people who can nurture plants. (I am not one of those people.) I’m so happy for you that you revived those beautiful, dainty flowers. Well done. And congrats on your anniversary! (We just hit 21, and I agree–where did the time go?!) Gotta love those moments when the beauty of music brings you to tears. And super sweet (in more ways than one!) about the dessert. Congratulations to you both!
Betsy, thank you so much for your wonderful comment and wishes! 🙏 Happy 21st and I know, times goes so fast. Soon you will be on your 25th! When I was younger I had zero interest in gardens and flowers – and even when I tried everything died. Luckily I seem to have developed green fingers and with good weather the garden is a riot of colours! Dainty is definitely the word for these wildflowers. I am surprised they stand up to the breezes no matter strong winds but all good … so far! Haha! That dessert was divine and as we hadn’t known this was coming had already two. Well, we weren’t going to leave anything – they were just too tasty! 😀
If ever there was a time to indulge, that was it! 🙂
Hi Annika – such a beautiful essay about life, care and nurturing. And those wildflowers are really thriving! I love how you tied all these examples together. Happy 25th anniversary. We just celebrated our 30th and it hardly seems possible that many years have passed. I really enjoyed your grandfather’s wedding message, too. What a treasured keepsake. 🧡🧡🧡
Barbara, bless you for your lovely comment and it means so much how you capture all its elements so beautifully. 🙏I realised the post was becoming an essay and went with the creative flow of all my emotions and thoughts – the theme of nurturing running through it all! Awww … Happy 30th Anniversary and hope you had a lovely celebration.🎉 You are right, the letter is very precious and one I treasure and keeping very safe. xx ❤️
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What a lovely peaceful post, Annika! We spent some time visiting with family in Surrey a few years ago so I was delighted to read about your sojourns there…so glad you had a very happy anniversary celebration with a blooming garden to boot…
Kimberlee, how wonderful that you’ve been to Surrey and isn’t it beautiful?! I can’t get over the number of trees and for the first time really took in the Surrey Hills. I teased my friend why we’ve never been up there – I’ve been visiting for over thirty years. Did you climb up to Box Hill? The views are supposed to be glorious and our port of call next visit. So glad you felt the peace within my post and the garden is a haven of flowers this year – the wildflowers playing their important part!😀
Surrey (Redhill) was our base as we explored beautiful castles and the pier in Surrey’s neighbouring counties! We loved every minute of our time there and would love to return…
I liked the boat analogy, Annika. One always hopes for smooth sailing but has to prepare for storms. They are bound to happen. And I loved the nurturing the plants took and the ultimate rewards they brought— and will continue to bring. Happy Anniversary!
Curt, it means a lot that the analogy spoke to you and I love how you encapsulate it here.🙏 My grandfather was such a wise and deep-thinking man but I realise how much so from re-reading the letter. You’re right, the plants are continuing to flower and growing taller each day! I have hopes they will last the summer (as long as we don’t have a heatwave!) Hope you’re keeping well and having lots of adventures! 😀
Letters like that are treasures, Annika. I feel like we really lost something when writing letters gave way to all of the different means we have of communicating today.
Heat waves are getting harder and harder to dodge. I’m now plotting our way back across the US after our four months of exploring the Pacific Coast. I do as much as I can to avoid the more serious aspects of global warming.
Happy Anniversary, Annika. What a beautiful post. I loved watching your scraggly weedy-looking cast-off plants flourish into a full and beautiful garden. What a lovely way to show how “nurturing” works in our lives. And certainly it applies to marriages – really, to anything we love. It looks like you celebrated and nurtured marriage beautifully. Here’s to many more. ❤
Diana, bless you for your wonderful wishes and comment. I think, like many of us, I have been caught up in the busyness of life and marriage I never seriously considered the nurture element within it – glad it was happening subconsciously! 😀 Haha! Yes, cast-off sums up the little tray of plants and I love how they’ve grown and continue to give such buoyant and beautiful blooms. Here’s to nurturing … and mustn’t forget ourselves too! Hope you’re continuing to have a great break and enjoying your projects! Hugs xx ❤️
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This is a lovely post. 💕 Happy 25th anniversary, Annika! You had a most memorable blink. What a beautiful celebration! 💜 The wild flowers were meant for you and they knew they would be cared for. I love it when I see the sad flowers perk up after some TLC. 🌺 I just bought two pots of daisies on the clearance rack. They looked half dead. A few hours after I got home and some watering, they now look as healthy as can be.
The carving on the oak barrels tell great stories. Thank you for including the beautiful images. 😊
Miriam, I know, I’m worried what will happen when I blink again for the next 25 years! 😀 Thank you so much for your lovely wishes and beautiful comment. What a lovely thought – that the wildflower tray was meant for me. I did consider rescuing the other two trays as well but hope they came to a good home and TLC. Awww … great that your daisies are flourishing and you gave them just the nurture they needed. I’m glad you enjoyed the oak barrels and I too loved the storytelling of the process in this artistic manner. Surprisingly no body else on the tour seemed to be that taken with them. After so many photos already on the post I did consider leaving them out but glad I included them in this gallery format. Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, my friend! Xx 💕
“Whatever will be, will be!” As the Wiseman says, it’s not what happens that counts, but how we respond to it. No worries, Annika! Your green thumb helps your life flourish and you’ll have many beautiful stories to share! 😍
I agree! It’s amazing how much of a difference nurture can make to all living things. And happy anniversary!
Anne, absolutely! 😀 The lack of nurture and love can have a devastating effect – and why would anyone want to live life without it?
Where do I start Annika on your lovely post… Firstly I will start by congratulation on your 25 years of marriage… A wonderful Anniversary you both had.. Such a beautiful place, and meal…
I was entranced with looking at those carving on those oak barrels.. and it is also good to know we have some good vineyards here in England too.. I know my hubby and I went visiting Austria or on the Rhine, we would always try visiting a vineyard and of course take in some ‘ Wine-tasting’ 🙂
Your gift of the wild flowers, lovingly nurtured through the months are each pockets of special colour that will reseed themselves… I adore all kinds of poppies and was delighted to see your poppies ..
Thank you Annika for sharing such a delightful garden and wonderful celebration memories Here’s to the next 25 years, 🥂 🙂
Much love and a Happy Weekend to you xx ❤ ❤
Wow! Sue, thank you so much for your terrific comment and I’m smiling how you take in so many of the elements within it. 🙏Your warm wishes are much appreciated and it was indeed a very special meal out in such lush surroundings! Haha! The next 25 years are almost scary to contemplate but bet they will fly by too!
How lovely that you and your hubby have enjoyed visiting vineyards abroad and of course, the wine tasting! Having been to one in France before I must admit that was my favourite as much more detail and also close to the operations. The outside tour was fun and oh yes, sampling always a plus!
The poppies just keep coming and I wonder if it good summer for them. I imagine your garden is a haven with beautiful blooms! I’m definitely giving the wildflower garden a go next year – and trust that it will flourish! 😀
Hope the sun pops out now and then for you and that you’re having a lovely weekend, hugs xx 💕
Annika, this post is beautiful and profoundly touching from beginning to end. Congratulations on your anniversary – 25 years is worthy of a grand celebration, and it sounds like you had one! Your grandfather was a wise man to make that analogy. What a beautiful gift to receive from him. I’ve never been married, but I have deep friendships, and I feel his words can also be applied to those relationships. We are like family, and it can be rocky as we change and grow, but we always find a way forward because it’s all so worth it. Enjoy your weekend and your beautiful plants, my friend. They are stunning. ❤️
Tanya, thank you so much for your wonderful comment and warm wishes! It was a very special celebration and we managed to drag it out for a week – why not?! 😀 Tanya, your thoughts about the analogy and friendship is heartwarming and so true. Friends like that become like family, a blessing in life, ones to nurture through the years and all we experience. Maybe we should start celebrating friendship anniversaries as well! Xx ❤️
Happy Anniversary, Annika. Your post was soul nourishing – a reminder that care and love are necessary ingredients for growth, whether it’s for wild plants or our relationships. Your garden is lovely and your grandfather’s message was so inspiring. Could it be that you get part of your poetic nature from him? ❤
Carol, heartfelt thanks for your warm and thoughtful comment! ❤️ I love how you found my post soul nourishing, we mustn’t forget to nurture our soul as well! 😀 It’s been a hectic month and I enjoyed the dawning realisation of what it has all really been about and the richness in life! Awww … your final sentence touches me deeply. Wouldn’t that be something?!
Your wildflower garden is inspiring, beautiful, a wonderful tribute to nurturing and patience and tenacity. Your acknowledgement that “humble wildflowers symbolised the metamorphosis within me” seems spot on to how I’m finding myself thinking lately. Less formality, more spontaneous creativity. Thanks for sharing your photos and your thoughts.
Ally, I’m glad this post resonates with you – it is an inner journey and one that is slowly dawning upon me. This post is one of the more unusual one by me and at first I was wary of sharing it here … probably the personal feels a bit vulnerable but great to see that it ‘speaks’ to you and others. I like the phrase ‘spontaneous creativity’, finding it both liberating and inspiring. Let’s go for that! 😀 Thank you so much for your thoughtful and warm comment. xx
You and your rescued flowers simply glow…congrats on 25 years and thank you for such an insightful & beautiful post. How inspirational to see/hear younger generations pursue/develop their passion for music! hugs.
Laura, bless your your beautiful comment! 🙏 The wildflowers seemed to lead the direction of this post and my thoughts. Glowing eh? 😀 I’m both smiling and blushing although I must admit I’ve been on a high for many weeks but rather relaxing to fall back to ‘normal’ life (whatever that is!😀) May you have a lovely weekend! hugs xx
My goodness, what a beautiful post, Annika. I love how your wildflowers slowly grew and bloomed with care and weather. You’re right, nurturing flowers it’s much like a marriage. Congratulations on 25 years.
Jennie, warmest thanks for your lovely comment. The wildflowers are now my first of port of call every morning, wanting to see what new surprises spring up! The theme of nurture just seemed to take over my month and it naturally fell to thinking about a long marriage. So that’s what I’ve been doing all these years – nurturing away! 😀
Beautifully said, Annika!
What a wise and lovely man! Many congratulations to you and your other half. It will be 35 for us in August- a lot of water under that boat! I had faith in your straggly weeds and it was good to see them flourish. Wishing you many happy years of flourishing.
Jo, thank you so much for your warm and wonderful comment! 🙏I totally agree about my grandfather although he was always very humble man and would cringe at all this praise! 😀 Thank you also for your kind wishes for the anniversary and the future. Congratulations to you both on your upcoming 35th Wedding Anniversary. Wow! That is amazing and I hope you have a chance to celebrate. An opportunity for the whole family to come out to you?! 😀 Haha! Glad you had faith in the wildflowers, they looked so pathetic once in the ground I had zero belief they would grow – reckon they wanted to prove me wrong and think they will flower all summer. Wishing you a lovely weekend, Jo!
It’s Mick’s birthday today and we’ve just had a lovely lunch with friends. Strolling back, but it’s hot! Our wedding anniversary is only a week away from our son’s and this year is his first, so we’re having end of July holiday together and that’s it…till whenever. Still planning 🤗🩷
Glorious flowers and a great tale of discovery. Thanks for sharing, Annika.
Pat, those moments of discovery are precious and ones to hold close to the heart! The garden is a riot of colour this cooler and damp summer – I’ve managed to restrain myself and not over share here! 😀
Good job.
Hi Annika, this is a delightful post. I also love flowers and watching them flourish and grow. Congratulations on your wedding anniversary. Your granddad’s letter is beautiful.
Robbie, thank you so much for your lovely comment and wishes. This year the garden is a riot of colours and flowers – I reckon the cool grey weather works best for them! I know, my grandfather’s letter is precious and he had a gift with words – something I hadn’t appreciated so much as young. Hope you are okay and that your aunt is improving. Thinking of you. xx
Aunt is still in hospital ☹️. Her son has come to help 🙏💖
A most beautiful post Annika. You gave the wilted flowers love and they bloomed beautifully in your garden. That’s what happens when we nurture something – or someone. ❤ And your grandfather was a poetic and wise man. A beautiful love letter. ❤ xx
Thank you so much and this is very much a post written from the heart! The flowers are continually surprising me as after these first blooms I expected them to wane but not at all! On my next visit to the garden manager I’ll show them some pics. The letter is so precious and special, one of only a few from my grandfather and his wise words touch me deeply each time I read it. Xx ❤️
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Happy Anniversary, Annika – I love this post as it so deeply shows the power of nurturing! ❤
Thank you so much for the lovely wishes, Donna and it’s wonderful you feel the power of nurturing within my post. So many emotions swirling inside me, longing to be given a voice! Xx
Beautiful post, Annika. And Happy Anniversary to you both! We had our 25th last August. 😊
Thank you so much, Jennifer and your kind wishes mean a lot to me. Wishing you both also a belated Happy Anniversary for last year! Hope you had a lovely and special celebration. Xx ❤️
This was such a beautiful post! Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing your special day with us. The wildflowers are lovely…
Linda, thank you so much and a joy to share! With so much going on my thoughts and emotions were in overdrive and glad they found coherence here! The wildflowers are a delight and seems they will keep blooming through the summer – they given me ideas for next year’s planting.
My warmest congratulations on celebrating 25 years of commitment and growth together, Annika. Your symbolic insight on nature and time resonated. Every day is a celebration, an opportunity to nurture love with patience, understanding and unwavering support. I know exactly what you mean by “blink” and the years pass.
I especially appreciated your words: “Nurturing and growth became the motif for me during the month of June. A month of reflection and these humble wildflowers symbolised the metamorphosis within me.” To know that we have the potential to grow continuing through life is a most precious gift.
Wow! Rebecca, heartfelt thanks for your beautiful wishes and profound comment. The month of nurturing was the epiphany I realised at last (I’m usually faster on these things!😀😀) and it is wonderful that you more than understand the emotions I’m writing about, the wonder of growth. Nature grounds us all and gives us the balance we need; the post could not be written without the symbolic wildflowers and their impact on me. Here is to the precious gift of all potential in life, to recognise it, appreciate its value- and celebrate those blink of years! Xx ❤️
I love our conversations, Annika!
Happy 25th anniversary, Annika. Thank you for sharing your grandfather’s letter and wisdom. I love the wildflowers and poppies that you have nurtured this summer. Have a wonderful week!
Natalie, bless you for your lovely comment and warm wishes – thank you so much! 🙏😀 My grandfather’s letter, one of only a few I have from him, is incredibly precious; his wisdom profound and his storytelling beautiful. The garden flowers are amazing this year, probably helped by the cooler wet weather, and a joy to share here. Wishing you a lovely weekend, Natalie!
The wisdom of your grandfather brought tears to my eyes. A treasure to have such a wise man as your grandpa. Sounds like you’re having a wonderful summer. The free flowers, the music, the wine, and a heartwarming 25th. Congratulations, Miss Anika. Belated Happy Anniversary. Hugs. 🤗🥂
Lori, it is indeed a summer of such richness and I feel blessed! It has nearly been overwhelming with emotions and this post has been bubbling away until given voice! You are right, that letter is a treasure indeed, one of just a couple I have from him. It means a lot that his words touched you so deeply. Both my grandparents were so wise, grounded, loving, caring and also filled with a sense of fun of life! Along with my mother I couldn’t have better role-models! Thank you for your beautiful comment and also your lovely wishes! I wanted to mark the 25 years of marriage and think we managed that – extending it to nearly a week! Wishing you a great weekend, Lori. Hugs xx ❤️
As the wife of retired fisherman, I can really relate to your grandfather’s analogy of fishing and marriage. I enjoyed reading that and find it very much on the mark. Nice post, Annika, and congrats on the anniversary.
Anneli, it’s wonderful that you can relate to the analogy and I am always in awe of my grandfather’s storytelling – usually verbally and this is one of the few letters I have from him so very precious indeed. Many thanks for the congratulations – much appreciated. By the way, does your husband (and probably you) still go out to sea? My grandfather did for decades after his retirement.
The fish boat is sold, but the fishing never stops. It’s just fun fishing now, and from smaller boats. And yes, fishermen have great stories to tell!
What a beautiful post Annika! It is filled with so much wisdom about the need for nurture and care over time to build love and relationship. You and your grandfather have it right. Happy Silver Anniversary! 💖
Brad, thank you so much for your warm and understanding comment! 🙏 I had to smile how the epiphany I was expecting to be floored by instead sneaked up on me during the whole month. Being in the peace and tranquility of the garden I was powerfully reminded the gift of nurture on all levels in our life. My grandfather’s letter has me in tears each year when I read it – he was a true storyteller and so wise – I miss him (and my grandmother) keenly.
Wonderful..
Congratulations on your 25 years. Superb nurturing I guess and in June your wild flowers. So lovely. We have had so much rain here in Southern Spain that the wild flowers have been tremendous but I missed this being in even rainier UK. But now here the butterflies are everywhere around. Yes the power of nurture is so important and great when nature provides.
Georgina, thank you so much for understanding the multi-levels of this post. Yes, I just hadn’t really thought about nurturing a relationship but realise this is just what we do (or should be doing) every day! What a wonderful gift!
I hadn’t realised there had been so much rain in Spain and wow, the flowers and landscape must be flourishing. How lovely for you to see so many butterflies but sadly there seems to be a dearth of them here in England. Oh yes, hasn’t the rain here been dire and that was why I was even more surprised that these weak plants flourished. Here’s to nurturing and the wonder of nature!
Good to hear from you and I guess nature nurtures us. Yes, we have been blessed this year but also have a deeper bore hole dug and then the water flooded out from it too without pump! 100 m down and all filling up below to help the trees and us! Think though too much rain is not good for our UK butterflies. The climate is no longer stabile enough but amazing how wildlife overcomes adversity.
What a pleasant, re-centering read. Love the story of the wildflowers (I found myself feeling sorry for them and angry at whoever abandoned them to near-death!). Congrats on your anniversary! We just had our 40th–would have forgotten if my son hadn’t called!
Jacqui, I’m giggling away at you nearly forgetting your 40th wedding anniversary! 😀 Good on your son for reminding you. Did you celebrate the day? We managed to make a week of ours but usually much less fuss. Congratulations to you both.🎉
Thank you so much for your lovely wishes and it means a lot that you see the ‘re-centering’ of this post – very much so and it’s been an interesting month.
Haha! I’m with you on the wildflowers – they were in such a state and felt like they’d been given up. Admittedly there were originally 1,000 trays and I was very late to the deal, all the same. They are flourishing now and giving us much joy.
I love that you saved them, Annika. I will always think of them happily blooming in your garden.
Happy Anniversary! I love how those straggly plants transformed!
Thank you so much, Althea!🙏 It does seem rather miraculous how the flowers recovered and grew so quickly. It’s not as if the weather has been favourable – mostly grey and quite cool! I’m chuffed to bits with them and greet the each day! 😀❤️
Happy Anniversary to you and your husband! You and he are a wonderful couple.
Aww … bless you for your lovely words, Neil! 🙏😀
Beautiful flowers and words, and Happy 25th!
Thank you, Clive! It’s strange how the flowers have come to mean so much to me but reckon their tough start in life won my heart! 😀
I think it has! They look well on your TLC 😊
♥ Thank you for you life-enhancing words. And congratulations to the silver anniversary of your marriage.
Ashen, thank you so much! 🙏 I must admit I’ve never dithered this much with regard to a post – worrying if it was too personal or naive but hoped it would resonate with others. Your ‘life-enhancing’ comment means so much to me. 😀
I dither too when it comes to sharing personal experiences, and yet they chime most deeply in other hearts.
It is a beautiful post. Nurturing gardens and marriages, there are connections. Ivy seems to be a great restaurant. I finally bought your “The Story Teller Speaks” but the paperback from the American Amazon. I am looking forward to reading it. And Happy 25th Anniversary. Our 33rd anniversary is this month too but at the end of July.
I loved the stories and especially remember the last one set in Sweden and family history. Enjoy!
Georgina, bless you for your lovely reflections. Yes, the last one is the only non-fiction piece in the collection. My niece made a beautiful print from the last few paragraphs of this story which was so sweet.
That’s good, such a tribute.
Thank you
Thomas, thank you so much for your wonderful comment! It has been quite a month and the nurturing theme snuck up on me very gradually – especially as regards marriage but realise, of course, this is what makes them work! 😀 Thank you for your lovely wishes and Happy 33rd Anniversary for later this month! 🎉
Aww … it’s great you bought my book and the paperback to boot – thank you so much and enjoy! Happy Reading! 📚😀