FlowerLady, I get where you're coming from, little things, like hummingbirds and butterflies, birds and bees, yes the bees, they have finally found my garden. Little thing like this can really change my state of mine. I find just sitting out on a garden bench on a warm day, especially this time of year. Sitting, looking up at a deep blue sky, a few billowy white clouds floating by.The Robinia tree is turning a butter yellow, the Michaelmas Daisy bed is starting to color up and I feel exhilarated. Old mother nature does it to me every time and I feel very fortunate indeed.

Annette

You both are such a source of inspiration and you generate such positive feelings in me...thank you for your posts.

I have a hummer that comes to the front porch by way of the pool area every day at about 5 PM..he ( I guess it is a he..don't know) darts toward me and then to the colorful pots by the walk and then away. I love him .

Caroline

I agree. I think that's why cottage gardeners are cottage gardeners!

We have 3 hummers. They are cute little beggars. If the food starts getting low they let us know when we're outside. When our deck was being built this summer, the garage door had to be open for the workers to access the electrical panel. Everyday, I had to rescue a hummer! My DH was so amazed when he watched me. I took the long pole pool skimmer and just held it up and the hummer perched on it. I lowered him out the door and off he flew. They also LOVE it when anyone in the house plays the banjo! They come up to the window of the garden room and hover! Too funny!

Cameron

I have days like that too, Flower. It can be so debilitating and it seems impossible to shake off.

I ask God to open my eyes so I can see the little things. I found a cute green caterpillar, a tiny inch worm, bee's rolling in pollen with joy and bliss, and a beautiful Sphinx moth laying in the grass inches away from me running it over with the lawn mower. What miracles we can find in nature.

Lately I've been finding lots of pennies. When I find a penny it's like a message because on that little penny there's a saying "In God we trust". I take it as a sign, a reminder of who I need to trust.

Love,
Edna

Oh, Edna...I love what you just wrote! I feel the same way.

Someone once told me that you will never gain momentum if you are standing still. You must look up, look forward and keep walking. So true!

Flower Lady, I was going through a rough patch and found solace in my garden, too. One day while standing on the patio trying to decide whether to weed or fill the bird bath first, a Swallowtail appeared and landed on my shoulder. At first, I stayed motionless afraid of scaring off my visitor. Then I took small steps, and the butterfly stayed! She remained on my shoulder for at least 3 minutes.

For some reason I found that comforting and reassuring. :-)

I suddenly knew that I could weather the storm!

You are right, it's the little things that can change your attitude. You just have to open your eyes and heart to accept them.

Hugs
Marilyn

Have I ever told all you how much I appreciate and enjoy your company?

I do.

MeMo

Lovely post Annette. Our weather is a tad fallish. Not chilly or anything like that, but the sun is at a different angle and on some days there is less humidity. Enjoy the beauty surrounding you.

Caroline ~ How nice to see your resident hummer every day. A little blessing just for you. I'm sure he/she enjoys your colorful poolside flowers.

Cameron ~ What a cute story about the hummers loving banjo music. That really puts a smile on my face.

Cousin Edna ~ I also ask God to open my eyes to blessings all around. Sometimes when the down times overtake us it is hard to look up or around us to see the beauty and joy all about us. That's really a neat way to look at finding pennies, reminders of who we trust. DH and I are always picking them up too.

Marilyn ~ I love your story about the butterfly. Hearing these sweet stories from all of you makes me want to shed tears of joy for how we are all blessed when we need uplifting.

Memo ~ Thank you.

Thank all of you for your words of encouragement. Your stories are uplifting. We are not alone, even when we feel like we are. I love this forum and friendships made. I feel closer to you than family, except DH, he is my dearest friend. Friendships made here are wonderful. We've never met yet bonds have developed and blossomed.

Love and hugs to all of you ~ FlowerLady

What a joy to me and a warmth in my heart to come back to this...your thoughts are so heartfelt and make me appreciate the friendships here so much..thank you. Caroline

Isn't it a wonder that we all live so far a part, yet are as close as the keys on the computer. I, too, appreciate and enjoy the friendships here. This is the first place I start my day, with coffee in hand.

Kathy

Good morning Carloine. Thanks for your kind words.

Kathy ~ It is wonderful the way friendships form and grow here. I look forward to coming here every day to see what's happening.

I am thankful for this website and forum and other forums elsewhere as well. We learn so much from others many miles away. We would never be able to meet and get to know as many of people as we do here through the internet.

Blessings on you all ~ FlowerLady