One of the Quiet Joys of Summer

by Lois Flowers

Several weeks ago, I wrote about my flowerbeds. I posted photos of special blooms and shared lessons about what my favorite garden spots were teaching me this year.

Things were looking good out there, and there was no reason to think the summer wouldn’t hold many more enjoyable gardening moments.

Not too long after that, though, life took an unexpected turn and suddenly became full of significantly more pressing matters. I spent much of June visiting my mom in the hospital, first in Kansas City and now in the city where I live.

Hours in the garden have been few and far between, and so have writing hours.

I’m not turning this into a photography blog—I lack the skills to do that, for one thing, and fashioning thoughts into words on a page (or screen) is much more rewarding for me. But this summer, I’m giving myself grace to relax and mostly publish posts that don’t require much time.

So here we are, celebrating the Fourth of July with a photo spread featuring one of the quiet joys of summer—red impatiens.

In May, I bought a flat of 50 and spent the next week or two finding homes for all of them. They’re doing well, bringing pops of color to the front porch, the pool deck and the shady side of the house.

Tending to them in the cool of the evening calms my scrambled thoughts and brings peace to my sometimes-troubled heart.

Turns out, some of the best forms of therapy are often right outside our own back doors.

Happy 4th of July!

Lois

Some of the best forms of therapy are often right outside our own back doors. Click To Tweet

P.S. I’m linking up this week with #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Chasing Community and Grace & Truth.

Leave a Comment

23 comments

Sarah Donegan July 7, 2017 - 10:10 am

Red is my favorite color. Your pictures make me smile!

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Lois Flowers July 9, 2017 - 7:49 pm

Red is my favorite too, Sarah. (You probably guessed that already!) Glad I could bring you a smile this week. 🙂

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Crystal July 7, 2017 - 7:36 am

Some of my best therapy is also in the garden, and I love being in a home for so long that the landscape is totally different now from all the planting and tending. As Martha Stewart would say, “It’s a good thing!”

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Lois Flowers July 9, 2017 - 7:48 pm

I love that too, Crystal. We’ve lived in our current home for six years (the longest we’ve ever lived in one place) and it’s fun to look back at old pictures of the jungle that used to be the backyard!

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Linda Stoll July 6, 2017 - 1:25 pm

i love those little red babies peeking out from that strawberry pot … the bird bath … the wooden box. Just too fun …

;-}

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Lois Flowers July 9, 2017 - 7:47 pm

Linda, the wooden box is actually about 12 feet long and used to be the step out of my back door! When Randy built a new deck, I salvaged the step with visions of turning it into a planter full of impatiens. Three summers later, it’s finally happened. 🙂 Hugs, friend!

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Debbie Putman July 6, 2017 - 9:11 am

I feel refreshed and relaxed reading your words and seeing your lovely yard. Praying you find time to refresh even in the midst of difficult times.

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Lois Flowers July 9, 2017 - 7:45 pm

Thank you, Debbie! I’m glad my little photo spread brought you some refreshment this week. It’s actually done the same for me, I think! 🙂

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Sarah Geringer July 6, 2017 - 8:55 am

I love your peaceful photos, Lois! The red impatiens surely love the shade in your yard. Thanks for sharing this peek into your world!

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Lois Flowers July 9, 2017 - 7:44 pm

Thanks, Sarah. I used to have big dreams of filling my pots with all kinds of annuals, but now, I enjoy those types of arrangements at at other people’s houses and stick with my one favorite at home! 🙂

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bethany mcilrath July 5, 2017 - 9:28 am

They are so bright and lovely, Lois!

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Lois Flowers July 6, 2017 - 8:53 am

Thanks, Bethany! I hope your July is off to a good start. 🙂

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Joanne Viola July 5, 2017 - 7:00 am

I loved this post! It was beautiful in word and in photos. It is wonderful when God provides just what we need to calm our thoughts and bring us peace. May He continue to do so for you!

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Lois Flowers July 6, 2017 - 8:52 am

Thank you, Joanne. I know what you mean about those times when God gives just what we need … the simplest things can be the biggest blessings, can’t they? 🙂

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Teresa July 4, 2017 - 9:08 pm

The red impatiens look lovely.

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Lois Flowers July 6, 2017 - 8:50 am

Thanks, Teresa! 🙂

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Michele Morin July 4, 2017 - 6:42 pm

I love impatiens — and also the way you are rolling with the curves life has thrown you this summer. Blessings to you as you enjoy ALL the colors of this wonderful following life.

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Lois Flowers July 6, 2017 - 8:49 am

Thank you so much, Michele! One day at a time seems to be working out pretty good right now … 🙂 Hugs to you!

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Lesley July 4, 2017 - 12:19 pm

The flowers are beautiful and it must be lovely to see those touches of colour everywhere. I’m glad you’re finding it therapeutic too. Hope you have a great 4th July!

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Lois Flowers July 6, 2017 - 8:48 am

Hi Lesley … red is my favorite color, so seeing it outside my window always makes me smile! Thanks for the July 4th wishes, my friend! 🙂

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Angela Ariola July 4, 2017 - 12:16 pm

I can totally relate to that! I was expecting a peaceful (maybe even boring summer) and then so much happened. Cameron graduated college and moved to KC and then my mom went into the hospital. Everything is better now and I pray that it is for you as well. Your flowers are lovely!

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Lois Flowers July 4, 2017 - 7:00 pm

Thanks, Angela. I can’t believe Cameron is old enough to be done with college … crazy! And of course I have to add … if you are ever in town visiting him, I would love to see you. 🙂

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Angela Ariola July 4, 2017 - 11:28 pm

I’m sure we will be visiting within the next month or two! I would love to see you as well! I will let you know when we come to visit.

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