The Ripple Effect of Taylor Hicks

Humankind has not woven the web of life.
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect.
~ Chief Seattle, 1854 ~

"Like the ripples in a pond, the work of one man, spreads out and touches the lives of others" is part of the quote that represents the Taylor Hicks My Idol blog spot.

It is simply amazing, to even me sometimes, how so many things connect back to Taylor Hicks. It is a ripple effect that evolves into ever widening and connecting circles, much like the effect you would see upon tossing a stone into the water, or in our case here, 'The Pond'.

I have often been asked where the inspiration comes from for the videos I have created, for example Taylor Hicks' "Places I've Been". Sometimes it is a single photo that sparks my thoughts, sometimes the inspiration is triggered by words. Words that keep coming up for several days at a time ... perhaps in a different context ... but inside each context there lies a similarity. My mind simply keeps following the connections.

This is what happened to me with the word 'soundtrack'.
I started with "Let's Spend the Night Together" which Karin linked to "Just Once" in her 'Shades of American Idol Season 5' blog .. and then I went a step further and linked my comment of Taylor Hicks' "Just Once" to being an excellent choice for a soundtrack.

Taking the connections she made between the songs a couple steps further, my mind connected the two love songs and came up with "Just Once Let's Spend The Night Together".
(Lol it could have been the soundtrack for 'My Best Friend's Wedding')
Which eventually brought me to Elton John's soundtrack from the movie 'Friends', "Seasons".

I've just finished another love story video, and while it is not the music of Taylor Hicks, it does tie into today's blog. My new video is a soundtrack from the 1971 obscure movie 'Friends' titled "Seasons" by Elton John.

Lyrics:
For our world, the circle turns again
Throughout the year we've seen the seasons change
It's meant a lot to me to start anew
Oh the winter's cold but I'm so warm with you

Out there there's not a sound to be heard
And the seasons seem to sleep upon their words
As the waters freeze up with the summer's end

Oh it's funny how young lovers start as friends
Yes it's funny how young lovers start as friends
~ Elton John ~

The lyrics of "Seasons", specifically certain words, as well as some of the images I used to depict the story, caused my thoughts to enter another connecting circle.

The image I used above to illustrate The Seasons is of seasons encased in bubbles, which brought to my mind 'The Grey Haired Boy In The Bubble' ... the first chapter in Taylor Hicks' 'Heart Full Of Soul'.

The words "the circle turns again" reminded me of when Taylor Hicks sat in with Willie Nelson to perform "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, and of the first time I heard Taylor sing "Will We Go Round In Circles" with 'Little Memphis Blues'.

I was also reminded of the story Taylor Hicks shared in 'Heart Full of Soul' of what the song "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" meant to him upon the deaths of his close friends. Of how he talked about the book 'The Seat of the Soul' which uses quantum physics to show that we're all connected on a deeper level.

"There is no single way to experience intuition. It is different for everyone...Some people have hunches. Some get ideas. Some people hear music, and others see pictures. Some people get sensations, like the feeling of a crisp winter day. Others hear words."
~ Gary Zukov, Soul Stories ~

Speaking of Soul Stories, I wanted to share here the most recent comment I received from a poster in Greece on my Taylor Hicks "Places I've Been" video ...
"It have soul inside, this song have soul ..."
"Places I've Been" has been travelling around the world, which brings to my mind the quote about Taylor Hicks' music "Changing the world one soul at a time".

I hope that you have been able to follow my thought process, lol, sometimes even I can't figure out how I got to a particular place. It's a matter of connecting the dots to form circles which then ripple into other circles.


"Seasons" by Elton John and Bernie Taupin




Today's cup:
"The ability to relate and to connect, sometimes in odd and yet striking fashion, lies at the very heart of any creative use of the mind, no matter in what field or discipline."
~ George J. Seidel ~

The Results Are In, Did Sebastian Bring It On Home?

From Canada's National Post
THE AMPERSAND
by Sarah Millar
July 31, 2008

Talking With Sebastian Pigott
Sebastian Pigott’s voice is a little hoarse, but there is no mistaking his enthusiasm the morning after he was the third member of the Top 10 to be eliminated from Canadian Idol.
In fact when asked how he is, he says he’s “just golden.”

Pigott explained there is ultimately a bit of relief that comes with being eliminated from the Idol stage.

“You’ve been engulfed in the bubble and it’s all so intense for so long. So there’s a little bit of relief in it and you know, I didn’t expect to go all the way.
I feel like I went out on a good note”
Article from The Ampersand continued here



The results are in and Canada's voice is heard

Top 7, Enjoy the challenges that await you and may the best entertainer earn the coveted title of Canadian Idol.

A personal thought comes to mind that I would like to share with those who are reading this blog. While I do not intend to diminish the ultimate goal of the program, I have to wonder if achieving the title is all that counts?

From my perspective, each individual who has appeared on Canadian Idol or American Idol has had a remarkable opportunity to let their country know who they are.

The viewers may get frustrated when their favourite doesn't make it to the end, but I think that we have to appreciate that the format of these shows enables many hopeful artists to gain name recognition and publicity.

Sebastian, thank you for participating in Canadian Idol. It does take a great deal of courage to put yourself out there while you are pursuing your dream. You shared your charisma, talent and love of your craft.


You re-introduced Canadian viewers to the harmonica as an instrument to be valued, respected and enjoyed.

I am reminded of the old saying, "When one door closes, another one opens", but I suspect that in your case, there are many doors that will open for you in the future. Whether it is a on a stage or on the big screen, no matter which path you choose, we wish you success and happiness!






"For the vast majority of us, success is not something that's just going to happen.
It's something we've got to make happen.
So go ahead and make it happen."
~ Taylor Hicks ~








Did Sebastian Bring It On Home?
With Gavin Rossdale as the guest mentor, the Top 8 Canadian Idol contestants performed "unplugged"!

Sebastian Pigott's supporters didn't have to wait long to see if Sebastian would "bring it on home" this week. His was the first performance of the evening.


(click on photos to enlarge)
Sebastian listened intently to the advice that Gavin Rossdale gave to him. Gavin asked Sebastian to put more "pain" in his song as opposed to bravado, because it would show a vulnerable side to him.



Sebastian chose to perform Little Richard's version of "Lucille".



When I listened to the video carefully, I could hear the excitement in the audience when Sebastian started to play the harmonica!

I love the harmonica being added to a song. When Taylor Hicks plays the harmonica, he becomes a "Pied Piper" and, for me, the music becomes infused with soul. It is one of the many reasons I support Taylor's music and why I am a "resident" of The Pond.



"I fell totally and passionately in love with that harmonica.
Right from the point I purchased it, that instrument and I became inseparable."
Taylor Hicks ~ 'Heart Full of Soul'

Sebastian succeeded in "courting" three of the four judges this week. Zach, in true Simon Cowell mode, was not as appreciative of Sebastian's performance; however, overall, I think that Sebastian was more than pleased with the "judgement" this week.



The question now is did Sebastian bring enough home to stay another week? Canada decides tonight!



Today's cup:

"In music the passions enjoy themselves."
~ Friedrich Nietzsche ~

Christmas in July

Taylor Hicks ~ AOL Music Sessions
(click photo to enlarge)

Santa's already busy making his lists and checking them twice.
What's on your list this year?


We're celebrating Christmas in July here at 'The Pond' because it's a perfect opportunity to once again put the idea out there that we would love to have a Christmas CD from Taylor Hicks.
Taylor are you listening?
We not only want that new CD promised in the Fall ... a Holiday CD would be a great present ... hint hint!

During the summer months as the weather becomes increasingly warm (hot) some people's thoughts turn to the atmosphere of cooler temps and the holiday spirit of Christmas time.

'Christmas In Washington' was one of the showcased videos in our Taylor Hicks Goes To Washington blog and today's showcased videos are from Taylor Hicks AOL Sessions.

Speaking of videos, so how do you like my new video player in my side-bar?
I think the sound is extraordinay and I'm really enjoying it myself!
I listen to the crowd roaring at Taylor's Hagerstown concert and it really makes me yearn even more for Taylor to be on tour again.
I sure hope a tour is announced before I have to add a
Taylor Hicks Tour to my Christmas Wish list ... AGAIN
(Don't forget to pause the video player in the side-bar before you press play on the videos below!)

First up is his "White Christmas", a soulful hip rendition that he also performed for the 2006 'Christmas From Rockefeller Center', as well as at a special private performance for CBS News.
Videos for both of those performances can be found on You Tube, but for some unknown reason (to me) you'll not find there ...
his AOL Sessions videos.

video: Taylor Hicks ~ "White Christmas"



Taylor's AOL Session videos were fabulous and they are jewels in our treasure trove of gifts he has already given us.
I'm not sure how much longer it will be before we have new treasures from him to add to the chest, but in the meantime I intend to fully enjoy and share the cache we already have!




Next up ... is the rarely heard on tour ... "Dream Myself Awake".
Remember the sneak preview we had of this and the guessing game we all played of naming the song?



While not a Christmas video, I did do a Christmas blog titled 'Sweet Dreams Baby' about "Dream Myself Awake"which prompted me to include the video in our July XMAS celebration.
You can view here "Sweet Dreams Baby".

video: Taylor Hicks ~ "Dream Myself Awake"


To view additional video from Taylor Hicks' AOL Sessions click HERE





"Ah, Christmas in July, while it's really primarily a marketing tool, what a great excuse to throw a party!
Ready to party some more?
Just CLICK on the sidebar video player AGAIN ...
I personally guarantee you'll have sweet dreams!
Santa


Today's cup:



"Well I wish it could be Christmas everyday.
When the kids start singing and the band begins to play.
Oh I wish it could be Christmas everyday."

Taylor Hicks ~ "Early Works' Movin' On Up

"Early Works" by Taylor Hicks is back in the spotlight again today!

Yesterday word went out that Barnes and Noble still had "Early Works" available for preordering, and I posted a link to Barnes and Noble, as well as the info you see below.

You'll remember I said "Early Works" is showing as still available through Barnes and Noble for preorder as of 'now' ... key word being NOW!

Woo hoo ... look at the sales rank number NOW folks ... yesterday it said #297 ... today it is #8!



"Early Works"
by Taylor Hicks
CD
Details
Available for Pre-Order
This item will be available on August 12.
UPC: 015707987028 Original
Release Date: 2008 Catalog
No.: 79870
Label: WELK RECORDS
Sales Rank: 8





ANOTHER UPDATE ... 7/24/08
In the blink of an eye ... or in my case 40 winks ..... "Early Works" has performed yet another disappearing act ... this time from Barnes and Noble.



Stay tuned for the continuing saga of Taylor Hicks'
magical "Early Works" titled
Now You See It ... Now You Don't!
Well I always said his music was Magic!

Sebastian Survives To Compete Again

Tuesday, July 22nd would bring us the results we had been eagerly awaiting after the Rock & Roll performances from Monday evening's Canadian Idol.

I, for one, was looking forward to the end of this week because of some comments that I did not especially like and once again Ben continued to refer to the "rock and roll angels" as dead people:

"In an ironic twist, the Top 9 fought for their Idol lives by performing songs by dead rock stars", said Ben Mulroney. An 8 year old in my livingroom asked me "why does he keep saying "dead" people?".
Hello - Canadian Idol - it is not humourous to many of the viewers!

Depending on the results of this show, I had given some thought to drawing the curtains on Canadian Idol and declaring it "VSA" (Vital Signs Absent) on my television set.

Let the results roll in ...



The 3 with the least number of votes stand in anticipation.
This is one spotlight that no performer wants to stand in.



The long awaited moment arrives!



It appeared to me that Sebastian Pigott was aware that he could possibly be leaving the show this week. He looked very surprised that he had survived this week's judgement day.



Sebastian, your supporters came through for you. You have definitely made your alliance with many of the viewers. As you well know, next week, you will really need to "court" the judges with an outstanding performance.

We will now be seeing the "guest mentors" on subsequent shows. First up will be former Bush front man and recent solo artist Gavin Rossdale, who will coach the Top 9 for 'Unplugged' week. Rossdale, who is married to Gwen Stefani, will also perform live during the Top 9 Results show on Tuesday, July 29th.

It will be interesting to see what advice is offered to the Top 8 Contestants, and which ones will take the advice to heart!




"I realized I was playing a version of Survivor, and the alliance I most needed to form was with the viewers at home."
Taylor Hicks ~ 'Heart Full of Soul'


Today's cup:
"You can't tailor make the situations in your life,
but you can tailor make your attitudes to fit the situation."

Taylor Hicks "Early Works" Update

In the spotlight today is "Early Works" by Taylor Hicks!

From the Taylor Hicks Community ~ TaylorMadeOnline Blog
THE TAYLOR HICKS VERSION OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND
Amazon.com no longer has the Taylor Hicks Early Works CD listed as available.
What does this mean?
Click here to find out!

The release date of "Early Works" has also changed to August 12th ... it's an early release for "Early Works" :-)

"Early Works" is showing as still available through Barnes and Noble for preorder as of now, here is the link for Barnes and Noble




"Early Works"
by Taylor Hicks
CD
Details
Available for Pre-Order
This item will be available on August 12.
UPC: 015707987028
Original Release Date: 2008
Catalog No.: 79870
Label: WELK RECORDS
Sales Rank: 297




Today's cup from me is my guess for Taylor Hicks' BIG news/announcement:
Taylor will soon be appearing in the cast of 'All My Children'

Rock and Roll Heaven Week - Canadian Idol

Monday night's Canadian Idol show opened with Ben Mulroney welcoming the viewers and then Ben said:

"The Idols were allowed to sing any song they wanted
with just one condition. The original artist must be dead.
This is our Rock and Roll Heaven Week.
The Top 9 have made their choices and we "Googled" them just to make sure they were dead and they were."
Just prior to introducing Sebastian's performance, Ben then said: "Tonight, the Idols are unearthing some of the biggest hits by some of the deadest music stars of all time."

My blog today is primarily about Sebastian Pigott's journey, but I feel that I need to express my "personal" thoughts regarding the diplomacy of these remarks. I have no way of knowing whether the comments were Ben's personal comments or the words written by a writer, but as a viewer, I found them to be distasteful. Considering Ben's background, I expected that he would have been more tactful and "politically correct" in describing the purpose of this week.
In my mind, I wondered what a family member of one of these departed musicians might think as I found those comments to be very offensive.

This is a television show which is often viewed by families. Surely, there must be a better way to boost the ratings and provide a better role model for the younger viewers by giving the appropriate respect to those who have moved on to "Rock and Roll Heaven". Now, I feel much better expressing my thoughts so let's move on to what is really important.

Sebastian chose to perform "Love Me" an Elvis #2 hit on the charts in 1956.



I enjoyed the performance but once again, Sebastian really took some severe criticism from the judges.




Taylor Hicks ~ 'Heart Full of Soul'
"But while I'd always listen to the judges' comments and respond to their criticism as best I could, I was well aware they weren't my ultimate judges."

Did anyone notice that there was no mention about the style of microphone Sebastian chose to use? I watched the footage of the show again and he was the only contestant who used the style of microphone which realistically portrayed the time in which the song was originally performed. One would think that it might have been mentioned instead of the standard "you look good" comments.



The thought has also crossed my mind that Sebastian Pigott is a "blues and soul" music kind of guy which begs the question if perhaps the Canadian Idol show feels that his genre of music isn't going to be easily heard on the radio? Does it all come down to dollars and cents and that is why their comments, perhaps, were intended to sway the potential voters?


Taylor Hicks ~ 'Heart Full of Soul'
"My type of soul wasn't ultra-sexy hip-hop it was old-school soul...."
".... the songs from my album weren't having a particularly easy time on the radio so far. Not for the first time, I encountered resistance from people who were quick to question where exactly I fit in - if I fit anywhere at all."


Once again Sebastian made a dramatic entrance with the lights dimmed and I think his entrance shows that he does give a great deal of thought to how he is going to portray himself on television.



I am not so sure, though, that I saw the go get 'em' sparkle in Sebastian's eyes this week that I have seen on previous shows.



I am wondering about a couple of things. Did Sebastian have his heart in performing tonight? He had all the right moves but did "he" feel the song? I think at times he did.



One thing that I did notice though. There didn't seem to be as many camera close-up shots of him as there usually are so maybe this made it more difficult to really "see" him perform the song.

Does Sebastian miss his brother being on the show or is he finding that the concept of the show is too confining? In my opinion, it takes alot of courage to appear on this kind of show. To be judged week after week is part and parcel of being a part of it, but how many of us would actually be willing to put ourselves out there and do it?

When all is said and done, the ultimate decision belongs to the public. If participating in the show gets you to where "you" want to go, then it is worth the ride. Let's wait until tomorrow night to find out what the people have to say. Sebastian, once again, I think you remained true to yourself and there is nothing more that anyone can ask from you. Good for you and by the way, my fingers did the dialing!


'There's no electoral college on American Idol - simply the weekly will of the people."
Taylor Hicks ~ 'Heart Full of Soul'



Today's cup:


"Just because you look good, don't mean you feel good."
~ Elvis Presley ~

Shades of American Idol Season 5

"Here's one thing I've learned: I wasn't born to play arenas.
Everything I've learned about music is about making a connection, and at least for me, a giant arena is not the best place to make a connection.
Performing is a relationship between you and your audience, and in that relationship less can definitely be more.
Singing in an arena, it takes much longer to feel the energy of the crowd and feed off that energy.
That shared energy is what I hunger for.
So, if I had my dream in all its fine-tuned glory, it would be to play great theaters and clubs for the rest of my life."
~ Taylor Hicks from 'Heart Full of Soul' ~




(click to enlarge to full-screen size)

"I love blues and soul music. I love the honesty of it; the raw quality of it and the connection you get with the crowd.
That's why I love performing in smaller, intimate places."
~ Sebastian Pigott ~

As I am cruising along the road of this year's Canadian Idol, I can't help but reflect back on the journey of Taylor Hicks on American Idol Season 5. Taylor, too, had his fair or not so fair share of critical judgements.
In his book, 'Heart Full of Soul', when he reflected back to that time, Taylor has this to say about the Idol experience:

"It's also a whole lot of work, and you don't really know how the job is going to pay until it's over."
"In the end, all I ever tried to do was entertain people - that's what I did in the clubs, and that's what I did in those first months of 2006 for the millions who didn't want to leave the comfort of their living rooms.
When you're an entertainer, it's your great privilege to touch people's lives in a distant and yet seemingly personal way."

And, then there were 10 ...
Week 4, July 14, 2008, was the beginning of the Top 10 performances on Canadian Idol. As promised, Canadian Idol came through with more firsts. It started with a brand new set which should give the performers a lot of room to move around on.

The first contestant of the night was Drew Wright who performed his song while playing the drums. The judges said it was the first time that anyone had played the drums while singing. Adam Castelli's entrance onstage riding a motorcycle was another first on this show. The fact that there are only two female contestants in the Top 10 is another first.

This was David Bowie Week and since I have never been a huge Bowie fan, I found it somewhat difficult to appreciate this type of music. All of the contestants put their best efforts forward and some, more than others, received some harsh criticism from the judges.

Sebastian Pigott performed David Bowie's version of "Let's Spend the Night Together". (I must say that I always liked the original Rolling Stones' version of this song though.)

video: Sebastian Pigott ~ "Let's Spend the Night Together"


I loved the way Sebastian started the first part of the song and I would have been really happy if he had performed the entire song that way. In the first part of the song, he sang each word in an intimate and charismatic way. The audience certainly loved his performance, I liked it too!


(click to enlarge to full-screen size)

The judges, on the other hand, were, in my opinion, extremely harsh and critical of Sebastian's presentation of the song. Now, this is where I get confused since I am only a TV viewer and not a musician.

For a Blues and Soul man, wouldn't it be challenging to sing a David Bowie song? Aren't the contestants encouraged to make the song their own and be themselves?


(click to enlarge to full-screen size)


Sebastian stood there and took the criticism with a smile on his face and, at times, looked very perplexed. Sebastian was trying to understand what it was that they didn't like - what they were trying to say. I don't think he was really given a definitive answer and I have to wonder what the judges had for dinner because they were harshly critical of many of the contestants' performances, some just and some unfairly.

One of the things I like about Nashville Star is that the judges mentor the contestants week -to- week and they provide detailed feedback to Nashville Star contestants so that they can "build" the next "Star".

In all fairness, perhaps the Canadian Idol contestants do have the opportunity to have discussions with the judges after the show. If not, then perhaps both American Idol and Canadian Idol should take a page from the Nashville Star book. Sebastian was looking for constructive criticism and advice so that he could improve on Week 5 and he didn't get what he was looking for.





"Maybe the reason I like soul music so much is that is inspires with its pain.
The best artists, like Ray Charles, reach out and say,
"You're not alone, brother."
~ Taylor Hicks from 'Heart Full of Soul' ~


video: Taylor Hicks - "Just Once" - Love Songs Week


Personally, I loved the way that Taylor performed "Just Once" and he looked awesome too. Talk about pouring your heart and soul into a song. He did it that night and I still listen to the song today.
I still can't understand why the responses from the judges were so negative. It seemed to me as if they already knew what they were going to say about his performance before we had even heard his first note.


Today's Idol audiences are much more savvy when they "judge" the contestants and thank goodness, it is their fingers that will be doing the dialing this week.

Sebastian, you were "you" and stayed true to yourself.
For the record, I enjoyed your performance. You did the best you could with what you were given and I am sure that you will receive the support from your fans.


Today's cup:


"To be a true artist you have to play the way you feel - not the way others think you should feel."
~ Don Ellis ~

Step Into My Garden

Welcome to my world .... a place filled with color and serenity ...
a place to soothe your soul!

The Taylor Hicks My Idol blog spot is patterned after my gardens, I've filled it with color, lots of soul, with hints of blues everywhere, and given it the nickname 'The Pond'.
My name is 'Bloom' and as you wander down this page, you'll find that I have come by this name honestly.

I have often referred to one of my favorite quotes by Taylor Hicks in my blogs, I think it is quite ingenious, and I wonder if one day it will appear in famous quotes by Taylor Hicks.

"It's not the dirt I need to plant my musical flower"
Taylor was speaking in reference to the environment he found himself in after winning American Idol.
Thankfully that environment has now changed and we are eagerly awaiting a new release of his music, where his creativity is now free to be unleased!
Plus we have the release of his "Early Works" next month!

I've borrowed Taylor's term, Musical Flower, to introduce you to one of my other passions (yes, I really do have another passion besides Taylor).

These are photos of my garden taken over the last two years, along with some of my favorite garden poems and quotes.
They are my musical flower and I'll hope you'll enjoy your stroll thru my gardens as well as the beautifully soothing music provided by my old friend Bobby Militello!

Please note that some of the photos are very large and I didn't want to downsize them, just click on them to view the entire image.

Come with me take my hand
We'll walk in the garden's light
Peacefulness and scented air
With flowers to delight


Take the time to get away
Spend some time with me
Walking in the beauty of
Nature's love we see


Want to spend a little time
See that we are blest
Greatest things upon this earth
With colors brightly dressed


Feel the warm air drifting by
Sweetly kiss your face
Silence in the beauty of
Love we can embrace


Take time to walk with me
Such happiness to share
Flowers blooming all around
Sweet velvet everywhere


Need a place to get away
Leave the world outside
Take this time to find yourself
With garden loved supplied.

While walking in my garden,
I find such comfort and sweet peace.
I feel as if I'm standing at the threshhold
of my Master's feet.

So much grandeur;
so much beauty there,
I find, often, it becomes
my little house of prayer.

I commune with My Savior,
In Him, I find perfect rest;
As I look upon my garden,
I feel so very blessed.

I speak to the folded ears of the roses,
of all my cares and pain;
Like them, I need a blessing,
a refreshment from the showers and the rain.

I touch the fragile blossoms,
feel their softness at my fingertips;
My spirit is renewed,
at the nourishment that God gives.

While walking in my garden,
I find such comfort and sweet peace.
I feel as if I'm standing at the threshhold,
of my Master's feet.
© Sandra Lewis Pringle

A Garden Lives within our soul,
A secret place so dear,
A quaint and lovely part of earth
That brings us beauty here.
The blossoms catch the morning sun,
The air is fresh and sweet,
At evening tide the shadows fall
When day is then complete.


A garden is a garden spot
Where comfort fills our heart,
A peaceful place where quiet dwells
As each new day does start.
There's loveliness and tender faith,
As raindrops softly fall,
To bless each wondrous growing things,
As nature then stands tall.


A fragrance fills this quiet spot
With peaceful, tender bliss,
Where God looks down on each small plant
And sends an angel's kiss.
To walk and dream 'neath cotton clouds,
To feel the warmth of Spring,
And gently tuck the world away
As robins nest and sing.

There's promise in the hope we find
As seasons come and go.
The laughter of the Summer breeze,
The touch of Winter snow,
A miracle - a friendship real,
The smile that loving gives,
While every heart finds blessedness
Because a garden lives.
©1997 Garnett Ann Schultz




Gardens... should be like lovely, well-shaped girls:
all curves, secret corners, unexpected deviations,
seductive surprises and then still more curves.
~ H.E. Bates, A Love of Flowers ~










Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made,
and forgot to put a soul into.
~ Henry Beecher (1858) ~


I saw a butterfly today,
the color of the sun.
It made the garden dance for joy,
the flowers, every one.
It chased the wind's
bright fairy lips.
It hovered near a tree.
Sometimes it seemed
the butterfly was
writing poems for me.





As a flower in the garden
Bending toward the sun,
Unfolds it's tiny petals
One, by one, by one...
So faith expands it's beauty
Until at last it grows
Into life's lasting flower...
The heart's fair perfect rose.












There's little risk in becoming overly proud of one's garden,
because gardening by its very nature is humbling.
It has a way of keeping you on your knees.







If you'd like to view more garden photos or to inquire as to the name of a specific plant, let me know by leaving a comment here.
Though I do have a confession to make .... I'm going to have to dig deep into my fuzzy memory bank and unearth the name for you, I have so many varieties that through the years I've forgotten what exactly I do have!




Today's cup:
“Man should hear a little music,
read a little poetry,
and see a fine picture every day of his life,
in order that worldly cares may not obliterate
the sense of the beautiful implanted in the human soul.”
~Johann Wolfgang Goethe~





Music provided by Bobby Militello,
The Dave Brubeck Quartet