Feeling Nostalgic

The last few weeks, i have been waking up between 3 - 4:00 am every morning. Even if i go to bed late, i still wake up that early. And i'm unable to go back to sleep. Today, i seized the early hour to go to the local rose garden, with my best friend (my camera). It was cool and windy, but the sun was shining. The roses were in full bloom. Brilliant colors. i was in heaven. It was difficult getting around the garden, the grass was still wet from yesterday's rain, making it a real workout wheeling to capture the glorious gifts from Mother Nature. But so worth it. At one moment, a dark cloud covered the sky and released a shower of fresh rain. The few people in the garden that early in the morning, rushed to seek cover under the small gazebo, i took advantage of the moment to capture the raindrops dancing around the water lily pond. The cloud quickly passed and blue skies returned. And i returned to my mission of celebrating the roses. The house i lived in for 25 years use to belong to my grandmother. She had planted a few roses in the backyard that i added a few dozen more. One of her roses, the Lincoln rose, was velvet red with a scent worthy of being a perfume. i normally would get over fifty roses a season from that one bush. Sharing them and selfishly filling the house with the color and scent during the all too limited season. The rose bush was planted in the 1950's and we sold the house in 1996, it's the only thing i miss about that house. When i entered the gates of the Seattle Rose Garden, i was taken back to a time where i was confused, lonely, scared but i was at total peace working in my own much smaller rose garden. Remembering the six years i had my grandmother in my life. Remembering bringing SADDI to her new home, chasing her around the yard and witnessing,for the first time, that smile that even today, nearly nine years since she was taken from me, brings me comfort. Many memories rushed through my head, but i tried to focus on the present moment and remembering what SADDI taught me ... ... ... slow down and cherish the simple pleasures. In one day, i can't remember taking so many pictures. i only wish i could have captured the scent of the garden and shared that. But that is for me, for everyone else i have pictures that i will be sharing. Sharing in hopes of encouraging others to slow down and celebrate life. This glorious life truly is a celebration and each and everyone of us is capable of being the inspiration. i may not be blessed with SADDI still in my life, a loving family, true friends or the me that i use to be. What i do have is what i share. It might go ignored or not even acknowledged while i am here, but i leave it as my legacy. As my truth. As my hope. As me.