Searching For Beauty
Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 5:00PM This morning a strange reflection in a rain spattered skylight caught my attention. I haven't decided if the image is beautiful, repulsive, or simply peculiar. It reminds me of a crying eye.
A lamp below the skylight created this otherworldly reflection.
The dreariness of the weekend, the sheets of rain, the bleakness of shortened days are appropriate to my mood. I have been affected by tragic news stories and the gloom that hangs over the world. The joy of Christmas seems far away. Will evil always prevail?
Yesterday when I looked outside, I thought my garden was ugly but decided to go searching for beauty.
The winter sky was majestic but did not lift my spirits. I made myself take a photo of it.
More images of the winter garden caught my attention, and I gave grudging appreciation to the fading glory of the old year.
Antique tones have their own quiet beauty, but I was relieved to find spots of color amidst the somber winter shades, whether it came from old leaves still holding their autumn hues or from the promise of a new bud, as see on the winter blooming Edgeworthia, below right.
Bright dogwood berries will provide a feast for birds through the coming winter months:
A maidenhair fern draped over the edge of a tomato red pot:
Various types of foliage add interest to the winter garden:
A beautiful amethyst rock perches like a jewel on top of a patio table:
And ornamental cabbage grows more beautiful with every cold day:
So beauty is still out there, just as there is still goodness in the world. Evil will not prevail. Someday there will be peace on Earth, and there will be no more tears or satanic victories. That is the promise and truest meaning of Christmas.
My prayer is that each of you have that peace and hope in your own heart. Deborah
Reader Comments (17)
I did a bit of the same today, went out into the garden for a break from the bad news. They sang a special song at church in honor of the lost children, and even though it was my favorite hymn, I couldn't make it through the song because I was so choked up. Be Not Afraid was the name. I hope you found comfort in your garden too.
I have been feeling the same way--unimpressed with my garden. I've heard folks around here talking about Snowdrops and Hellebores blooming--which is way too early since they usually don't make an appearance until March. But somehow that just seems wrong. I will check my garden tomorrow to see what's up. Beautiful sentiments and beautiful images in this post!
Even at the darkest of days and times, there is beauty still lurking around, and all you need to do is look, it is still there. A beautiful and thought provoking post Debs. Hope things brighten up for you, all those affected, and for everyone else very soon.
It has been hard not to feel sad since Friday. Sometimes even the garden does not provide solace. Perhaps that is as it should be, we need to be reminded of the terrible things that happen so we remember how important it is to be kind to one another. Despite all that, I like your pictures, especially the dogwood berries.
The feeling of loss travels around the world; how can one human being do this to others, especially children I hope Obama will be brave enough to face the gun lobby and add some controls, I heard the other day that more than half of all the arms in the world are owned by Americans in America. Is this civilization? Your garden is never ugly but I understand that when something evil happens it takes the joy and beauty of everything away.. I hope your Christmas will be one of hope and peace, Christina
I have many scares on both the inside and the outside from all of the ugliness this world can dish out, still, when I stoop to pull a weed from the garden and I come to realize the sun is now going down and I have been there until the earth is starting to cool from the night I realize there are perfect things in this world.
I think we all have a heavy heart after the news last Friday, we just hope and pray that some good will come out of it in the shape of the gun laws being changed so that this can never happen again.
Just being in your garden will eventually bring you peace and healing Deb, and I wish you and your family peace this Christmas.
Poignant, beautiful. Yes we do have to search harder for the good at times and where better to start than the garden?
My biggest hope for the new year is that our country's sadness and outrage will not wear off, will not disappear with the demands or even the beauty of our lives. That we will finally be motivated to do something to stop the violence.
You found some beautiful garden finds. I always like this time of year because it makes you look closer and with more conviction.
Your photos are beautiful! Have a peaceful holiday!
I don't think that even in my darkest moments that evil prevails, but sometimes I worry that it endures. It is good to be reminded that there is beauty to be found in the world. Peace on earth! Now wouldn't that be wonderful. Until we stop making weapons however, I fear that is unlikely. I do remain hopeful that good will be the force that actually prevails. Happy holidays to you and your family Deb!
You've convinced me that I need to sow ornamental cabbages next year.
Happy Christmas Deb.
Thank you Deborah as I have been trying to cope with this tragedy...it has been somber as an educator to have to deal with this evil...your foliage is a bright spot...mine is now covered in snow...
Deb, there will be peace, and I am wishing you a Merry Christmas, and a peaceful New Year.
Beautiful shots, I am in awe.
Jen
Deb, you definitely found the beauty with those pics! The red berries on that lilac sky and the fern on the red pot are stunning pictures, I love them. You just had a sad day, I hope the following will be better!
I love texture, color, and detail, so yes I really love your photos. I find the Maidenhair Fern especially appealing.