Nature's Peace for the Human Spirit

Creek at Pilcher Park. Joliet, IL ©CindyRippe2014 

Instead of sitting in the waiting room at the Auto Repair center today I took advantage of the free car rental option in my warranty and headed to the woods.  I've posted pictures from the greenhouse at Pilcher Park before but this one is from the Nature Trail.

I was in search of Virginia Bluebells and there were millions of them.  Waves of the bell shaped blue flowers covered the landscape.  I will be posting pictures of them soon, along with an assortment of other spring flowers, but wanted to share this picture first.  The creek winds through the woods along the trail and was incredibly peaceful today.  If you look closely in the upper left you can see some of the bluebells growing under the trees.

The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man. Author Unknown

A reminder to get creative - Flora's Art Adventures

Flora enjoys the Hyacinths at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show - ©CindyRippe2014
Quote by - Rainer Maria Rilke

Flora sits on the shelf above my painting desk in the studio.  She has been watching me walk by the room without coming inside.  She sees me in the kitchen through the open door of the studio as I'm busy making meals and when I pass by on my way out the back door.  I have been working but it's mostly marketing and accounting lately.

I can imagine her tapping her foot, crossing her arms and thinking, "What the heck are you doing? You should be in here creating something new!" I think I have a mix of Spring Fever, as I get a glimpse of flowers and new growth on a warm day, and then get totally bummed out and depressed because it's still cold here most days.

OK, Flora.... next week I'll come back to the studio and we'll get creative.  Until then I get to spend time with the family on this glorious Easter weekend.  Looks like we're FINALLY going to have nice weather again.

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances. Robert Flatt 

Starting the Countdown to Spring -

Record cold temperatures and snow this year ©CindyRippe2014

I just checked the Spring Countdown widget.  I'm ready for this stuff to ease up a little!  At the same time I have to admit that it's made me extremely grateful for my cozy little house, warm coat, a car that works and has heated seats and that the snow has been (most of the time) easier to shovel.

All seasons are beautiful for the person who carries happiness within.  Horace Friess

Week of Words - Day 5- Perspective

Perspective - ©CindyRippe2013

It's all about the way you look at things... you can find the positive in most situations and really pay attention to those perfect moments in life.  This tree was beautiful to see.  It was filled with flowers but planted in the middle of a parking lot.  I chose to photograph it looking up at the blue sky and found a beautiful view.  Can you find a situation today that could be improved by looking at it with a fresh PERSPECTIVE?

We worked with Color today in Design class.  I ended up with a very bright palette (which is very unusual for me).  I don't know if I'll ever do anything with that design but I know that it makes me very happy to look at it.  It was a fresh way to look at my work.

Are there any situations in your life that could be improved  with a fresh perspective?  C'mon...I'm sure there is at least one thing.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

A Week of Words - Day Two - Believe

Believe - Tulips - ©CindyRippe2013

It takes a lot of inner strength to BELIEVE that your ideas will work when you try something new.  As I develop my new business plan it might be easy for self doubt to creep in.  The tulips remind me that I have to BELIEVE and it will be successful!  They amaze me each spring as they spring forth with lovely flowers.  After the flowers fade the leaves feed the bulbs, and die back, leaving the brown bulb to rest until the next year.  If you look at the bulb by itself it's hard to imagine all the work that's going on deep within.  It takes imagination and patience to BELIEVE that you'll see a beautiful flower next spring.

The word BELIEVE has the same meaning as : be certain of, have faith in, have no doubt, and trust.  Do you  have the determination and faith to believe in your own upcoming plans?

... Do not fear, only believe. Mark 5:36

Have you ever tried to grow tulip bulbs from seeds?

Tulip Seeds - ©CindyRippe2013

The rain finally stopped long enough for me to get into the Tulip Bed and clean it up.  There are many different plants in here and we have something blooming most of the year but the bed started out with over a hundred tulip bulbs.  The name just stuck.

I was surprised to see this seed pod tucked in among the iris leaves.  When I got close enough I could see that it was part of a tulip plant.  Cool... I've never had seed pods before on the tulips.  I guess we must have had "tulip" bees busy in the garden.  I did the research and I may be able to grow more bulbs.  It would be fun if it worked but just having this unexpected surprise is enough for me right now.

Have you ever tried to grow tulip bulbs from seeds?

Hoe while it is spring, and enjoy the best anticipations.  It is not much matter if things do not turn out well.  Charles Dudley Warner

Sparkling Raindrops

Sparkling Raindrops on the Hostas - ©CindyRippe2013

The spring rains have lasted a long time this year.  I've been taking advantage of the days between to get the garden in shape for summer.  Most of the perennials have been enjoying the cool nights and rainy days and have done well.  The sparkling raindrops on the hosta leaves above are a favorite reminder of how the rain and sunshine work together to create beautiful moments. I try to take a few minutes right after the rain stops to walk through the garden and enjoy them whenever possible.

 Tears of joy are like the summer rain drops pierced by sunbeams. Hosea Ballou 

Bright Tulips and a Life Lesson

Pay attention - Don't miss the good stuff - Cherokee saying - photo ©CindyRippe2013

I had Mom with me today.  We had a really early start and I kept her busy along with me as we accomplished several jobs and errands after I helped her with a personal care projects.  We laughed as we traveled in and out of the pouring rain. (whenever we were inside the skies cleared up - when we headed out the door the rain would start again!)  I helped her and she ended up helping me by hemming a pair slacks. I wasn't sure she'd be still be able to do that but we were both pleased and surprised at the outcome.  I took her to see the family of Swans at Lake Katherine, to her doctor appointment and more.  Even though the weather overall was dreary we made our own sunshine with patience and laughter.  It was a good day.

The orange tulips are from the garden outside the Visitors Center at Morton Arboretum.  I had the photo in the file from my visit last week.  They were really tall and so bright glowing in the sunshine. I didn't even notice them when I headed toward the lake and flowering trees that surround it.  I guess I looking up at the time but I'm so glad I got a second chance to see them on my return trip along the path.  Just as I learned a few new ways to enjoy the good time we have left with Mom that day, I learned to slow down as I walk the garden paths.  And pay attention...

Everything in life comes to you as a teacher. Pay Attention. Learn Quickly. Cherokee saying

Abundant Lilac Blooms and Blessings

Our lilac bush went crazy this year with lovely flowers ©CindyRippe2013

I'm not sure if you can see the top of the fence, but it's 6 ft tall.  This French Lilac bush is about 25 years old and has never grown to more than 6 feet.  It's always been really delicate, with few flowers. Enough flowers, but still only a few compared to the more common variety of Lilac bush. That might be due to the partly shady location, but was labeled as a variety that would grow to about 5 feet tall. I liked that trait.  Well this year, along with all the rest of the Spring flowering bushes and trees, it bloomed abundantly.  I mean, it's crazy huge, with tons of flowers that I've been sharing with the neighbors and smells fabulous!  Maybe it's making up for last year when an early heat wave zapped all the spring flowers.

There won't be too many days left for these flowers, as it's getting warmer, so I thought I'd take a few pictures to document this years growth.  You never know what to expect each year with Northern Illinois weather.  I'll be grateful for the good times, that's for sure!  I hope you enjoy it too!

When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance.  Joel Osteen 

Goodbye for Now my Tulip friends

Goodbye Tulips - See you next Spring! ©CindyRippe2013

The perennial bed in the center of my yard is filled with flowers from early Spring through Autumn.  It started out as a Tulip bed many years ago.  An 8 foot oval dug quickly the last day of November one year when my Mom announced she had purchased two sets of those mail order Tulip collections.  She had forgotten about them and gave them to me.  The new bed was dug, the bulbs planted and covered, and the snow that fell the next day covered it snugly until Spring.  Over the years the size of the bed has grown, I've added a variety of perennials (and a few annuals each year), but I still keep calling it "The Tulip Bed".

This time of year in that part of the garden is difficult for me.  The tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus have finished blooming.  The leaves need to grow for a while to feed the bulbs for next year's blooms and it's not so pretty.  The Irises peek out between the dying leaves and the oriental lilies reach for the sky.  It's messy.

There are always a few late blooming tulips that seem to hang on as long as they can.  This year they are pink. It's hard to say goodbye but I'm grateful for those 5 tulips today.  They remind me that the messy stage is worth waiting for.  I'll see the early Spring flowers again next year.

Saying goodbye is the hardest part but the hope to see you soon makes it better. Ritu Ghatourey 

Life is Beauty -The Path can be Sweet

Path at Morton Arboretum - May 2013 - quote by Mother Theresa - photo ©CindyRippe2013

A beautiful path with lovely trees and a blue sky.  Just what I needed at that moment, that second in time, that feeling in my heart.  I'm glad that I was able to capture the image and enjoy the peaceful surroundings at Morton Arboretum as I worked this day to collect inspiration for my art and research.

I hope you take the time to enjoy it too ... along with these words by Mother Theresa.


Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is life, fight for it.  Mother Teresa

Lily of the Valley - May's flower of the month in the care of my garden fairy.

Lily of the Valley from my Garden - ©CindyRippe2013

Well, the lily of the valley flowers have finally bloomed!  I know they are late this year but with everything else taking so long to bloom I'm not even sure when they should have opened.  I've been checking for flowers for the last two weeks!  Lily of the Valley is May's Flower of the Month and I had hoped to post an illustration this year drawn from my own garden. The photo from last year turned out to be a Snowdrop.  oops!  There are fewer flowers on my plants this year overall but the delicate little bells are a welcome addition to my desk. I share some each year with my neighbor, Grace, as she says they are one of her favorite flowers.

I'll be drawing and painting them soon, but not today.  Too many other things to do!  Not to worry though.  My little garden fairy will take care of them for me until tomorrow.

Who would have thought it possible that a tiny little flower could preoccupy a person so completely that there simply wasn't room for any other thought. Sophie Scholl 

Blue Sky with Clouds made of Flowers

The blues never felt so good - ©CindyRippe2013

I have no idea why I'm feeling blue.  I'm not sad or depressed, just quiet...I don't know... maybe I just have Spring Fever.  Anyone else feeling like that?

As I walked through Morton Arboretum yesterday I came upon this large crab-apple tree.  The blossoms were abundant (as most of the fruit trees are this year).  The sky was a blue as I've ever seen.  As I looked up, the flower filled branches reminded me of billowy clouds.  I took a deep breath and thought "if this is what feeling blue is like, I guess it's not so bad!"   I found this quote by Vincent Van Gogh and feel the same way.  I just love a beautiful blue sky!

If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things in nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive.   Eleanora Duse 

Nature's Bright Spirit

The brightest crab-apple blossoms I've ever seen  - quote by R.W. Emerson - photo ©CindyRippe2013

The flowers on this crab-apple shrub were intense!  I saw the large shrub from far away and it made me turn the car around to get a closer look.  I wasn't even sure what type of plant it was at first.  I'm pretty sure, after a bit of research, that it's a type of crab-apple that's been trimmed into a shrub shape.  Overgrown now, though, and filled with thousands of bright pink/orange/red blossoms for all to see.

All I know for sure is that the colors matched my mood this day.  My heart was filled with the beauty of abundantly blooming flowers on the trees as I walked along the streets in my town.  I hope to carry that feeling with me and bring back the memories on days when I need some happiness to lift my spirit. I don't know about you but my mood matches the weather and brightness that a day might bring.  I'll need to look at this one next winter, I'm sure, but right now I'll appreciate the beauty of a living Spring.


Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.  Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Mother's Day Love

Mother's Day Love - quote by A Radici - photo ©CindyRippe2013

We were lucky to spend time with both of our Moms again this year.  We went to church and breakfast together. We spent the afternoon with our own children and granddaughter.  After a hectic start it ended up being almost the perfect day for me.  Time spent relaxing and visiting with the "kids".  The "almost" was due to Tawn not feeling well.  We missed you and hope you feel better soon.

I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine--she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights. A Radici

Lilac Love

The scent of lilacs - quote by Terri Guillemets - photo ©CindyRippe2013

I think the scent of lilac flowers is my favorite.  They are just starting to open this week, so you know I'm starting and ending each day checking them out in the garden.  I remember when we started planning our wedding, many springs ago, I thought I could carry a bouquet of lilacs down the aisle.  Of course, after a reality check, I realized that choosing a wedding date based on the time they bloomed would be pretty difficult. I think I'll always love those moments when the spring breezes carry their scent my way though!

'For behold, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. 'The flowers have already appeared in the land ; The time has arrived for pruning the vines, And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land.  'The fig tree has ripened its figs, And the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, And come along!' "  Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Are you Taking time to Enjoy the Flowering Trees?

Spring Flowering Trees Captured on my Walk ©CindyRippe2013

I had the best of intentions.  I wanted to take my daily walk for aerobic exercise (especially after eating that ice cream last night.).  At the last minute I grabbed my camera to take pictures of my Red-bud trees before the storm comes through tonight.  That's my excuse for today anyway.  At this time of year I can hardly stand to be indoors.  I don't want to miss anything!  Spring flowers never seem to last long enough and I'm lucky to enjoy taking photos as part of my job.

Well, guess who didn't get any aerobic exercise?  Oh, I walked all over town alright, but I was lost in the beauty of so many flowers on so many trees.  You just can't walk that fast when you're looking up and/or through a camera lens!  Hopefully the distance I walked will make up for the lack of speed.  I guess I'll try again tomorrow.

It's spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!  Mark Twain

Spring Beauty and Finding a better Mood!

Crab Apple Blossoms today - ©CindyRippe2013

I found myself getting really frustrated today while working in the office.  I've been pulled in several directions lately with current jobs that need to be finished and an exciting new project I can't wait to get started on.  Mix those emotions with normal family "stuff" and decisions that need to be made and it adds up to "I think I need to go for a walk!!!"  It was time for a break so I decided to run a quick errand as my excuse to escape the office and headed over to the park.

I've been watching all the crab apple trees in the neighborhood and anxiously waiting for their beautiful blooms.  They'll all be open in the next day or two but look what I found on the sunny side of the tree this afternoon!  A few brave flowers that were reaching for the warmth of the sun.  There were quite a few bumblebees on that side so I'm sure they were happy too!

Good thing I had my camera with me.  My wish came true and I got to enjoy these first lovely blooms, walked off the bad attitude and came home to finish at least some of my work.  I sure don't want to spend my favorite time of the year in the office all day.  I think this just might become a habit!

Nothing is so beautiful as spring - when weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush; Thrush's eggs look little low heavens, and thrush through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring the ear, it strikes like lightning to hear him sing.  Gerard Manley Hopkins

The Last Amaryllis Flower and Hope for Blooms next year

My last Amaryllis flower this year - quote by Ladybird Johnson - photo ©CindyRippe2013

This was the Amaryllis plant that I bought at the Antiques and Garden Fair last month.  It ended up being the last one that bloomed for me this year.  I had 6 bulbs, 4 saved from previous years and I staggered the bloom time for several months.  It was the best year ever for them.  I think they helped me to get through the long winter and reeeaallly late spring!

I'll start preparing them for growing outside soon.  If I can stand the wilting old leaves, and remember to feed them often, they grow stronger and the bulbs with be restored.  I can hope for another year of blooms next winter.  I think it's worth the work and I'm lucky to have the space to store them in our cool basement until I bring them out "into the light" and they'll start their blooming party all over again.

If you'd like to make your Amaryllis bloom again there are great instructions HERE at the United States National Arboretum website.  I've always left them in the pots in the shade during the summer but this year I'll try the instructions that they recommend.  Good Luck!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.  Romans 15:13

Spring is Driving me to Distraction!

Distracted by Daffodils - photo ©CindyRippe - Spring Quote - Rainer Maria Rilke

As I was driving Mom home last night I kept pointing out all the flowers and trees along the route.  She doesn't notice them as much anymore on her own but when I draw her attention to them sometimes she'll tell me a story about something she planted in her yard or talk about the fabulous roses her Mom was known for growing or the tomatoes that her Dad taught her how to plant.  Gardening is a family gene that I've inherited and gives a way to connect.

Seeing all of these beautiful gifts of Spring can also be a distraction when she's unhappy or it can be a reason to go somewhere or do something.  Of course, the flowers can also be too much of a distraction for me!  I'm trying hard to pull over to the side of the road when I see a spectacular display instead of gawking out the window as I'm driving.  For me, this time of year could be similar to drivers who text on their cell phones.  It's not easy, but I think I do a pretty good job of keeping the driving and flower search separate.  A little more wear and tear on the brakes and parking the car will keep everyone safer. But I sure do enjoy all the colors whizzing by my windows!

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.  Ralph Waldo Emerson