I can’t remember the name of this flower, but this stem — is the last of what is left of an annual now gone for the season.

I was attracted to them in early spring while visiting a local nursery. They looked so old-fashioned and like something you’d find in an English garden.

I have several small bud vases I’ve collected over the years. They dot my kitchen windowsill just for the purpose of collecting treasures I pick from my gardens in the summer months.

It was late afternoon on Sunday when I placed the single stem in the vase. I then placed it next to this framed photo of a favorite author of mine and someone I consider a mentor, even though she died in 2008, Tasha Tudor.

I’ve mentioned here before how I appreciate when I first heard Tasha say, “I don’t believe in hurry.”

It has become my mantra. Though at times I forget. It’s why I have a reminder on my windowsill.

Such an ordinary thing of creating this vision of loveliness upon my windowsill.

It filled my heart with complete and utter joy.

So many more of these moments I wish to make up my days.

My mind drifted to wondering…

When did we lose sight of the ordinary? How did we become consumed with wanting more?

What ache were we trying to fill?

When all along it was right here in front of us and within the space of ordinary life.

But we were too busy running here and there, chasing after this and that.

Ordinary life is about resting longer in the pause.

The in-between that by default offers to us, without any effort on our part, what’s really important.

xo,

Barbara