Sometimes Mother Nature steps in to soothe

[Siwsan]

I was feeling really down about the constant onslaught of bad, sad news. I lost a brother to suicide, when he was just 25, and the news, lately, has sent me back into an emotional state I wish I could avoid.

Then I walked to the back of the house and saw that the Mock Orange tree blossoms opened. My Aunt (whose house I now own) loved that this tree comes into bloom right smack in between her birthday (June 6) and mine (June 9). She would have been 101, this week. I will reach "official" retirement age, tomorrow.

I don't know how much longer I have on this planet but for as long as I am here, no matter how confused sad, and close to hopeless and helpless I feel, I have to remember to stop and smell the roses. And, of course, the Mock Orange. Mother Nature has a way of helping us relocate our center.

[msdogi]

1. beautiful, thanks

[hlthe2b]

2. Let the beauty bring you peace...

[elfin]

3. We need to savor each morsel of joy

Tough week for countless families. Hope they can be eased by nature as well.

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. I've always wanted a mock orange , and a sweet olive.

The sweet olive was in the garden of our retirement house when we bought it! Did not know what it was until it bloomed. and it blooms in spring and fall, wonderful scent.
With my family history of depression and addiction, I realized I cannot let that man live rent free in my head any longer.

I have had to step back, seriously cut down on the time I spent reading the news ( it's all Trump all the time, dammit).
It was an effort at first, but worth it. Music works for me, very well, so I enjoy stuffing my mind with that a lot now.

[RandomAccess]

5. Happy BirthDay!!!

Fwiw, I would never have guessed you were that old. Your persona, at least online, is much more youthful. I hope it's a lovely day for you and a stellar year.

[Siwsan]

6. Thanks. My Dad always said you can't stop getting older but you can choose to not get "old"

There is truth to the old adage that you are only as old as you feel. I can still flat palm the floor without bending my knees and lug 40 lb bags of water softener salt down the basement stairs and empty them into the barrel.

Next week I'm off to meet my great aunt's 104 year old daughter. There's some impressive longevity on both sides of my family.

[RandomAccess]

7. Impressive indeed +1

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

8. Your Aunt

had it dialed in. They seem like lilacs, they are annual markers of time, and pretty reliable indicators that spring is about to blossom. Great picture. You can almost smell them.