Tiny Treasures: "Be like a flower and turn your face to the sun."

Most of us know the old adage, “April showers bring May flowers.” In 1557 a gentleman by the name of Thomas Tusser compiled a collection of writings he called "A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry." In the April Husbandry section he wrote,"Sweet April showers do spring May flowers." This poem represents many things. The coming rain and sunshine make flowers grow and spring to life during these months. The most unpleasant of things can bring about pure joy. I believe that is something we face daily: getting through the hardships of life, to grow together and as individuals, and to face the beauty after the storm.

May is also a time in which we celebrate our mothers. The traditional practice of honoring Motherhood is rooted in antiquity; societies tended to celebrate Goddesses and symbols rather than actual Mothers. Only in the past few centuries did celebrations of Motherhood develop a decidedly human focus. Now, on Mother's day, it is common for Mothers to be lavished with presents (flowers being an extremely popular choice) and special attention from their families, friends and loved ones. This year I gave my mother a bag full of old fashioned candies (including Boston Baked Beans, Chico Sticks, Wax Bottles, Mars Bars, Abba-Zabba Bars) to remind her of when I was born. She always tells me stories about how she was addicted to Snickers and Abba-Zabba Bars when she was pregnant with me. Cory and I were walking around downtown Portland's much talked about 23rd Street when we came across "Northwest Sweets." It's new to the area so we had never been inside before. It's filled with old fashioned candies and confections made by the owner (I highly recommend the Buddha's delight caramels... DELICIOUS).

Another flower filled event that to look forward to is the Woodburn Tulip Festival at the Wooden Shoe Tulip farm here in Oregon. My grandparents live in Woodburn and I have been seeing an Acupuncturist/Chiropractor in the area and saw all these signs that the festival was taking place. I told Cory that we might as well go after one of my appointments and take some pictures before it came to a close for the year. We were blown away at the remarkable beauty before us. It was a sea full of tiny treasures. I couldn't believe I had lived so close to such a gorgeous place my entire life and had never been before. I can't wait for next year!

"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens."

"Nature is just enough; but men and women must comprehend and accept her suggestions."

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"17/52 Bench Monday {Windmill Edition}"

I leave you today with some fabulous floral photographs from a few of the many talented contributors at Tiny Treasures (we have nearly 700 members, wow!!). Hopefully they inspire you to stop and smell the roses...