Saturday, February 16, 2013

The Beauty of Flowers - Focus on Life Week 7




If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change
Jack Kornfield, Buddha's Little Instruction Book



A single hydrangea blossom. The only one left after rains, frost, ice, snow. A survivor. 

This photo was not the image I had in mind when I was thinking of finding one beautiful flower to photograph this week. Clearly, this single blossom has a lot of competition in the beauty arena. But as I was sitting on my porch earlier this week, it's a front porch kind of neighborhood, this lone survivor caught my eye. It resonated with me.

Then I realized that this week, a year ago, was when my biopsy results came back and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Much has happened. Many months of treatment and endless check ups have passed. I am forever changed. I am a survivor.


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Many thanks to all of you for your lovely comments last week. As a little update to that photo, we've found an assist harness for old Bob. Last night he was able to walk up the stairs. He's happier!

35 comments:

Mary Harding said...

I think your bloom is beautiful. It is a marvelous shade of brown and has a tangible texture. Best of all is is your recovery and its symbol for you: a survivor.

Mary K. McGraw said...

I like the picture of the single survivor flower and the analogy you made to yourself. I know you have put up a mighty battle and thankful you are a survivor.

Claire said...

bless you and bless this lil survivor... may your recovery continue and lead to full-blossoming health :)

Laura said...

so tender... beautiful!

Ann Schroeder said...

I love this photo and the sentiment of the post. I find that I am equally drawn to more traditionally beautiful art beads and old vintage items that show their wear and need to be re-purposed. Perhaps because they are survivors! Thanks for sharing.

Courtney Breul said...

You are a survivor! I love the last hydrangea!

Shel said...

Signs show up at our doorstep all the time. He was just reminding you of your strength. Thank you for sharing such a lovely photo and sentiment.

Honey from the Bee said...

Congratulations! What a perfect photo to represent this challenge you faced and survived. Beautiful.

Meeling said...

What a fabulous shot!!

(no. 45 this week)

SueBeads said...

It is a beautiful flower left, that shows that survival is possible! I can't believe it's been a year! I'm so glad you've come through and are stronger than ever!

Beti Horvath said...

I love the simplicity of your photo. It's really lovely in its way. The flower, you, and Bob - survivors!

Becky Pancake said...

Your pic is excellent. It shows so much texture. What a fitting pic for your life as a survivor. I wish you only more success with your health. Your post brought tears to my eyes. Thanx so much for sharing.

Laura Twiford said...

LeAnn it's hard to belive it's a year already! You are most definitely a survivor and beautiful inside and out! What a poignant reminder that little flower is, lovely shot!

brokenteepee said...

Congratulations.
Your photo is very meaningful.

Annette said...

It looks so fragile in this state but obviously is quite strong. It could represent so many of us in our situations. Lovely post!

A Polymer Penchant said...

I never cut back my hydrangeas. I love to watch them last until the snow is feet high. But hydrangeas come with a promise of another season of amazing full blooms. I hope that as this little surviving bloom dies off it makes way for a beautiful full life of recovery and beyond for you. Wishing you a strong and grand garden of good health

Rdegas said...

Thank you for sharing this with us and I am happy to hear about Bob!

LoriF said...

What a lovely post...I am coming "home" to Raleigh in May unexpectedly, and I can hardly wait. Congratulations on your successful survival!

Cyndi J said...

You are a survivor and so is that bloom! Through all the harsh weather it endures. I don't know if it's appropriate, but congratulations on reaching your one-year anniversary.

CraftyHope said...

I love your shot and could clearly see what your subject was in the thumbnail on Sally's page, but I had to come over here to get a better look. I do love my some hydrangeas. . .dried or not. I'm glad I took that closer look. Your words are so very touching.

windrock studio said...



~ most perfect ~

Lori P said...

What a beautiful thing to see and I LOVE the message. So happy for Bob, too. :)

AntiquityTravelers said...

WOW so much meaning to this picture, and wonderful to be a survivor! Here is to next year, and the year after, and after!

Lynn said...

Beautifully said, LeAnn! The photograph is perfect and so is your grandson. :)

Lorelei Eurto said...

Stunning!!! I have some of these in my yard, it didn't even occur to me to head outside to shoot them! :) Glad you did!

Bits of Learning said...

Beautiful post LeAnn! The photo is perfect, a survivor just like you!

Vicki Boster said...

LeAnn- that precious little bloom is indeed the same as you- both survivors of forces that seemed to be too big to fight-- but you did- and answered prayers are keeping you here amongst friends who love you so. Even the tiniest of Gods creations may prove to be the strongest---

Xoxo
Vicki

Mystic Indigo said...

I love posts like this...finding aspects of yourself reflecting back to you is such a gift to be able to receive...I would add that you are a thriver too...xo!

elisabeth said...

Congratulations and thank you for sharing such amazing thoughts!

somethingunique said...

I am over the moon that you are a survivor....may you continue your journey to wellness and be back to your ol self soon....so happy to hear Bob has a way to make it up the stairs on is own...I'm sure that makes him feel so much better...thanks for sharing all of your heartwarming posts with us....hugs xox

Unknown said...

Fantastic photo of a flower so perfect for catching the eye of a survivor. Great news!

Karen Williams said...

Beautiful photograph! It reminds me of Sally's prompt for this week - focusing on the shape and texture rather than color. I can see why it resonated so with you!

All the best!

Joan Tucker said...

Just back from Tucson and can catch up with your news and blog; lovely posts; hope you feel better and stronger with the sun.
I am sending you some Tucson rays and a few sun breaks from Palm Springs. Hugs, Joan T

Barb Fernald said...

Ahhh. That single little hydrangea blossom is stunning. And so are you. Spring is coming!

HundredColors: Art, Design and Photography by Sumi said...

Very touching! May you stay in good health, always..