May 23: One-a-Day: Flowers--Nature's Eye Candy

by Jane Stahl

The Elizabethans held a theory known as The Great Chain of Being in which all matter and life in the universe is ranked in a strict hierarchy with God at the top of the spiritual realm. Kings, of course, held the #1 position among humans.

Gold held the GOAT position in the realm of minerals, lions ruled in the animal kingdom, and roses were supreme among flowers. 

Sandra Williams' photo showcases a bouquet of white blooms tinged with a pale peach coloring. 

There are so many beauties. As a young girl, my father planted a variety of them for me to tend and admire. It was difficult to pick a favorite. 

Last spring, on a rare sunny day during last season’s rainy May and June, I picked up a red rose bud that had been dropped on the sidewalk. I enjoyed this single bloom on my kitchen windowsill as I watched it turn from bud to flower, reminding me that sometimes it's the little things that provide joy on cloudy days, beauties that inspire us to look for more of them in our travels.

And, indeed, that's what happened. During the rest of my walk that morning, I saw roses everywhere and "brought them home" via my phone's camera to share with friends and remind me to look for those little things.

As it happened, the Atlantic magazine invited readers to submit photos of things that triggered "awe." I submitted the photo of my rose that headlines this article and was delighted to find it published along with my "story" in the magazine's on-line Saturday column that speaks to enhancing the quality of life. 

More News from Boyertown

• Director’s Band Fun Days Concert Kicks Off A Summer of Celebration Director's Band concert is sure to get the summer off on the right note.
• May 22: One-a-Day: Flowers--Nature's Eye Candy Cyclamen shows off its many colors and is a welcome sight anytime.