tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post3185449103754375780..comments2024-02-26T20:57:00.587-05:00Comments on FlowerLady's Musings: When you least expect it …FlowerLady Lorrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17678852154334714784noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-52268731733202420542015-08-18T22:09:17.606-04:002015-08-18T22:09:17.606-04:00I will never tire of hearing about your DH, or how...I will never tire of hearing about your DH, or how much you miss him. I am inspired by real love stories, and my heart aches for you when the missing him is overwhelming. I always have imagined your place as being an oasis...how lucky you are to look all around you and see you and your husbands love portrayed in your hidden paradise. Darciehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13433894747049535179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-88147288748228340282015-08-14T00:13:04.264-04:002015-08-14T00:13:04.264-04:00The lady who stopped and told you that your garden...The lady who stopped and told you that your gardens were a Shangri-la was so right, I couldn't get over what your gardens looked like when I first saw your blog. They were like a secret garden where there was a surprise around every corner. And more than that, it is as if I could tell that love had gone into it. I didn't know at first that it was much needed therapy for you too but that is wonderful. I saw my mother go through being a widow and she had never gardened. Dad was the one who gardened, and he would have loved yours. Mom was always an excellent housekeeper and remained one until the day she went to the ER, and then to hospital and next to the nursing home where she now lives, but I don't think her house gave her the solace that a garden gives a true gardener. <br /><br />God bless you, Flower Lady!<br />DewenaDewenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07330797553600987145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-67277733615440477902015-08-11T06:29:42.844-04:002015-08-11T06:29:42.844-04:00Lorraine, you talk about your precious husband AS ...Lorraine, you talk about your precious husband AS MUCH AS YOU WANT to or need to! Real friends are here to listen and to encourage. Someday you and he will be re-united, let the promise of that, and the sweet memories be your joy for now. Your blog is very pretty and uplifting....see, even though you are going through this season, you are still blessing others! your husband would be proud of you and our Lord is delighted with you.BeachGypsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02200510017404641217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-83759396606967202232015-08-10T22:17:00.332-04:002015-08-10T22:17:00.332-04:00I truly hope no one has said an unkind word to you...I truly hope no one has said an unkind word to you about you grieving the loss of your dear sweet husband. If so, they should be ashamed. I think it's absolutely wonderful that you had a long life with him and loved him so much. If I ever have the same, I would be so blessed and darn tootin' I'd be doing the same as you.<br /><br />I know he's looking down on you with love and pride, my friend.<br /><br />God Bless you sweet Lorraine.<br /><br />(((hugs)))<br />rueRuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12110133467260748245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-5245716647707161322015-08-10T19:15:15.546-04:002015-08-10T19:15:15.546-04:00Beautiful and heartfelt words. Moving forward afte...Beautiful and heartfelt words. Moving forward after losing a beloved is the hardest thing on earth, I can only imagine. Although I have not lost my husband, we have been together for 43 years and the day we part will be the hardest day of our lives. Until we meet again....I love that you feel his presence and are inspired by his love. You are carrying on his legacy and that is wonderful. Gardening is so soothing to the soul and sometimes I think that is all a person needs - a little shelter, love to carry on, and a garden for joy. Wishing you peace and love as you move forward. Hugs xo KarenKaren @ Beatrice Euphemiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08631972741518142563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-46784359768420735122015-08-10T16:25:12.059-04:002015-08-10T16:25:12.059-04:00This is a wonderful post. Simple kind words spoken...This is a wonderful post. Simple kind words spoken without much thought can make someone's day.<br /><br />I am glad you have your Shangri -La and that your husband is looking down on you as you putter amongst the flowers each day.Art and Sandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09070124859845536964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-35474079470828710122015-08-10T10:26:42.305-04:002015-08-10T10:26:42.305-04:00What an important reminder. And I agree with the ...What an important reminder. And I agree with the walker and the delivery driver: You and your husband have created both a piece of heaven-on-earth and a tucked-away bit of peace with your garden there.Valhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04587080107116858971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-80002749475380049442015-08-10T10:22:06.986-04:002015-08-10T10:22:06.986-04:00I'm not a bit surprised that many people are b...I'm not a bit surprised that many people are blessed (and curious) by/about your beautiful Shangri-La~ From everything I see & read here, I believe this is a fine designation for your unique and wonderful place. Personally, I'm drawn to the unusual. Cookie-cutter and bland places have no attraction for me. I hope you continue to "keep doing what you're doing"! It brings a smile to MY face, for sure! ♥Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08740950362293427086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-71110210912399950952015-08-10T09:06:07.565-04:002015-08-10T09:06:07.565-04:00I think we need to talk about those we love, to ke...I think we need to talk about those we love, to keep their memory alive. They are a part of us, and we'll never forget/should never forget. Your words are comforting to many, and your courage and strength an inspiration. You spend your time creating beauty, through your blog, crafted items, and garden. I truly believe the beautiful matters. You are creating a beautiful life despite your loneliness, that is a great gift to the world. xo DeborahDeborah Montgomeryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-44723125892027428572015-08-10T06:27:33.528-04:002015-08-10T06:27:33.528-04:00Hi Rainey
You just keep blogging about what is in ...Hi Rainey<br />You just keep blogging about what is in your heart and on your mind. We are all your friends and certainly are interested in what you have to say. And yes, perhaps just one other widow will read your blog and give her the courage to continue on doing what she loves. My sister is 20 years older than I am. She lost her husband in 1988. A few years later we asked her to move near us when a wonderful home became available. Since moving she has become a recluse never leaving her house and totally abandoning day to day tasks. It's a form of depression that we can't help her with and we can't visit in her home due to the stench. Your faith in God has helped you through your loss and your love of your flower world has given you a purpose. And just look at how many you have touched without even knowing it by providing them with a lovely place to look at and wonder about. A Shangra-la for sure. Many of us are trying to achieve that oasis! AND your little purple-hued cottage give us the inspiration to live what we love.<br />xx, CarolCarol- Beads and Birdshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11062821517519300477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-80788917180571417452015-08-10T04:01:24.593-04:002015-08-10T04:01:24.593-04:00I couldn't sleep tonight so came in to the com...I couldn't sleep tonight so came in to the computer and checked out your blog. So lovely, as always. Your words have a beauty to them that is calming and true. Just like your garden is a Shangri-La, your blog is a beautiful sanctuary to find comfort. I love what you write about, as a garden person myself, but not one that works like you do, but one that finds joy in flowers that bloom. Talking about your husband and being a widow is a huge part of who you are, as much as the strength and faith in your writing is another part of you. Write what is in your heart always. Your words help others in ways you may never know. Hugs and love dear Flowerlady!Barbara Barthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12094942513984046193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-81283545312317172782015-08-09T23:06:21.394-04:002015-08-09T23:06:21.394-04:00I love seeing photos of your beautiful eden.
Garde...I love seeing photos of your beautiful eden.<br />Gardening is so good for the soul. You can just let your mind wonder while working. I find it very emotionally restful--even though my back will ache the next day. <br /><br />When my mother died, my Dad never mentioned her again. It was like he had forgotten her, even though I knew he loved and missed her dearly. When my sister and I wanted to talk about her, we'd have to go outside or in an upstairs bedroom. Crazy!! I think we all would have gotten through the tragedy if we all could have spoken of her and a memory of times with her, openly and together.Judyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03399435237919718544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-45727813003688866612015-08-09T22:33:52.531-04:002015-08-09T22:33:52.531-04:00I'm glad I didn't miss this post - Since m...I'm glad I didn't miss this post - Since my husband died I have spent a lot of effort on the garden, and this week will begin an intensive several days of taking out a huge swimming pool, thereby increasing my garden area at least 100%. <br /><br />As I was doing some heavy labor of preparation this afternoon, I began to doubt my decision, and to wonder if I should have postponed this project - but the thought of what I would have done otherwise always makes me glad I am doing this. Sorting and sifting through things in the house would involve too many decisions I don't have the emotional strength for right now - so I will postpone that work instead. Gardening gives me something creative to do, and helps me get on with my new life, while giving me the comfort of my familiar old life.<br /><br />Thank you for an encouraging post. I am glad I can talk about my husband and my situation with other widows at least, and also with my children and grandchildren, who like to remember him also and to comfort me.GretchenJoannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13641677400029070452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-29792630702755500112015-08-09T21:58:40.638-04:002015-08-09T21:58:40.638-04:00How right you are about sharing kind words and tho...How right you are about sharing kind words and thoughts with others. We all need to hear them from time to time. I Am glad that you are able to enjoy your garden and that it brings you and others much joy. Hugs to you as you share you feelings and sorrows with us. It is one of your gifts to be so honest and speak what's in your heart. Thinking of you. Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01106128705768954876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-51112367578151336172015-08-09T17:01:53.969-04:002015-08-09T17:01:53.969-04:00This was such a beautiful post! Never, ever stop t...This was such a beautiful post! Never, ever stop talking about your loved one. It is stories and memories that keep us going, and it's healing, too. My mom (now 75) has been a widow since she was in her late 50's. We still talk about my dad. And even though I'm not a widow (thank God), I have lost a son. It's been almost six years without him. I will never stop talking about him either. He lived. He was a part of me. I want to remember his life and I want others to remember, too. So, God bless you and keep talking! {hugs}Melaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08659968511488397366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-11269660543955575662015-08-09T16:20:28.823-04:002015-08-09T16:20:28.823-04:00Loss is hard, especially when it's the loss of...Loss is hard, especially when it's the loss of someone you have shared most of your life with, I can't even imagine how difficult it is for you. I'm sure you never go a day without thinking about him. Your blog has been a wonderful testimony to God's faithfulness in your life and a frequent encouragement to me. Your post today was a reminder to me to look for the opportunities God puts in my life to encourage others on a daily basis. You have some wonderful memories in that garden of yours. Will be praying God will continue to comfort you and give you peace as you go thru your day to day.Maryannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05147215921425305908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-92097848818343516892015-08-09T15:22:56.935-04:002015-08-09T15:22:56.935-04:00Widowhood is a radically altered state of existenc...Widowhood is a radically altered state of existence. And the more you and your spouse were "one flesh" and truly united, the more widowhood is a half-life, and incompleteness. It's not that there are no beautiful things, and no happy moments, but I imagine even they have a shadow on them b/c they cannot be shared with him. I don't think a spouse's death is something you ever get "over" so much as you learn how to live on. But you cannot forget the loss. What a greater joy heaven will be!!M.K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09205619221345704689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-80691084646824280622015-08-09T13:23:40.142-04:002015-08-09T13:23:40.142-04:00Dear Lorraine, you are so right that encouraging f...Dear Lorraine, you are so right that encouraging friendly words that cost us so little to say can make truly a difference in another person's life. So let's be generous with them :-)! I can also relate to the joy that you get from your garden. I feel the same and I am thankful everyday that I do have a garden and see it as such a privilege. Wishing you a nice rest of the Sunday!<br />ChristinaChristinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08505861884810080225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-26644849390334969422015-08-09T12:31:09.787-04:002015-08-09T12:31:09.787-04:00Missing a loved one never ends and I am one that b...Missing a loved one never ends and I am one that believes you should always talk about that person and if you cry than good, if you laugh than good. As humans we need that in our life. Some days are good and some days are bad. It does not matter if they left one day ago or 20 years ago, the pain and joy of their life will always be with us. Betty https://www.blogger.com/profile/09718576668233061528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-32860188180138168692015-08-09T09:40:20.488-04:002015-08-09T09:40:20.488-04:00Your dear little cottage is indeed Shangri-La, Rai...Your dear little cottage is indeed Shangri-La, Rainey! You keep on writing whatever the Lord leads you. As others have written, your blog is a blessing. The quote at the end of your post is perfect.<br /><br />Hugs<br />JaneJanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01851312702044308420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-24546624749546337782015-08-09T07:49:15.210-04:002015-08-09T07:49:15.210-04:00Hi Rainey, great post, full of love and wisdom. We...Hi Rainey, great post, full of love and wisdom. We all handle the 'hood, widowhood or widowerhood, in a different fashion; hopefully as God leads. It will be good when I get to heaven but for me it'll be all about Jesus. Yes, I'll see Dave but he was married to Cathy, the love of his youth and I can't reason out how it'll be a reunion for he and I for they are already together in heaven. <br />Every now and again, I make the mistake of telling people how difficult life is now; their reply is "you should take your own blog advice...your Sabbath Keeping posts...". I don't know why I haven't learned the difficult lesson, most people simply don't care and don't want to be reminded one day, death will change their marriage as well. I've slowed down in telling people but, every now again, I make the mistake of thinking someone will be compassionate but they aren't. <br />I cannot imagine working 4 hours in the FL heat; well done! It's Sunday morning and, after tending to my animals, I'm seriously thinking of running away from home. I'll only be gone 4 or 5 hours but it'll be a much needed break. If it happens.<br />You are LOVED; keep up the GOOD WORK!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08474254311344803458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-60159252476573024452015-08-09T06:48:19.456-04:002015-08-09T06:48:19.456-04:00Lorraine,
I love receiving your posts in my in-bo...Lorraine,<br /><br />I love receiving your posts in my in-box. You are an inspiration. <br />I have been happily married for 34 years, and cannot imagine life without my husband. However, I realize that neither of us will live forever. When I read your posts I feel your great faith, and I am abundantly grateful to you for sharing your journey with us. You bless many more than you will ever know.<br /><br />With gratitude,<br />TerryTerryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01683242897506420191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-74772970857063021282015-08-09T03:55:35.884-04:002015-08-09T03:55:35.884-04:00there is not a way I could understand your life as...there is not a way I could understand your life as it is now. Your darling man is always with you, and I am reminded of some words I said after my Dad died, and I visited the bowling club he had been a member of. I donated his set of bowls to the club, as he had wanted and my words were something like this" I have left, but every day think of me with love, and remember the things we did together, continue with them as if I was still here". You are living those words, and when I read of your weed whacking, painting, gardening, bead work and hearts, I admire you so much. Words from friends, family or total strangers make such a difference, and often they have no idea how uplifting and encouraging they are. Hugs and love to you, dear Flower Lady.Nancy Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11854698513524662527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-25185054511331637912015-08-09T03:25:32.264-04:002015-08-09T03:25:32.264-04:00We often fail to realize the impact our words and ...We often fail to realize the impact our words and deeds have on others, especially because "others " don't usually tell us about this. I can tell you I have often been uplifted and encouraged by simply driving by homes that have gardens and porches well tended, showing a love for life, color, gardening, and really, such homes show a love for community. I am not talking about rich homes in gated communities. I am talking about the homes I pass belonging to older people who do not have the means to do fancy remodeling or landscaping, but tend their gardens and homes because this is an extension of their love. I see so many such homes and al through my life remembering these homes has made a difference for me.<br /><br />I think you have done an amazing work in your gardens of love and it shows, in your community and in your blog !KathyB.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13076933273610590290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5353873250655389819.post-27007250972737767842015-08-08T23:08:56.645-04:002015-08-08T23:08:56.645-04:00Yes Rainey, we all need those encouraging words an...Yes Rainey, we all need those encouraging words and we need to say them as well! And, although I've never seen them in person, your gardens are beautiful, an oasis and a Shangri-la! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Blessings, CindyJoy Junktionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02396533426075869292noreply@blogger.com