“Fall colors are funny. They’re so bright and intense and beautiful. It’s like nature is trying to fill you up with color, to saturate you so you can stockpile it before winter turns everything muted and dreary.” – Siobhan Vivian
I am feeling more in touch with nature these days. Instead of railing against the early darkness now at 4:30, dusk starting at 4, I am getting out to walk in the darkness. To feel into the close of these fading fall days.
No need to hurry home, I am relaxed and peaceful taking my time to watch the Christmas lights come on, the sunset (at the top of the post) and the moonrise.
Hawks are around more with the colder temperatures. As I listen I can hear their calls. And sometimes am surprised with sightings right across the street on the rooftop. Hawks are messengers, so it’s time to listen…to my inner knowing. What do I need to hear at this time of year?
And then there is this in the garden. Pansies still blooming in pots through the freezing temperatures and the snow. I love seeing them persevere through these harsh conditions. They fill me with strength.
Did you know the pansy represents the thoughts of lovers. They are named for the French word for thought “pensee”. Pansies are said to possess telepathic magic. I can believe that. I sometimes seem to hear them speaking to me as I gaze upon them as a lover would. One of my favorite flowers. I miss growing dozens from seeds, but sadly I don’t have the room for the equipment to grow them. So I will buy dozens in the spring to plant in the garden, and watch them seed themselves.
And so I took one bloom to bring in for a magical vase. How could I not?
I added a few sprigs of foliage from a lavender plant also still in great condition.
The vase was placed amongst the Christmas decorations and lights on the table.
With this vase, I am joining in with the wonderful meme, In A Vase On Monday, from Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
All the pictures shared in this post were taken with my Nikon Coolpix or iPhone camera, and manipulated on my iPhone using the apps, Pixlr and Prisma. You can follow my progress with #the100dayproject in my Instagram and Facebook feed.
All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Gardens Eye View, 2010-2023. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.
That is so pretty Donna! And lovely that you still have a few pansies hanging on in your containers.
They are so special to keep blooming for me.
Little gifts from nature mean the most, esp. this time of year.
They sure do!
Such a simple gesture, the single bloom and sprig – perhaps we should all try it and listen more closely to our blooms… What sort of hawk is it that you see in your area, Donna?
There are several but this is a smaller Cooper’s hawk. Likes rodents and small birds.
Beautiful. I am just about ready to start pansies and Johnny-Jump-Ups in the house because March will be here before I know it. Pansies are such a lovely flower. I have them every year. They always remind me of people and cats with their whiskery faces. Lovely post. I also loved knowing the pansies represent lovers and might be telepathic. Maybe that is why I love them so much.
I do miss growing them from seed. I usually started them in late January.
simple, and simply beautiful.
Thanks so much Janice!
Pansies seem to be one of the first flowers people fall in love with – I know they hooked me as a child – so perhaps their reputation for telepathic magic is well earned. I loved the shot of the hawk.
Thanks. Yes pansies just seem to be full of fairy magic.
Your pansy/lavender display is charming. Glad you’re meeting the darkening days with determination and vigor.
Always a challenge both the darkening days and making a case at this time of year.
I love your single pansy it makes a lovely vase, full of thoughtfulness as is your post this week.
Oh thank you so much Noelle.
Wow, I can’t believe you still have Pansies blooming! That I know of, nothing is blooming outside here, although we’ve had extremely mild weather in November and December. Glad to hear you’re having some pleasant walks, and your photos are lovely. 🙂
Thanks Beth. Still blooming actually.