In 2016

2016 is just hours away and I am enjoying the peaceful quiet of our home while I've lately been in a reflective mood. John and I have always preferred to ring in the New Year relaxing at home. Tonight we will enjoy a bottle of Veuve Clicquot French champagne and King Crab legs as we watch the final hours of 2015 ease into 2016 with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin (we get a kick out of their antics) waiting for the ball to drop in Times Square, NYC.

I realize my hope for Peace on Earth is only a wishful dream because of terrorism, strife, religious conflict and war continuing in hot spots scattered throughout the globe. But I do have a sincere New Years wish for you, in 2016 I wish you genuine inner peace.

For it is only when inner peace is created within ourselves, within our families, in our communities and it develops and grows throughout society it can ultimately bring the World Peace on Earth.

Our Christmas decorations were keep simple this year, opting for rustic live small trees throughout our row-home. Choosing European Cypress and Norfolk Island Pine unadorned and appreciated for the beauty in their rustic charm. 

One recent purchase turned into a new winter fascination. Needing a few ingredients for some recipes John and I stopped into a local supermarket. Top on my list was - pick up Tulips in memory of Max. Our Max >^..^< loved Tulips, my second favorite flower, first being Roses. For whatever reason in his sweet cat brain he loved tulips so much he would chomp on them, but he also loved munching on fresh basil on the window sill.

So there they were - glorious Red Christmas tulips, in a clear glass vase with rooted bulbs and only one bulb opened with flower. Modern and minimalist, a revival to my gardening spirit ... I fell instantly in love.

An extravagance of vitality during the winters months, seriously how could I resist? Watching a profusion of color emerge in a smooth progressive waltz towards the sun. Mother Nature is a choreographed perfectionist. 

There I sat with excitement over the idea, clicking away on eBay and Amazon purchasing pre-chilled Dutch Bulbs from Holland. Purple Triumphs (Max's favorite) symbolizing royalty for he truly was our feline Prince. Pink triumphs for happiness and confidence for me.  I was hooked!

Sure if I had the wisdom of sight beforehand I would of in August purchased bulbs and refrigerated them for a cold sleep of 12-15 weeks in our basement refrigerator. Tip, do not store apples in the refrigerator because the gases will permeate and cause the bulbs to not produce flowers. But live and learn and plan ahead for Winter during late Summer 2016. 

I love the plethora of entangled roots, providing nutrients to the bulbs to flower. I've gathered all our tall glass vases to place polished beach glass into the bottom to cool in spring water in a dimly lit place (a designated spot of our basement). Left for a month to root the bulbs and then place in sunlight and rejoice in their flowering color a welcome sight during the months of Winter's frozen ground.

Magnificent Springtime tulips were originally from Persia and brought to the Netherlands in the 17th century. Throughout my winter posts I will include photos of my sweet pinks and purple tulips. I will for Easter force giant moody blue's crocus bulbs.

And as our homes dwindling light turns into nightfall and fades into the past - precious fleeting moments of 2015 will become lingering memories that hopefully forever last.

xx,

Vera

There are times when New Year's Eve arrives without your consciousness or imagination requiring any further explorative look...

To record your years discoveries and dedicate time in writing the next chapter in your innovative future's legacy book.

But for me the ending days of 2015 were not meant to pass by without deep reflection of my own creative and spiritual need,

To become more adventurous and aware to freely share of myself and explore my talents and in the process enrich myself to soulfully feed. 

I invite you to embark on a journey during 2016 to reach inside unexplored possibilities dwelling within each one of us.

To wander and realize the amazing potential inside our heart as we go forth to hopefully ponder and candidly discuss.

© Vera

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