Sunday, July 3, 2011

Good evening from New York.

It's now about midway through our big summer holiday weekend, centered around the Fourth of July, our nation's birthday, also known as Independence Day.

This year the Fourth falls on Monday, so many folks are getting a three-day weekend, somewhat like what happens in other parts of the world who have various bank holidays. Some folks have departed the city for various beaches, some folks will have to work to allow those with leisure more pleasure in enjoying their leisure.

Well, this time around, I am amongst the folks who are getting the three days off. This lets me celebrate a certain bit of independence along with my nation!

The past weeks have not contained any pre-holiday feeling, and have found me feeling a bit weary on some evenings. When certain times become demanding and might be potentially stressful, it is so heartening to connect with friends.


That is why I have chosen to include the above photo in this post. The little bouquet of pink hydrangeas, drinking in some water from a stack of vintage teacups, were spontaneously given to me by a neighbor. This lady has a garden in front of a brownstone house in which currently grow some roses, begonias and hydrangeas. At other times of the year, other blooms offer their beauty to all who pass by.


This gardening neighbor and I had a quick chat yesterday afternoon, comparing notes as we often do. And then, she quickly broke off some pretty pink flowers and gave them to me.


Some might think that a tiny bouquet is only a tiny bouquet. I would say that this gift of beauty represents the soft quality of interaction that exists between or amongst folks in this big city.


We often might seem to be rushing around with our own agendas, without a thought for anyone else. Numero uno to the max. I do not think this is always so.


May I wish those of you who live in the States, a very Happy July 4. May I wish others a beautiful week with many opportunities, as your Monday arrives.

30 comments:

  1. Ah, Frances, that little bouquet has huge meaning - and you've given it a place of honour in that lovely tea cup.
    I hear the weariness in your voice and the relief at having a three day weekend. Sometimes when one works in your industry (as I once did) one feels so cut off from the normal ebb and flow of life because one is always working when others are off. To have this special weekend off puts you right there with everyone else who is celebrating, relaxing and saying 'long weekend'. I'm so glad for you. I hope you enjoy tomorrow - I have a feeling that you'll fill the day in your inimitable way.

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  2. It's a lovely bouquet in that delicate cup and saucer and I'm glad that you're so appreciative of it. I hope the blossoms last for a while.

    Have a happy 4th of July. Will you be watching any fireworks? Surely you will be having a hot dog and potato salad as those are musts on Independence Day.

    XOX

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  3. What a lovely present – and I think the pretty china cup goes perfectly well with the delicate pink of the flower. Gifts given like this from the heart, for no reason but to please someone, are the greatest gifts to receive (and to give too.) I hear your pensive mood and think that a 3-day off is just the ticket to make you feel in accordance with the world. Happy 4th to you.

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  4. Happy Independence Day, Frances. And you received a unique gift for the occasion! Glad you had the three-day holiday. A grand start on the second half of the year.
    Best wishes from Canada.

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  5. Happy 4th of July weekend - hope you have a relaxing, enjoyable time.

    Isn't it lovely to be given an impromptu gift like your little posy. It warms the heart and makes you know that someone cares about ... you!

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  6. Frances, I wish you a very happy Independence Day and hope that your spirits are as "High as a flag on the 4th of July" if you'll excuse the expression I use..

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  7. You mini-bouquet is so pretty - and definitely the best sort - one sincerely given.

    I hope the rest of your 4th July passed happily - ours has just begun... the sun in shining and the sky is blue, birds are singing and not far away new lives beginning (take a peep on my blog).

    Celia
    x

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  8. What a thoughtful post and that little bouquet looks just perfect displayed in those teacups.

    I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July.

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  9. This present of precious flowers is a very special one, not at all just a small bouquet. I am sure the gardens in front of brownstones can't be very big so breaking off even one bloom would be a sign of generosity and affection.

    You have made it into a small work of art to enjoy through the holiday.

    I hope your weekend break will be filled with the wonderful things you do and that you will derive great pleasure and a well-earned rest from it.

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  10. Loved your little bouquet!
    I managed to pick a teeny tiny one from the mini gardens round my trees -terribly thrilling.
    Happy 4th of July.

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  11. Happy 4th July Frances. Hope your weariness has lifted with that little gift of kindness.

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  12. Happy Independence Day to you, Frances. I hope the three-day break recharges your batteries and restores your spirits. We'll be thinking of you. Cx

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  13. Frances I do hope that you have a restful and joyful 4th. Your flowers are lovely and it sounds like you have a wonderful neighbour too.

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  14. Oh Francis, you do sound as if you are in need of more than three days off - I hope you are having a very restful and enjoyable holiday, and a Happy Fourth of July from the old country!

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  15. Have a wonderful 4th of July and I hope the long weekend has re-invigorated you.

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  16. Hope you enjoyed your weekend break - and what a sweet and precious gift.

    We do often think that cities and towns are anonymous places where no-one gives a thought for their neighbour who may lay their head only inches away the other side of the wall. Love the idea of 'soft interaction'.

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  17. Happy 4th of July Frances! Thank you for sharing the bouquet. Flowers are such a nice to thing to give and receive especially on a regular day!
    I hope you have a great summer season!

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  18. I LOVE that bouquet in the cup..
    Oh do paint it Frances instead of running off to the library...ahem

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  19. What a lovely post - and what lovely flowers, for the sense of connection even more than their beauty. I hope that work is not wearying you, and that your break was refreshing.

    Pomona x

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  20. Frances, I love that photo of the hydrangeas in the vintage tea-cups, and my first thought was the same as Carol's, that it would make a lovely watercolour by someone as talented as you.
    More than that, I liked this thoughtful post. Coincidentally (or maybe because your post made me more aware), I've experienced and witnessed a few random acts of kindness amongst strangers in London this past week while travelling as usual on tubes and trains. It really is good to know that this happens in big cities.

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  21. How very lovely Frances, just a few simple flowers can say a multitude of words.
    Take care, and relax over your weekend.

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  22. Sometimes it is the smallest of gestures that make the biggest impact. I genuinely believe that people a generally nice - some just know the right way to show it!

    I am sure the giver got as much pleasure as the receiver of this small gesture.

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  23. Frances, your comment doesn't come with an email so I
    am replying here - the problem with my last socks is that I did keep a row count, but my tension was so all over the place that the size came out different. I think that's what really brought home to me the difference in mental state! And will ensure that the memory stays put ... Thank you for your lovely comment anyway.

    Pomona x

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  24. Even one flower can have more meaning than a huge bouquet, I always think it's the spirit in which it's been plucked that has the flavour of its giving, I think your neighbour likes you, and wanted to show her affection, what a wonderful way to do it. Vanessa xxx

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  25. What a lovely gift of beauty. A kind gesture can mean so much :)

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  26. Hi Frances, just popped in for a catch-up. I love that tiny bouquet. Sometimes just one flower says so much more than a huge bunch.

    I love your knitting on the post below - such lovely colours, and also those illustrations, how I'd love to see that original 1930s book!

    xx

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  27. Hello again, Frances. I wanted to email you, but can't find your email address anywhere. I know I had it, but it has disappeared into the ether. Could you please email me at the address on my blog profile page, and I'll get right back to you - thank you!

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  28. Hello Frances, I think that weariness has been a catching phenoma this summer. Perhaps something in the air? And yet individuals carry out small acts of grace that lighten the way, like the lovely flowers pictured.
    And here comes more heat to wilt us this week! Thinking of you, and hoping there are some pleassant shady retreats in the city.
    xo
    Frances

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  29. Dear Frances,

    What a sweet friend and neighbour you have to give you this lovely bouquet. I hope you had a lovely 4th of July celebration!

    Enjoy your summer!

    Lieve groet, Madelief x

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  30. Hello Frances,

    Sorry I am late here, just trying to catch up. What a really kind person to give you that gift of pretty cup and flowers. Somehow I know from your talented brush strokes that that gift may become a lovely water-colour for you to hang in your apartment.

    Hope the 4th July passed peacefully Frances.

    xx

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