This time of year, as embarrassingly cliché as it may be, I LOVE to stop and smell the roses. There is something calming, reassuring, breathtaking, centering, about taking the time to pause and appreciate the beauty in nature that surrounds us. Today’s post is dedicated to the beauty that surrounds us. As we pause and appreciate it, may we find ourselves renewed.
All things by immortal power. Near of far, to each other linked are, that thou canst not stir a flower without troubling of a star. ~ Francis Thompson
Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature. ~ Gerard De Nerval
For man, as for flower and beast and bird, the supreme triumph is to be most vividly, most perfectly alive. ~ David Herbert Lawrence
Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower. ~ John Harrigan
Today, 290 days ’til 40, I pause to appreciate the beauty in nature that surrounds me. What a tremendous gift humankind has been given! I hope to never take it for granted.
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
buskattungen
May 7, 2012 at 00:13
Flowers are the best!
So beautiful and peaceful they are ^-^
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:45
Yes, they really are 🙂
bellissimom
May 7, 2012 at 00:16
Beautiful pictures!
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:44
Thank you! 🙂
Cauldrons and Cupcakes
May 7, 2012 at 00:18
Gorgeous pictures! I too am a flower lover – what’s not to love? And I agree that nature soothes, heals and restores us. Great post, Thank you nxx
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:44
Yes! 🙂
charlesmashburn
May 7, 2012 at 01:33
That’s what I’m talkin bout!! Flowers are awesome!
Some beautiful pics here! Love it!
http://charleslmashburn.wordpress.com/2012/04/21/my-wheels-dont-turn/
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:44
Thank you so much! 😉
walkwiththerabbi
May 7, 2012 at 01:40
Succinct yet profound. Even in moments of brevity, you manage to convey something of value and beauty.
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:44
Wow, thanks for the compliment!
walkwiththerabbi
May 7, 2012 at 23:15
It’s my joy! Make it a great day!
terry1954
May 7, 2012 at 02:22
such beauty held in a delicate balance of life
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:44
🙂 🙂
Hanuman Dass
May 7, 2012 at 03:19
Hi 400daystil40,
I just started following your posts recently but I really enjoy your work.
Anyways, I wanted to let you know I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. For info on what it all means visit http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/ or my latest post on it at http://hanumandass.wordpress.com/2012/05/06/ive-been-nominated-for-the-versatile-blogger-award/
Sincerely,
HD
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:43
Thank you so very much! It is so kind of you to think of me! 🙂
jimmytst
May 7, 2012 at 04:51
Thank you for posting it. It is refreshing to pause and appreciate the beauty of flowers, and be renewed once again.
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:43
Thanks! I agree 🙂
The Quiet Borderline
May 7, 2012 at 10:21
Yes. Definitely something to not take for granted. Lovely pictures and quotes.
Even things like the birds singing this morning cheered me up a bit. I really focussed on those sounds and not the cars going past!
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:40
Thanks – I agree with you!
viveka
May 7, 2012 at 10:42
Stunning photo – somebody has said that – the flowers are the earth’s laughter.
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:38
Great quote! 🙂
Genevieve Petrillo
May 7, 2012 at 15:54
You should not be embarrassed at all. A day should never go by that you don’t see fresh flowers. I was probably 40 when I started buying fresh cut flowers every week for my classroom AND my kitchen table. That was 20 years ago. I’m retired now, but as I’m typing this, a vase of yellow Gerber daisier is 1 foot away. I will never calculate how much all those flowers cost, because I already know that the pleasure they bring me is more than worth it! Enjoy!
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:38
Wow, what a great thing to do! I also love having flowers around… If my cats did not eat them I would bring them home more often (though we have amazing planter boxes the cats cannot get to!) 🙂
rachturner
May 7, 2012 at 16:16
Love the images – great way to start my Monday!
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:37
Thank you!
Operation Gratitude
May 7, 2012 at 17:26
Beautiful photos!
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:34
Thanks!
Victoria Oldham
May 7, 2012 at 18:55
Thank you for the beautiful photos and the gentle reminder to stop and notice them. 🙂
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:32
🙂
leroywatson4
May 7, 2012 at 21:59
This has really put a shine on the day, thank you very much for sharing your petals with masses. It was snowing here in Wales, meaning the flowers took a hit. But we hope for sun in the morn. Happy days and good luck with the quest. Peace and Light, lee
400daystil40
May 7, 2012 at 22:32
Thanks! Wow, it is amazing that you are still getting snow!!! 🙂
Paws To Talk
May 8, 2012 at 04:24
We love flowers too. We like to lay among them and nap. 🙂
Bella and DiDi
400daystil40
May 8, 2012 at 07:44
My cats like to eat them! 🙂
Paws To Talk
May 8, 2012 at 14:16
That works too:)