November has become a cold dark month. We have been touched by a tragedy in our little hamlet that rocks the foundation of your thoughts and leads to introspection.
We gardeners who love our gardens and share them with the many visitors that pass through them have something truly precious. Others lack our interest, and November can be a dark time without interest or a kindred spirit to share hopes, exchange ideas and bask in the comfort of being with people of similar ideas.
It is difficult to reach out to people who have a different nature but we are all different. It is wrong to be too pushy but it is also wrong to relent too quickly.
I will try to open my eyes wider, to be more inclusive, to think more of others, not to be misguided by false smiles and easily obtained assurance that all is well. Perhaps, we can all make that phone call, email or coffee invitation that we have been putting off. Will it make a difference? I do not know.
In the meantime, Cathy of “Words and Herbs” has suggested we join her in a week of flowers, starting on the 1st December. It can be a difficult month but I admire her positive spirit.
a french garden 
This feels like a heartfelt blog.
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It has been a hard time for us and I just wish I could send out love to all the poor souls that need it all over the world.
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The challenge of winter–especially for gardeners–is to find the color in the off season. It’s there, to be appreciated, the yellow in the naked willows, the evergreens for contrast–just a more subtle for of lovely. Here, where the snow blankets everything–it’s a bit more of a challenge, but even here there is delicate color and beauty for those who’ll look. Then, share what you see with those that might be similarly affected.
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There is beauty all around us even in the more subdued colours of winter and we often need the help of others to show us how to appreciate it. Amelia
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Hi Amelia. I have often thought of you this autumn and only now realize I had been unsubscribed from your blog! So I have resubscribed and have just been catching up a bit. 😃 It sounds as if you could also do with some colour and smiles right now and I do hope you will also be able to post something for the coming Week of Flowers. 🤗 Thanks for adding the link… the more the merrier. 🌻🐝🍁
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Hi Amelia. Sorry to hear of a tragedy in your hamlet. Yes, a love of nature keeps us grounded. We see the cycle of life, and know that winter is not really a time of death – the grass is still green, the birds are still calling, and the buds are already on the fruit tress waiting to burst. We’re just pausing for a little breath. Others may not have the solace which that view provides, and we should all make the effort to share it with them – as you do. Malcolm.
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Such wise words and comforting! You have the strength of character to reach out and talk, even at a distance. Without that extra effort we would never have met and never had the pleasure of sharing your company. I think the reaching out is so important in life. Amelia
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I am very sorry to hear about the tragedy in your hamlet. I hope with time that things will heal.
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Thank you Philip. All the kind thoughts from friends has been a support. Amelia
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Hello Amelia,
Really sorry to hear about the sadness and events in the hamlet. Thinking of you all at this difficult time, and always the worst time of the year to have to confront such sadness. The seasons will turn, the light will strengthen and as you say, you have your lovely garden, the local community, and the wider internet one to help you make sense of this difficult time. I was sent this poem, by my brother at a similar black time. It may be of some comfort to you also?
https://wordsfortheyear.com/2014/03/28/in-blackwater-woods-by-mary-oliver/
With warmest wishes
Julian
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What a lovely poem. It is comforting. Thanks also for your kind words, its friends both corporal and virtual that keep you grounded. Amelia
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There was a programme about Mary Oliver on Radio 3 recently and she discussed this poem, if I remember correctly, here is a link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00121yr
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Thank you for the “gift”. Amelia
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Some lovely autumn colour Amelia, it will soon be the shortest day, we can then all start to look forward to brighter times.
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I always keep my eye on 21st December. Even if the temperatures are low it is the light that counts. Amelia
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This is a heartfelt, moving post Amelia, with a good reminder to reach out. I’m so sorry to hear about the tragedy. So many people around the world are having a very difficult time, especially these days. Your words are inspiring.
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