Beautiful. Your depiction of the peonies, in both word and gold-sparkled image, speaks to me as a realm of /potential/ for humanity and love in life and relationships. While often unrealized or even betrayed in our waking lives, it’s there just the same.
This is lovely, Jenna. Every day that I wake up and my octogenarian parents are still alive, is a good day. I know the day will come when they won't be. For me, it's certain trees that I associate with them. There's a lot of tree symbolism in my family. Thank you for sharing this story.
Sigh. So much beauty here. Thank you for sharing. PS. I have peonies in my garden. One I purchased and planted and the other was here blooming when I moved in over 20 years ago. I’ve moved it five times, left it in a pot for a couple years, and still it keeps going.
We've got quite a container garden going and I'm curious about growing peonies myself. I find that I've been trying to grow some of the plants from his garden that I've been missing.
Your sketched and painted peonies are breathtaking! I feel the same way about these magnificent blooms. They're incredible, aren't they? Thank you for sharing and reflecting so deeply. This is a beautiful piece.
interesting how you wrote about peonies. yesterday, I had cut white peonies from my mother's yard. Then i had to take it outside because of ants. The scent is so good though.
Absolutely beautiful, Jenna. I love peonies too and their fleeting, delicate nature only make them more beautiful and melancholic to me somehow. Thank you for sharing 💕
I have those white but red on the inside peonies on my dining table, and the red ones that fade into a light peach in my living room. I, too, have a complicated relationship with my dad (still living). Your words manage to strike a perfect balance between the weight of disappointment and hurt with the air of being able to see it for what it is and to continue on.
Such a beautiful essay. Thank you for talking about this subject of parents who are hard to love, I hope someday I can express my sadness and frustration over this subject, it’s hard to get past the self-judgment and the sense that no one else has these complicated feelings. I love your newsletter!
"I just didn’t know that I would be getting a dramatic show this year. I felt like I was witnessing the arc of life and death." I really liked this sentiment because I feel very similarly about flowers. I'm hesitate to buy them, but when I do or when they are gifted to me, this is the lesson I always receive.
Some peonies came across my walk today. You inspired me to draw them. ❤️
I hope you do draw them.
What a beautiful poignant essay.
Thank you, Cindy.
Beautiful. Your depiction of the peonies, in both word and gold-sparkled image, speaks to me as a realm of /potential/ for humanity and love in life and relationships. While often unrealized or even betrayed in our waking lives, it’s there just the same.
Thank you so much, Dave. I really appreciate the comment. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this piece of your life and reflection with us - I found it incredibly healing
Thank you so much for reading.
This is lovely, Jenna. Every day that I wake up and my octogenarian parents are still alive, is a good day. I know the day will come when they won't be. For me, it's certain trees that I associate with them. There's a lot of tree symbolism in my family. Thank you for sharing this story.
To live into your 80s should be celebrated, yes! Thank you Amanda.
Sigh. So much beauty here. Thank you for sharing. PS. I have peonies in my garden. One I purchased and planted and the other was here blooming when I moved in over 20 years ago. I’ve moved it five times, left it in a pot for a couple years, and still it keeps going.
We've got quite a container garden going and I'm curious about growing peonies myself. I find that I've been trying to grow some of the plants from his garden that I've been missing.
Your sketched and painted peonies are breathtaking! I feel the same way about these magnificent blooms. They're incredible, aren't they? Thank you for sharing and reflecting so deeply. This is a beautiful piece.
Thank you Maria!
interesting how you wrote about peonies. yesterday, I had cut white peonies from my mother's yard. Then i had to take it outside because of ants. The scent is so good though.
And the ants were huge! Big glossy ones. Yes, I always thought these particular kind had such a nice scent. The ones that turned white, not so much!
Absolutely beautiful, Jenna. I love peonies too and their fleeting, delicate nature only make them more beautiful and melancholic to me somehow. Thank you for sharing 💕
Natalie, thank you. The petals on this variety drop so fast if you're not careful - like a day after purchase!
I have those white but red on the inside peonies on my dining table, and the red ones that fade into a light peach in my living room. I, too, have a complicated relationship with my dad (still living). Your words manage to strike a perfect balance between the weight of disappointment and hurt with the air of being able to see it for what it is and to continue on.
I think so many people do. I'm sure it's healthier to cut out the person from your life, but I'm sure not the easier route. Work, either way.
Such a beautiful essay. Thank you for talking about this subject of parents who are hard to love, I hope someday I can express my sadness and frustration over this subject, it’s hard to get past the self-judgment and the sense that no one else has these complicated feelings. I love your newsletter!
Beautiful story, and beautiful flowers that have such a delicate scent. They always remind be about my childhood and parents.
Thank you, Tanya.
"I just didn’t know that I would be getting a dramatic show this year. I felt like I was witnessing the arc of life and death." I really liked this sentiment because I feel very similarly about flowers. I'm hesitate to buy them, but when I do or when they are gifted to me, this is the lesson I always receive.
Appreciate you sharing these thoughts with us.
Thank you, Kelisha. So many life metaphors with enjoying the beauty of flowers, aren't there?
Thanks for sharing this essay! Your sketch of the peonies is simply beautiful!
Thank you so much for reading!