life : slow down


Alan Bryant : Bristol, England
Dew Drop Mini-Daisies

Hi Everyone -

It's December 1st and you might be thinking what's with all of these garden photos? It's 'Cyber-Monday'. Well, I'm already on holiday promotion-overload and wanted to see something that was 'experience-oriented' vs. 'stuff-oriented'. I'm still shocked that Jdimytai Damour was killed on 'Black Friday' when a crowd stormed the doors at a Wal-Mart in New York (our home State) giving the term a whole new meaning.

I don't want to be hypocrite and will admit that I have been calmly holiday shopping, recently. I was also involved in the one sale email we sent out from Tusk. And, I'm not talking about 'My Favorite-type' posts that often feature wonderful handmade items. It's more to do with the fact that my Inbox is being inundated on a daily basis with emails from major retailers telling me about sales that are going to end soon, so I better hurry and shop. I can't imagine going the entire month with daily 'red alerts' and won't.

So, for today, this blog will serve as the calm in the storm. I'm sure I'll get on board soon enough as it is a magical time of year full of meaningful experiences and imagery beyond the acquisition of stuff. The photos you're seeing come from the International Garden Photographer of the Year contest I read about on Photojojo the other day. The top one is my favorite and there are many more incredible pics on their site.

[Note: I found out when I arrived at work today that two co-workers had friends & family who were killed in Mumbai last week. I'm very sorry for their loses and the craziness in the world that tries to eclipse all that is good.]

xo, Cindy

[PS Visit Sandra for a floral game of hide-n-seek. It's charming.]


Claire Takacs : Victoria, Australia
Kenrokuen gardens, Kanazawa, Japan
Overall Winner - Garden Photographer of the Year 2008


Dennis Frates : Oregon, USA
Cozy Corner


Jonathan Buckley : Gloucestershire, England
Ladybird on Lupin Foliage



Nicola Stocken Tomkins : London, England
Autumn Profusion



Torie Chugg : Gloucestershire, England
Dewy Spider's Web


John Macpherson : Inverness, Scotland
Rainy Day at Sissinghurst

15 comments:

Helene said...

Yep, not a proud moment for a lotus watching the news this weekend. My mom called me from France and exclaimed "what is wrong with you people?"...Ha!!
These images are serene indeed...I am just about to go to bed and feel at peace a little more. Thank you!

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

Thanks for these stunning shots. I am looking forward to a less than crazy Christmas from those past. I really have my blinders on and am keeping focused on the immediate family and just taking it easy. I suppose it's easier too because I work from home and not in the blitz of Herald Square NYC these days. For that I am extra thankful.

Anonymous said...

so lovely!!

dee said...

Cindy, what a sweet post. It is crazy this time of year, isn't it? These photos are all lovely but that top one seriously makes my heart melt.

Krissy | Paper Schmaper said...

I completely forgot about cyber Monday! The whole NY Wal-Mart thing really makes me sad.

please sir said...

Thank you for the calm! A much needed break from all the sales and craziness out there. Can I just give cupcakes this holiday? haha.

Unknown said...

what gorgeous photos! and thank you for the calm in the middle of the storm-- i, too, have been bombarded by sale emails, and it doesn't make me want to shop-- it stresses me out! :)

aimee said...

what a stunning collection of photos! my favorite is the one with the dewdrops :)

Cindy said...

thanks for visiting everyone - it's been a long day, already.

SimplyGrove said...

Very lovely Cindy!!

Anonymous said...

Such a great post. I was outraged by that death and had a long rant with my mom about it--we've *never* shopped the day after Thanksgiving & even now, most of my shopping is virtual. Deeeep breaths (and thanks for the calm.)

Cindy said...

every now and then i'll bring it up again. i just can't imagine that happening to someone.

Michelle Brunner said...

These are beautiful pictures! Thanks for posting them...they are a breathe of fresh air! I love the chairs in the garden!

Melissa de la Fuente said...

That image on the bridge is absolutely magical....thank you sweet Cindy!
xo
Melis

Cindy said...

i'd love to sit in the chairs just before getting on a plane to visit the bridge in japan! thanks michelle and melis!