Friends:
As you may know by now, I love sharing cheerful posts, especially in challenging times. So here’s one, with pictures provided by the wonderful Hamlin Grange.
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First, you may recall that I save our Amaryllis bulbs each year, hoping to get them blooming again at Christmas. Amaryllis are a Christmas tradition in this part of the world.
The trick is to cut the flower stem off after blooming, and allow the plant to keep growing in its container. Take it outside in the spring, and only stop watering in late summer. Then I shake the soil off the roots, and store the bulbs in a big paper bag in the cold cellar.
But – once again — I forgot all about them. Till late June. And discovered they were growing — in a peculiar colour.
Husband and I planted the alien creatures right away in a big ugly container …
… and hoped that beautiful changes would take place.
And here is the outcome: Christmas in July.
Whoever said “better late than never” was not thinking of this, I’m sure. But after the 3 weeks just past, these flowers are such a cheerful sight, we wanted to share them with you.
Take care of yourselves, all of you. Thanks also for your kind wishes. I’m not back to form yet, but speaking more clearly today, moving around a little and taking no risks. The new cast is providing more support, the sun is shining, and my family and friends have been wonderfully kind. I’m thankful for every blessing.
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Photos by Hamlin Grange.
ps: Some photos are mistakenly labelled 2016. Pls. ignore.
Cynthia Reyes 
I am grateful to know you Cynthia. You inspire me. I too prefer to be cheerful and your flowers and post certainly speak to that intention. And I’m learning to be gentle and compassionate with myself when I’m not cheerful or living up to my expectations too. 🙂 I’m glad to hear that you’re on the mend and being supported by friends and family. Hugs and prayers for your timely recovery.
That flower took upon itself to bloom early just for you, Cynthia.
Wishing for your ankle to be good as new very soon.
Fascinating those strange aliens grew up to be normal amaryllis, and beautiful as ever. Thinking of you and hope you continue to improve.
So nice to find your cheerful post! Sometimes you need a little Christmas in July – just when you needed it most. A beautiful sign, my friend! Cheers for continued recovery and a sunny summer.
Beautiful. Wishing you a speedy recovery Cynthia.
What a beautiful surprise for you, dear Cynthia. Its timing was perfect. There’s a life lesson in this that I’m taking away with me. Thank you. ❤
Blessings ~ Wendy
I love Amaryllis. I visited the Keukenhof Gardens this spring and there were so many lovely varieties. I shall follow your example and plant some for Christmas. 😊
Beautiful! I used to put them out under a tree for the summer.
Glad you’re doing a little better. Take care.
I’m glad you’re feeling better, Cynthia and that you have some extra things cheering you up. Someone gave me an amaryllis years ago and I planted it outside in the spring when it got warm enough. The next year, it came up and bloomed in June! It did that for several years. I wonder if you couldn’t get away with that? You’re so much farther north, but a sheltered southern exposure near the house….Of course, you want them to cheer you at Christmas, but…
Glad that you are making progress Cynthia and as you say nature can sometimes help lift our spirits.. sending love and hugs ♥
Here’s hoping you continue to mend
What a wonderful surprise to brighten your day. Down here in the warm South, we leave the amaryllis outside all year and they become Easter flowers. Glad to hear of your improvement.
Christmas in July, indeed! So glad you are feeling better.
Love the descriptions and graphic evolution; from alien creatures to beautiful creations of nature.
Christmas in July is a wonderful idea. I hope you had some rich fruit cake to celebrate the beautiful blooms’ arrival. 🙂
Unexpected, surprise beauty–just what the doctor ordered! Go slow . . .
Cynthia, I am so glad to hear you doing a bit better, and thank you for sharing this little garden miracle. How beautiful they are!! (And how bizarrely alien they looked – perhaps another lesson in not judging a book by its cover). Continue to heal … Jeanne
A lovely surprise in July! Glad you’re doing a little better and I hope you continue to improve.
So good to hear that you are feeling more cheerful and comfortable, Cynthia. Your colourful ‘aliens’ are a real tonic.
So lovely to hear that life endures and continues to offer such surprising, wondrous gifts. Sending you hugs and blessings. ❤
I am so pleased you are improving slowly, Cynthia. Slow is good – it gives you time to adjust and consider. I must say your amaryllis gave me a giggle when I saw Hamlin’s photo; but didn’t they do you proud! Just like ugly ducklings becoming elegant swans!
Keep your chin up, girl!
i meant to add – please thank Hamlin for visiting my last post and liking it xx
Beautiful. I’m glad you are on the mend and moving even if it is slowly. One day at a time. Hamlin takes such beautiful photos!
A cheerful and beautiful sight 😄
Gorgeous blooms!
We can learn so much about resilience from nature. Brava!
I tend to turn to nature in times of trouble. It never ceases to amaze me how blessed I feel afterwards. Great pictures!
Beauty at any time of the year is a treat. As to the tradition in these cold, northern lands of forcing flowers to bloom in the middle of winter (paper-white daffodils and forsithia branches are also used), I’ve tried this a time or two with various success (which has more to do with my attention to the plant, as you know). – Oscar
I hope you are doing better and well 🙂
Thank you Susan. I am coming along.
No matter what time of the year that they bloom, flowers are always cheerful and always welcome!