… from certain viewpoints. You could call it: The Paths Not Taken.
It’s such a lovely place. But I didn’t venture far enough, and always saw the same things from the same points of view.
Until today! Today, I took a ‘daycation’.
The day had started out badly — one of those painful mornings that make you want to curl up and feel very sorry for yourself. Pain can do that to you — temporarily blind you to everything else around you.
But why give in, I asked myself, when there’s so much to be thankful for?
So I did some of the exercises they’d taught me at the rehabilitation hospital.
It helped, but wasn’t enough. I needed to get out of the house!
Off we went: cane, camera, Cynthia. On a journey to find new lands right here at home in the garden.
First, I looked from the deck upstairs
Then from the patio downstairs
And gave thanks for what I saw.
I walked and looked — really looked
At the garden from the back
And from the side.
I wanted to sit – I probably needed to sit
But I didn’t.
I looked at things while standing up
And while leaning over them.
This tree trunk, below, and I were probably both leaning alike
But the steps beckoned.
Steadying myself, I headed the other way
And beheld this stunning view
I lingered, dazzled
Only slightly aware of the gentle rain
And walked and looked — really looked
And saw
Then slowly, carefully, climbed the terrace steps
(This is stated for my family members, who worry…)
And, at the top, looked across
Then below
And realized I was smiling.
Grinning, actually.
~~
I once attended a talk my husband gave on perspective and creativity. He used photography to illustrate his argument that we see new things (or see the same things in new ways) when we change our point of view.
I’m blessed and I know that. But some days I stay put when I should get up and change my perspective.
~~
When I was at Toronto Rehab, my therapists taught the art of distraction — a way to lift oneself above pain, reduced mobility and the resulting depression.
Yesterday, I both distracted myself and changed my viewpoint. And a day which could have been miserable turned out better.
Hope your summer goes well.
Cynthia.
Cynthia Reyes 
Restful, beautiful, inviting new perspectives, received with thanks from me, too. 🙂
What a kind and lovely comment. I’m grateful!
I am glad your garden helped change your perspective Cynthia. I have an almost identical orange day lily featured in next weeks garden post. 🌼
I’ll look forward to seeing your lily! Thanks for your kind comment.
Can’t wait to try your advice about changing the perspective when I’m feeling down 🙂 I love the way the ferns look – all the plants look healthy and happy!
Glad you will try it. We “inherited” most of the ferns when we moved here and I’m glad we did. They are under planted with ivy or hosta on the top terrace so in late summer when the ferns start looking tired, the other plants are still nice and green.
Wonderful suggestions, but I’m left with two thoughts. As you showed your beautiful garden, I was wondering how many hours it takes a day to maintain it. And, then I really fantasized about taking a dip in your pool. Gorgeous landscape, and hope you’re still feeling better after your trip around. 🙂
Have a good look at it again. You’ll notice that everything is perennial and that most are planted pretty close to each other, to discourage weeds. My husband cuts the lawn and I move the hose to water the veggies and transplants. So we’re talking hours per week, not day. My neighbour, however gives me great credit because the front garden recently needed weeding and I did so — while lying down! He called me “devoted” and I smiled. Hah!
I have a gardener friend who is an amazing photographer. He has macro shots that just leave you shaking your head. I asked him what kind of camera he used, and he said that wasn’t the trick. He’s a landscaper and he gets down on the ground to weed and grabs shots while he’s down there. 🙂
Haha! That’s great. I should try that sometime.
Gardens and gardening can do that to you and they’ve gotten me through some rough spots. Maybe you should spend a little time there each day.
I try to but I usually took the same walk. Yesterday, I tried a different route and it made all the difference.
That is a beautiful, peaceful garden, Cynthia! So much to see, from different angles. I am happy you did that so we could enjoy it too. Have many of those daycations this summer! Greetings from Sweden.
Thank you. Have a great time!
I enjoyed my beautiful walk with you Cynthia! Thank you for sharing these blessings.
You are welcome, Marie. And thank you.
A garden is such a balm for a troubled mind and body Cynthia as you know so well. Beautifully written and portrayed, I absolutely love your garden!
Ah, you are kind! Thank you. I’m guessing that gardens have saved sanity for many people.
Cynthia, my brother in law is currently having cardioversion(hope the word is right).far away and we are worried anyway, your garden is just lovely and reminded me of many plants I did not know grow in Canada. Thank you for some long distance change of view or perspective. Very calming and a balm for me this afternoon.
Oh, my dear — I hope all goes well. Far away makes the worry worse but it’s good to find a more positive perspective. My mother used to say: Give the worry to God. And I’d reply: I keep giving it but he won’t take it. And she’d reply: Keep giving it till you believe it. She was right, as always.
Love your Mom’s advice. Trying. Your garden really helped😀
Such beautiful scenes! What a positive and life-giving enterprise and decision. Brava, Cynthia!
Grazie, Carla!
Very glad you were able to truly enjoy a new perspective on your absolutely lovely garden! A new perspective can be such a welcoming change and brings it’s own peace and contentment doesn’t it? I need to do this more often.
Wisely said! I think many of us need to do this more often. I certainly do! Thanks for your lovely comment.
What a beautiful garden Cynthia. I’m glad you were able to get out and shift your perspective and attitude. Gardens are a wonderful aid in that, at least for me. Thanks for sharing your lovely views. Hugs…
Thank you, Brad!
My pleasure!
Beautiful. God bless! 🙂
And to you. Thanks, Jane.
Kudos to you for making positive change–in perspective–when I’m sure it would have been easier to stay put. Takes courage and grit!
Some days courage seems to fly away before I can clutch at its wing. This time, I forced myself to keep moving. You’re going to be in pain, anyway. — may as well have something to show for it.
Sending BIG gentle hugs
Thank you!
Great and uplifting post!
Thank you, kind ma’am!
You are welcome!
That is the most stunning garden I have seen outside of a public garden. I understand about perspective. Sometimes just moving to a different chair changes how I look at things. 🙂 I have no idea what happened that you needed rehab to fix your body but I hope you are up and about soon.
I’m glad you understand, Marlene. And that compliment is high praise from you. Be well and Keep Writing. Love your posts.
Excellent reminder. A change in perspective often helps…even though we don’t think it will.
It takes effort and when we’re sad or in pain, it’s easy to get stuck. Thanks for commenting, Karen.
What a wonderful way to deal with pain! Very inspiring post, and beautiful pics!
Thanks very much. I don’t always remember, but this time I did!
Cynthia, this is a wonderful way to spend a daycation (this should definitely be a mainstream word!)! Your garden looks stunning, so beautiful but how true that we often need a new perspective to appreciate the everyday. I am sorry to read you have been poorly … hope you are soon fully well. Thank you for sharing your retreat … you’ll find me resting on one of those inviting chairs! Hugs xx
Thanks, Annika. I hope I remember to do that next time!
Very well done. Such a wonderful garden needs to be photographed and there is no better motivator to continue the struggle for recuperation than the desire to get out with a camera. It has certainly helped me
Well said, Derrick. Thank you.
What a beautiful haven you have for a daycation. So glad you found a new perspective in the garden which didn’t involve lying down in it to weed!.
Haha! Drives Hamlin crazy as he considers it most undignified, but I am less likely to suffer.
😀 😀
You are so smart and you are so determined! And you have a gorgeous garden, perfect for happy distraction.
That’s the perfect answer, my friend. I like feeling smart and determined. Here to more of that, right?
Everything looks so lush and green. We’ve been so dry with no rain in weeks. The lake behind our home is the lowest we’ve ever seen it. Feel better, Cynthia.
I hope you get some rain soon, Jill. That can be so worrying. One year our wide stream dried up to a trickle and it was alarming.
Lovely post, Cynthia. Wrapping you in healing love. Different perspectives and getting out in nature can be transforming in such a gentle way. Xx
Yes, indeed, Jane. And the summer days really are too important to surrender to pain. Thanks for your reply. Hope your summer goes well.
Glad you found a way to get reacquainted with your beautiful garden (and it helped with the pain.)
Roaming my garden always makes me feel better.
Lovely yard and great ideas for dealing with life.
The 3 “C’s” – Cynthia, camera, and cane – and what beautiful photographic results. Thanks for taking so many and sharing. This is the perfect day for you to have provided much-needed inspiration in MY day. Thank you. 🙂
I’m glad to hear that, Jeanne. Thanks for telling me.
Cynthia, such a beautiful garden, just been out there will be soothing and healing to soul and spirit. If you don’t mind i may use that quote that “we see new things (or see the same things in new ways) when we change our point of view” in a presentation i have to do. It is so true.
Yes, of course, K. Glad you like it.
Cynthia, what a beautiful garden. Thank you for sharing it with us. I escape to my garden often during the week. I call it garden therapy. In recovery mode as well from a prolonged bout of illness. Saying a prayer for your quick recovery.
As I will for you. Thanks for this kind reply!
So lovely and inspiring, Cynthia. ❤
Thank you, Carol.
Such a positive post and gentle reminder to never take things for granted. Nature has a way of soothing the soul even for a tiny moment when needed. I know these pictures gave me a few minutes of relaxation at my desk. Hope you are doing well and have more better days than not.
Feeling great for having received this comment from you! Glad the photos helped you relax for a bit.
Hope you are feeling better. No matter how you look at it, you live in a place of beauty.
This is a great metaphor for life Cynthia, we’re such creatures of routine, changing our perspective slightly can make all the difference to the way we view the world.
Yes, indeed, Andrea. It’s the weirdest thing: the very times when we need to get up and change our perspective are also the times we feel trapped by pain, depression, etc.
Your gardens are so beautiful, Cynthia! I would daycation there any time! Gardens are a gift to the soul, a place to listen to the wind, and what is in one’s heart and mind. May you find yourself more often among such places where you can heal and find peace. The thought of you grinning and smiling amid the flowers and lush greenery has made me happy.
I love your reply, Lavinia. And as always, your writing is a delight: “Gardens are a gift to the soul, a place to listen to the wind, and what is in one’s heart and mind.” Thank you.
Oh your garden is just beautiful dear Cynthia … such a special place!
That’s a great approach to pain. Delighted it worked. There’s nothing better than that feeling when things start out a bit bleak and suddenly you finds a new way to view them them and everything perks up.
Hope it stuck and the following days were good ones. 🙂
Cheers
MTM
Cheers
Distraction really helps, I know, but you have to really work hard for it to work well! I am so pleased you persisted and you were able to grin. You do have a beautiful garden – so lush and green. My garden is dry and yellow.
There are days I try and try, but nothing works, Clare. Hope you got some rain.
I can understand. Your pain and exhaustion can be so overwhelming that nothing can get through. My thoughts and prayes are with you, as ever.
We did get some rain, but not nearly enough. We hope and pray that we get some more soon. Xx
You’re such a strong woman, Cynthia, and I’ve always felt and admired it in you. In spite of everything you’ve gone through there’s such a positive aura. You can be justly proud of what you’ve achieved. It’s a beautiful, soulful place that gives you much no doubt. When I’m down I always find comfort in my garden and in nature…I often pity those who’ve lost touch with nature. Going out with my camera is a happy therapy for me too 🙂 Keep your chin up, best xx
Thank you, dear Annette, for this generous message. It amazes me to be thought of as strong and thank you for saying so. Have a lovely weekend!
you too and you shouldn’t be amazed at all, my humble friend x
A lovely garden and beautiful words…both restorative. Thank you, Cynthia.