These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones; they are for what they are; they exist with God to-day. There is no time in them. There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence. Before a leaf-bud has burst, its whole life acts; in the full-blown flower there is no more; in the leafless root there is no less. Its nature is satisfied, and it satisfies nature, in all moments alike. But man postpones or remembers; he does not live in the present, but with reverted eye laments the past, or, heedless of the riches that surround him, stands on tiptoe to foresee the future. He cannot be happy and strong until he too lives with nature in the present above time.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
(Self-Reliance)
Hi,
What a beautiful painting, the flowers are painted perfectly, and of course great words from Emerson.
Thank you, Mags!
But what of Woman?
Didn’t you know? Women live in the present! 🙂 ♥
Barbara,
Ralph was a wise man, sharing what so many of the spiritual leaders of today keep reminding us, Be in the moment of now.
As I read this I am reminded of my own photography, that I have sought to capture nature in her essences at the very moment, perfect in it’s imperfection, causing beauty to inspire and shine the light in and through our hearts…
Love this! Thank you so much!
You’re welcome, Jeff! You have a most wonderful gift for capturing moments in nature (and on the streets) with your stunning photography! I have so often been inspired and enlightened by your work, and thank you for sharing it so thoughtfully on your blog!
Wonderful quote.
Don’t know where I got this from, but I like this one:
“Do not let yesterday use up too much of today.”
I like that one, too, Sybil! It kind of reminds me of some lyrics from the U2 song, “Walk On.”
“The only baggage you can bring is all that you can’t leave behind…”
May we all travel lightly, not letting the heavy stuff from yesterday spoil today!
Love this! I am caught in the moments before a long-awaited life change, so I am bouncing between anticipation and regret, the present being elusive to me. at present. LOL! I am dreaming of the day when I can sink into the moment and stay there.
“the present being elusive to me. at present.” 🙂 I like your play on words, Melissa. How true, all changes are made or come upon us with anticipation and regret… May the day of your dreams be here sooner than later!
“…until he too lives with nature in the present above time.”
Amen
Amen, Laurie…
A fantastically wise quote by Mr. Emerson- and a fine still life!
Very happy you enjoyed them, Tracy!
Oh, I do love roses, especially yellow roses. My living room has many old fashioned framed prints, all showing yellow roses. Jane
Oh, how nice – your living room sounds like it reflects your personality! I once knew someone who loved yellow roses as much as you do… It’s interesting how we’re all attracted to different colors, flowers, etc… I’m fond of Norwegian rosemaling and have it on many decorative wooden plates in my living room.
Very wise.
Indeed, Paul, may we be satisfied “in all moments alike.”