The winter garden is so different from the summer garden, with autumn passing by on the way. My chemo began in summer's heat and drought conditions, parched lawn and plants struggling, an uncertain time ahead, and now it's the beautiful monochrome of winter branches against a sky, sometimes grey, sometimes brilliant blue. My daily photos are proving to be an unexpected delight as they chronicle the passing days and seasons and help to count down the relentless chemo cycles. This week, amongst the grey winter beauty, I found brilliant colour.
First, an early primrose, perhaps appearing too soon thanks to the mild temperature. It's brilliant red edges initially reminded me of my poor suffering feet, as chemo took hold to inflame and sting. The vibrant red and yellow petals, though, brought not pain, but joy in finding an unexpected burst of colour in an otherwise drab bed.
Onwards and wow! The mahonia, a prickly fellow, dazzled with its yellow blooms, so bright in the winter sunshine. How had I not noticed them?
And then, I stopped and listened. There was a deep buzz about the bush. I waited and was rewarded by a huge bumble bee revealing itself, taking time to slowly explore each flowerhead, searching for pollen. What a delight.
Forget about the sore feet, just feel the joy of what's out there.
