These lilacs were painted with a dear friend of mine in mind, one who is about to learn what every parent must at some point or another: It's really, really hard to let go of the reins. Even if it's only for a few hours. Like it or not, sometimes you just have to do it. Lilacs are flowers that, when in bloom, I always vow to plant more of. I want them outside of bedroom windows, near the front porch, along the edge of the woods. But they are fussy in that they have needs which cannot be denied: full sun, alkaline soil, annual pruning. When it comes right down to it I don't have many spots in the yard that suit them all that well. I've noticed that even after a really hard pruning, whether by blade or a severe winter storm, they do come back with a fury. Our lilac bushes last spring were especially abundant despite taking a direct hit two winters before. Like children, it's astounding what they can endure and still bloom, hale and hardy and ready to inspire us all.
6 Comments
Gillian
1/2/2014 08:41:42 pm
This is exactly what I needed to see...absolutely perfect. You my friend have a true and beautiful talent...
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1/3/2014 02:39:59 am
Kelley-
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Susan W
1/3/2014 04:40:56 am
Perfect! I can smell them in my mind, beyond the stuffy nose and heavy sinuses.
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Allison S.
1/3/2014 10:49:35 am
Love these colors, so beautiful. Really enjoyed the advice on children as I head back to work next week. I will think of lilacs as motivation! Happy New Year!
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