IN LIVING COLOR

Now that Spring has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, the Earth is greening up and flowers are going wild even in such seldom seen places as the dry valleys and hills of California. Tulips become the symbolic icon of this seasonal change from the Netherlands to Washington State and regions in between.

A great deal of labor goes into the planting of these bulbs, as well as the hybridization of petals and colors. Although these photos are taken in a small but well maintained public garden in Kansas City, there are still thousands of these plants made available simply for human pleasure. I salute those who make this scenery available.

This little oasis of flowers are located in the Kauffman Memorial Garden which is located near the Plaza and Nelson Adkins Museum of Art. The Kauffmans were fixtures in Kansas City where Ewing Kauffman founded the Kansas City Royals, a MLB American League team in 1969. Ewing was an astute businessman and entrepeneur who developed Marion Labs which resulted in him becoming a multi-millionaire. He and his lovely wife, Muriel, were heavily involved in educational entrepenurial endeavors, and in the arts. Not long ago, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts was created from their family’s vision and generosity.

Tulips are short-lived, and we were fortunate to catch them at their last week of full bloom, and during pleasant weather. We overhead some folks state that the tulips will be dug up soon and laid aside for the public to take them for free. I didn’t confirm this, however, it doesn’t surprise me due to the Kauffman’s generosity.

The gardens are open most of the year with different species of plants and flowers show-cased. It is a pleasant facility and offers a tranquil environment where it is easy to just wander, marvel, and meditate. The Kauffmans wanted this place to reflect this peaceful vibe and chose their remains to be buried under flat bronze memorials in a corner of the gardens.

Although these gardens are not grandiose compared to many others, but what they lack in size is easily compensated for in beauty and variety. These gardens are a treasure to behold, and I am positive many other cities and parks can boast the same sentiment about their flower gardens.

I hope you enjoyed nature’s splendor made available to all who choose to see it.

Last image for this post. Thanks for visiting !

Almost Anywhere ?

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Two young boys riding their bicycles along the boardwalk of a small town at sunset. Such a peaceful image…and it was. Everything about this scene translated to tranquility as Cheryl and I ate dinner along this beautiful coastline. These little guys were an added bonus as they were undoubtedly riding to meet their mother nearby to go home. No fear of anything which is how life should be, especially at their age-even though this locale is a tourist destination.

I wish all places throughout our world were like this; peaceful and serene. However, such is not the case. I am grateful we found this secluded refuge. I only wish millions of so many unfortunate children could experience this same dynamic.

Cherish the simple blessings in life…that’s what I tell myself. And, I do.

Contentment

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Contentment: “A state of happiness or satisfaction”.  As one dictionary defines the word.

 

Please spend a few minutes studying this photograph of Carson, our Westie (West Highland Terrier).

 

What word would you use to describe him at this moment? Actually, it is usually for many moments per day, and they occur quite often!

 

Now, consider if you feel this way occasionally, often, always or never.

 

Is there a change in your life which needs to take place to equal this state of tranquility?

 

I need to study Carson more often. Actually, I would like to be him. Ha!