Gratitude Monday: peonies

We’re barreling into summer here in the People’s Republic. Early last week I had the heat on; Saturday I finally clicked over to A/C. The thermostat had reached 75F, which is somehow just lovely outdoors, but indoors it’s too damned hot.

Walks are becoming a bit more challenging—heat and humidity aren’t my thing. But seeing what Brood X is up too keeps me going out. And, of course, there’s the changing scenery in seasonal flora.

In particular, I’ve been observing the cycle of my neighbor’s peonies. Starting with the very tight bud, moving through early flowering, and on to full-blown glory.

But here’s what I noticed over the weekend: even as they’re in their last phase, they’re still so beautiful.

In fact: wherever they are in their journey, they're there wholeheartedly. 

So, today I’m grateful for the life and lessons of peonies.