Raindrops on Roses

Why did I name this blog Wildflowers and Sunsets, you ask? Well, because those are a few of my favorite things.

Sunsets are one of the most beautiful things your eyes can catch a glimpse of. The colors of yellows, oranges, pinks, blues, purples all blending together on their edges to make a new color is a natural piece of artwork that surpasses all and any art on canvas in any museum. The changing of hues is amazing to watch. When I see a good one I sit back and truly appreciate the beauty.

The beauty is wildflowers are the colors of course; the variety is astounding and the fact that they grow wherever the fuck they want even in the driest of all dirt is enviable. Something shitty breeds something beautiful. Some people see them as a nuisance, some find them alluring. Kind of like me. Just kidding. Just kidding.

I recently saw that in the bible they are mentioned. (You would think by this blog I am some kind of bible thumper but I’m really not. I’m just doing some research.)

I used good ole’ Google AI for this info…

Luke 12:27-28 (also in Matthew 6:28-30), where Jesus says, “Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these”

Key Scriptures and Themes:

• Luke 12:27-28 (NIV): Highlights God’s provision and care, suggesting that if He clothes the “grass of the field” so beautifully, He will surely care for people.
• Matthew 6:28-30 (NLT): Focuses on overcoming worry, telling believers to look at the lilies of the field.
• Psalm 103:15-17 (NIV): Compares human life to the fleeting beauty of a wildflower, highlighting the contrast with God’s everlasting love.
• Song of Songs 2:12 (NIV): Uses the blooming of flowers to symbolize new beginnings and hope. 

“These verses are often used to remind readers to trust in God’s care and to not worry about daily needs.” 

Makes you see them in a different light, right?

I have a whole list of favorite things. I first started the list when I was in the psych ward of all places. Being surrounded by medicated zombies walking around (I’m not talking shit. I was a zombie at times also), going to group therapy as they spoke about how life is worth living, and speaking to therapists individually who treated you like all patients were in the same category, people who don’t know personal space, and others that don’t know the “Don’t even try to talk to me look” on my face, I would take my mind elsewhere mentally. Fly away to thoughts of positivity in hopes it shields me from the negative crap. Didn’t work often but sometimes it did and I appreciated those moments.

One day it touched down in the land of my favorite things. Here’s some more in no specific order…

• The Beatles. Lennon being my fave.
• Crunchy fall leaves and stepping on them.
• The sound of a half empty can of spray paint being shaken.
• The smell outside right before it rains or snows.
• When my pets snore.
• When my cat reaches out for me as he falls asleep.
• When I’m sitting on the wrong couch in the morning and my dog barks at me to move to my normal spot. She likes routine.
• The beginning notes of a song I like or haven’t heard in a while.
• A “Damn, that was good” moment in a song; The cymbals in “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, “I’m a drummer girl who can’t keep her beat” and then Max goes off beat in “Waiting on a Sunny Day” by Bruce, in “Michelle” when Paul at any time says “find”, the raspiness in John’s voice during “Twist and Shout”, James Taylor “That’s Why I’m Here” when he sings “seems like lightning struck”. Need I mention the guitar solo in “Purple Rain”? Those are the ones that came to mind as I was writing.
• Freshly cut grass (except when I have to do the mowing)
• Trees. Of all kinds and minus the leaves or not.
• Animals besides mice, rats, snakes, frogs and especially emus/ostriches
• The smell of flowers.
• When I make people laugh and I’m not trying to.
• Christmas Eve (This year I was so excited to be home for the holidays that I went a little too hard on the Jello shots. So maybe this year wasn’t the best)
• Opening presents, even if I don’t like what I got.
• Hanging framed pictures. Just the other day I hung up pictures from cruises that I went on 3 years ago and, man, did my mind fly back to those awesome moments. Brought memories back to life.
• Any form of water I can swim in.
• Rainy days. But not 3 days in a row. I’ve realized that 3 is my limit.
• The perfect peach, pear, or plum. A bit crisp on the outside but soft in the inside.
• My ancestry. It’s cool to look backwards. Oddly, I like to go ancestry hunting which is when my sister Kelly and I find family members from the past in their final resting place in a cemetery. A little weird I’m sure but totally normal for me.
• Traveling.
• The smell as you get closer to the ocean (even the Jersey shore).
• Mugs especially ones with funny saying. I have a collection.
• The smell of coffee brewing.
• When I remember to set up the coffee machine the night before so all I have to do is press a button in the morning.

So, there’s the list no one asked for. Maybe you learned a little bit more about me. Maybe you didn’t. Maybe you don’t give a shit. Maybe I don’t give a shit that you don’t give a shit.

But that’s the reason I named this blog what I did. Two things that bring me joy.

Oh, I almost forgot one…

• Being out of the psych ward.