Gifts on birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, weddings … those are expected gifts.
But, the most wondrous of gifts are those that arrived unexpectedly.
Someone was vigorously ringing the old-fashioned cast iron bell.
The door was filled flowers – side to side, towering above me.
Gorgeous gladioli.
A rich tapestry of Renaissance colors.
Gladioli – my birthday flower, but it wasn’t my birthday – yet.
My gardening guru friend Dellis was sharing with me.
Tall, elegant, grand gladioli.
Flowers to fill my home..
An unexpected gift.
The very, very best kind.
Bel' Occhio 
I love having fresh-cut flowers in the house! It changes the whole vibe of the room! And those gladioli are breathtakingly chatoyant! You’re a lucky girl!
Truly Gayle I have an abundance of richness, These gorgeous colours are breathtaking against the deep yellow walls in the my living room. I even managed to tuck a few glads into my bathroom They are elegant no matter what space they grace. V.
To the ancient Romans, a gladius was a sword, and a little sword was a gladiolus — often used by gladiators. The Roman author Pliny the Elder applied the word gladiolus to the flower that is distinguished by its long, sword-shaped leaves, and the name stuck. The theme of the Emily Dickinson text is strength of character:
“We never know how high we are
until we are asked to rise
and then if we are true to plan
our statures touch the skies —
The heroism we recite
would be a common thing
Did not ourselves the cubits warp
for fear to be a king.”
…………and I must know the date of your birth…….August ____?
You have to love the ancient Romans … they just keep popping up. And the Tin Man, of Emerald City fame knows all. That is why you must pay attention to the man behind the curtain. My birthday T.M. is August 7th. On Monday I am off to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, to visit the sisters. I am going to have my picture taken in front of the house where I was born.XXOo V.
Emily Dickinson was an amazing woman and a brilliant poet. T.M. thank you for sharing this with all of us. XX OO V.
My very dearest Virginia……..I cannot wait to see the photo of you in front of the birthplace! I wish you a safe and joyous journey!!
I had forgotten about that Dickinson poem–thank you so much for reviving it!
Tin Man keeps in the loop – always. V.
Wonderful and beautiful! Lucky girl!!! _Resa
Dellis is a good friend. She has quietly helped me through some difficult moments in my life Resa. Friends like this are pure gold.
Beautiful! I love flowers.
janet
At this time of the year they are ridiculously inexpensive at the Farmer’s Markets. I thinkt his enormous bunch of glads – 2 doz. barely cost $l0. I simply had to share them with all Janet. V.
These are gorgeous, Virginia, and I also love flowers in the house! Regarding gifts, in our earlier married days, my hubby would send me roses on “our” special days at my work. Not only on the normal holidays, like Valentine’s Day, etc.
The women I worked with would get so jealous, which wasn’t our intention. But, they really loved the idea that he surprised me on days that were special to us and that I wasn’t expecting anything, either. Anyway, flowers are a beautiful gift and I’ll always take them! 🙂 xx
p.s. I sent him flowers a few times, too! I felt they and the thought weren’t gender specific! 🙂
Your words reminded me of the time I sent my Dad flowers. He was over the moon with the gift of flowers sent for no occasion at all. You have a loving and thoughtful husband Lauren. It shows in your poetry. V.