Roses in Bloom at the Lyndale Park Rose Garden

Posted on by

 “Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it”. – Mary Oliver

Two weeks ago I went to the beautiful Lyndale Park Rose Garden next to Lake Harriet in Minneapolis to marvel at the beautiful spring flowers. Our summer so far has been temperamental. Wet, cool, thunderous and bursts of sunshine. Coincidently, the weather seems to have matched my mood.  To tame the stirring inside my soul, I have began practicing mindfulness and the art of living in the now. To paying attention to the moment and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It has immensely helped slow down my type-A personality who prefers to be moving all the time, whether at home or on the road.

Like the Rose Garden, I am amazed at the subtle transformation that just a few weeks can bring. Two weeks ago there were no roses in bloom and today it is a brilliant burst of life and color. Similar to my soul, the change of daily meditation and mindfulness has been immense.  For that I am truly grateful.

Take a walk with me through the Rose Garden. Close your eyes for a moment and hear the song of the birds and breathe in the delicate fragrance of the roses.

“You can muffle the drum, and you can loosen the strings of the lyre – but who shall command the skylark not to sing?” – Kahil Gibran

“The real happiness of life is to enjoy the present, without any anxious dependence upon the future.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca  

“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: We have the power to imagine better. – J. K. Rowling
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts”. – Rachel Carson “A weed is no more than a flower in disguise.” – James Russell Lowell

All shot with my iPhone 7 which I love and is always with me when I feel inspired.

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Delta. 

SaveSave

SaveSave

36 thoughts on “Roses in Bloom at the Lyndale Park Rose Garden”

  1. Alanna – I write, make art, and music from my old farmhouse outside of Newberg, Oregon. My two blogs are byalannapass.com which is a forum for my poetry, essays, and my creative process and onesweetearth.art.blog which is a blog on sustainability and the appreciation of nature.
    Alanna on said:

    Luscious rose shots!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  2. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    Seems like a perfect place to practice taking in the here and now. I am usually in need of a slow-down myself, and peaceful places like this can be just the ticket. A month or so ago, I started taking a stretching class twice a week, and that is fast becoming my mindfulness time; at first it seemed like a “waste” with no cardio, no muscle building, etc, but now I am appreciating it for the time it gives me to just “be.” I have to remember that gardens and flowers accomplish this, too, and try to seek more out here in Houston where they flourish like crazy!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Lexi! Yes seeking nature is so refreshing. It always is my muse and my way to settle down a bit. Would love to see some more posts on Houston. I really don’t know much about it (besides the airport that I travel through often when heading south!).

      Reply ↓
      • lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
        lexklein on said:

        Good to know that my few Houston posts have not bored my well-traveled readers (at least you!). I’ll try to come up with some more stuff; it really has been a wonderful change of pace.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Not at all! I’d love to hear more about Houston Lexi!

  3. Pingback: Roses in Bloom at the Lyndale Park Rose Garden — Thirdeyemom – Community United For Health And Prevention

  4. Pingback: Roses in Bloom at the Lyndale Park Rose Garden — Thirdeyemom – Site Title

  5. Floskitchen.blog – I am a foodie, photographer, dog butler and wife living on a small ranch in New Mexico. Flo is my 1940 stove. Yup, my stove has a name.
    4floskitchen on said:

    Your rose shots are exquisite. I love my iPhone 7 camera too!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! So glad you enjoy them! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  6. Pingback: WPC: Delta | Lillie-Put

  7. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Beautiful photographs Nicole. And yes, presence always helps calm the soul.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Alison! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  8. Pingback: Delta Green Energy | What's (in) the picture?

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sally! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  10. Jane Lurie – Hello! Berenice Abbott said, “Photography helps people to see.” It is satisfying when someone looks at one of my images and remarks that they now see something in a new way. I hope that my photographs delight and surprise you.
    Jane Lurie on said:

    Gorgeous roses, Nicole. I love your composition choices and the second yellow close-up is painterly with great contrast and color. And, I love the ones that have some wilted petals. Great studies.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jane! I had fun figuring out which angles to choose. I love flowers so much. They are so intricate and so beautiful. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  11. writegardener – Sans Sun – I am a gardener in love with the spirit of Nature --- plant, animal, human, medical, you name it --- it's the most natural teacher for righting one's life. This blog offers those insights and inspirations as well as an occasional musing about subjects that touch me deeply.
    writegardener on said:

    Your photographs are absolutely lovely!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed the photos! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  12. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell on said:

    Holy smokes Nicole, I was wondering what lens you used until I got to the end of your post. Cannot believe these are Iphone shot, they’re amazing. Loved the quotes too, especially the first. And I see we shared one 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Tina! I love this new phone. It takes pretty great pictures. Of course nothing like a macro lens on a good camera but since I am an amateur photographer the phone works great for me! 🙂 Yes we did share a quote. Great minds think alike! Enjoy Maine!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the flowers!

      Reply ↓
  14. Crystal – Pennsylvania – I love cats and I am a animal lover. I like most sports. For example: Nascar, Golf and etc.... I like meeting new people and making new friends. I am on Bloglovin', Katzenworld Forum and I am on Linked In. I live in a small town in Pennsylvania. I also like taking pictures and writing poetry. I've met Maya Angelou and that was a WOW experience. I love hot wings. I love cats, dogs and most other animals.
    daisymae2017 on said:

    They’re finally in bloom and the roses are gorgeous.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yea I love them so much! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply ↓
      • Crystal – Pennsylvania – I love cats and I am a animal lover. I like most sports. For example: Nascar, Golf and etc.... I like meeting new people and making new friends. I am on Bloglovin', Katzenworld Forum and I am on Linked In. I live in a small town in Pennsylvania. I also like taking pictures and writing poetry. I've met Maya Angelou and that was a WOW experience. I love hot wings. I love cats, dogs and most other animals.
        daisymae2017 on said:

        Sure. I love flowers. Have any pictures of Carnations?

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        No I don’t have any carnations!

      • Crystal – Pennsylvania – I love cats and I am a animal lover. I like most sports. For example: Nascar, Golf and etc.... I like meeting new people and making new friends. I am on Bloglovin', Katzenworld Forum and I am on Linked In. I live in a small town in Pennsylvania. I also like taking pictures and writing poetry. I've met Maya Angelou and that was a WOW experience. I love hot wings. I love cats, dogs and most other animals.
        daisymae2017 on said:

        ☹☹ Well if you get any pictures of carnations you can bet I’ll look at them.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        I have yet to find carnations growing in Minnesota but will be on the look out for them!

      • Crystal – Pennsylvania – I love cats and I am a animal lover. I like most sports. For example: Nascar, Golf and etc.... I like meeting new people and making new friends. I am on Bloglovin', Katzenworld Forum and I am on Linked In. I live in a small town in Pennsylvania. I also like taking pictures and writing poetry. I've met Maya Angelou and that was a WOW experience. I love hot wings. I love cats, dogs and most other animals.
        daisymae2017 on said:

        OK. Good Luck.

  15. Dianne – Melbourne – Hello! I'm a highly sensitive person who has discovered the joys of iPhone photography and words 🌹
    Di on said:

    Hello Nicole,
    A lovely journey through your thoughts on mindfulness using beautiful quotes. Such pristine flower captures too using your iPhone 7.
    Hope your summer arrives very soon in earnest for you 🌝💐

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Di! Summer is now here in full force! It is hot and I love it. Swimming at the lake, eating popsicles. It is wonderful! 🙂

      Reply ↓
      • Dianne – Melbourne – Hello! I'm a highly sensitive person who has discovered the joys of iPhone photography and words 🌹
        Di on said:

        Sounds great, Nicole 🌝🌹

  16. cleversmile9 – Washington D.C. – I love traveling and capturing shots that inspire others to travel or take action on dreams they have locked away years ago. I'm also an inspirational leader and enjoy mentoring others to achieve their dreams.
    cleversmile9 on said:

    I love the vivid pictures of the flowers.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I love all the colors!

      Reply ↓

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.