If we only knew
Late afternoon visitors enjoy a park in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, September 2007.
“Good heavens, of what uncostly material is our earthly happiness composed— if we only knew it! What incomes have we not had from a flower, and how unfailing are the dividends of the seasons!” — James Russell Lowell
It’s hard to choose a favorite season, but this time of year I’m especially aware of the untold wealth we enjoy, simply in being able to take a walk outdoors. The harsh heat of summer is normally gone by now, but greenery and flowers still decorate the landscape and bring color to life. Even those who don’t typically walk daily are lured outside by the gorgeous weather.
The price for almost everything bought with money continues to rise, but since Lowell’s day, one thing hasn’t changed; from a financial standpoint, our earthly happiness is composed of “uncostly material.” I hope you’ll find time this week to earn some income from the flowers, and take profit from the rich dividends of the season.
One year ago today:
This post was first published seven years ago today. The original post, comments and photo are linked, along with two other related posts, below. These links to related posts, and their thumbnail photos, do not appear in the blog feed; they are only visible when viewing the individual posts by clicking on each one. I have no idea why, nor do I know how they choose the related posts. That’s just the way WordPress does things.
- Posted in: Uncategorized
- Tagged: abundance, flowers, free, gardens, happiness, inexpensive, joy, nature, parks, seasons, simple joys, true wealth
Defeat Despair 
Good morning, Julia! I read “income from the flowers” and my mind went ka-CHING!
I ended up with so many zinnias this year, having purchased more seeds from that same place I told you about.
I could cut some, and give them to neighbors – that’s like spreading the wealth!
Blessings on your day!
Susan, a friend who agreed to manage my community garden plot has planted some zinnias there, and I’ve probably brought home more of those blooms than the tomatoes that were the main reason I got a plot this year! They are beautiful but I was surprised to find how much water they require. They don’t last very long but while they are there, the colors are very cheerful. I’m glad you have been sharing the joy!