"Stop and Smell the Roses"

This is an American cliche...to take time to appreciate a situation or slow down and pay attention to what is going on around you. It is commonly used when talking to someone who seems too busy to enjoy the pleasures of life.

The origin may have been a conversation between friends, one of whom had a beautiful rose garden. The friend worked so diligently in the rose garden that she did not take the time to enjoy her work. Her friend gently reminded her to stop working and experience the beauty she had created.

Consider the small things in Life and those of great magnitude. You will discover a dependency and trust, given and received... to not only survive,but to enjoy and happily wallow within the new experience! If you take the time, you may be encouraged to help another human being along the path.

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A small yellow daisy, clinging to the cliff's edge, hungers for protection to keep its roots implanted. “Never fear, little one, I will hold you in the crevice of my rock, so you will not fall or be swept by the wind.” Thereafter, growth and beauty together developed and survived.

Along the stormy shore, a wind-blown canoe desperately needed a paddle...to navigate the jagged rocks and almost-rogue waves, thus finding comfort within a safe haven.

A little white church in the valley, so isolated, prayed that it could better reach God. One day, some workmen came...and set a silvery spire upon its roof! Then, proudly, it welcomed the village people to joyously assemble on the Sabbath Day.

Often, the result of a recipe is not as anticipated. To overcome a bland taste, a few spices are added to enhance its flavour....and new zest for food is created.

The team was floundering without a purpose and direction. Along came a leader (coach) to bond their talents. With reliance upon each other, they won all the season's remaining games.

On a sun and windy day, the kite so wanted to fly...but, alas, he needed a fluttering tail. The neighbour boy, he came, all in tears...his “kite was broke!” “We could make a two-some”, was the suggestion”. Their tears became delight, as the playfulness they enjoyed.

The furry gray squirrel discovered a suitable tree. “If the maple permits, here I'll establish my home.” With twigs and various scraps, he diligently scampered to and fro until completed. Snug and warm in winter weather, the tree was his shelter. In the spring, he retrieved food from his hidden cache. All summer, the leaves were his shade as breezes wafted through the green lacy foliage.

Water is the sustenance of our lives. Without it and food, existence cannot be!

Walk through the vineyards where the luscious grapes grow, given strength by the Mother plant, nourished by sun and rain. The vine is fulfilled and content with the fruit that she yields and envisions her family's future...whether Champagne or Merlot!

There is a correlation between one's mind and a puzzle...be it, crossword, soduko or jig-saw. It presents a challenge to solve the mystery...a game between the two. What joy and elation evolves when together, success is achieved! And the puzzle is not hurriedly discarded.

Recently, I was acquainted with a barbershop quartet. What a splendid rendition of songs they gave! The music was based on a note, a chord, several bars all choreographed with words and lines that may appeal to or rock our senses. It is not complete...until someone (or an ensemble) puts it “on stage” enabling them and us to hear, view and appreciate fully this marvellous production. It unites our hearts with its deep rich harmony!


Our personal lives may relate to any or all of the foregoing. Can we not be students of these daily life experiences and learn a lesson, no matter how trivial or complex the situation?
An idea can illuminate and escalate the mundane to something exceptional!

As humans, we have the ability to “open our eyes”, being aware of opportunities with the option of seeking potential benefits that are mutually respected. When successful, we gain great pleasure! It is important to remember that small pleasures given,
often result in greater joy for others.

The month of June is when Roses begin to bloom and continue throughout the summer with their colourful displays of reds, pinks, whites...
until the autumn frosts blight their leaves and remaining buds.

Be a patron of "Stop and Smell the Roses".

Merle Baird-Kerr
March 2, 2010