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California, Canada, daily blogs, family, gardening, giving, gratitude, health, nature, neighbors, women
The best part about the first day of a new year is the promise it holds.
We woke in light, and have spent the morning bathed in winter sunshine, so I’m feeling optimistic about a good year ahead.
Our morning walk was rewarded with yellow rosebuds, thriving at a neighboring apartment complex.
Roses in January. Is this going to be a good year or what?
This is our first winter in Southern Oregon, so we’ve learned about early skiing and putting chains on cars for driving through mountain passes.
But we didn’t expect roses.
I was so grateful for these random buds that I checked to see what yellow roses mean.
Friendship, according to most sites.
Sympathy, some suggested.
Send yellow roses to someone who needs healing, another said.
So today, on this glorious first day of 2013, I am sending this yellow rose to everyone in friendship and caring.
I’m sending this yellow rose to my Mom, recovering from surgery, as a symbol of healing and all that is good in the world.
She’s a gardener, much like Swedish-born Annelie Piccino, who tends rose gardens at her Los Angeles home with husband Tony. They’re bloggers, spreading joy through their love of gardening. Marvel at their roses at Rose Gardening Made Easy.
My Mom is such a gifted gardener, she makes growing everything — including five kids! — look simple. Her gardens are so bountiful, they’re a neighborhood landmark.
Mom even timed her surgery to suit her gardening calendar, because her mobility is restricted.
Mom, I’m sending this yellow rosebud in love, and hoping that you’ll see Annelie’s roses online. And maybe, when you’re able, you’ll meet Annelie online too.
With gratitude and love,
Kathleen

Beautiful Kathleen, I just really wish you’d stop making me cry! Happy 2013!
Wishing you only beauty and no tears in 2013 … and much love!
Mom says she had two yellow rosebuds in November, and then she promptly started singing the Yellow Rose of Texas! Good morning!
Thanks for the mental image of Mom signing Yellow Rose of Texas … you’all have fun there, OK?
Smiles for the blog entry, and Happy New Year to you and Hadi!
I wish you could see my Mom’s gardens — they’re the real inspiration!