#Christian Butterfly Decor

[noisycowboyglitter]

Soaring in Christ: Isaiah 40:31 Butterfly Scripture

A butterfly Bible quote with reference to Christ combines the beauty of nature's transformation with the spiritual metamorphosis central to Christian faith. This concept often interweaves the symbolism of a butterfly's life cycle with biblical passages that speak to personal growth, renewal, and resurrection.

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The butterfly, with its remarkable journey from caterpillar to chrysalis to winged beauty, serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian concept of rebirth through Christ. This imagery might be paired with verses such as 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

Artists and writers exploring this theme might depict a radiant butterfly alongside calligraphy of relevant scripture. The delicate insect's wings could be adorned with cross motifs or other Christian symbols, merging natural and spiritual elements.

Another approach might reference John 3:7, where Jesus says, "You must be born again," likening spiritual rebirth to the butterfly's emergence from its cocoon. The butterfly's transformation also echoes the promise of bodily resurrection found in 1 Corinthians 15:52: "…the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed."

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This fusion of butterfly imagery with biblical quotes offers a visually appealing and deeply meaningful way to express faith, hope, and the transformative power of Christ's teachings. It resonates with those seeking inspiration in both the natural world and scripture, creating a unique blend of aesthetic beauty and spiritual depth.

Bible verse gifts for women offer a thoughtful and spiritually uplifting way to celebrate faith and provide encouragement. These gifts come in various forms, each featuring carefully chosen scripture that resonates with women's experiences, struggles, and aspirations. Popular items include elegantly designed jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, or rings engraved with empowering verses. Home decor

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pieces like framed prints, throw pillows, or wall hangings showcase beautiful calligraphy of inspiring biblical quotes. For daily inspiration, devotional journals, bookmarks, or compact mirrors with etched verses make practical and meaningful gifts. Personalized items like mugs, tote bags, or phone cases featuring a woman's favorite scripture add a unique touch. These gifts not only serve as reminders of God's love and guidance but also provide comfort and strength in daily life, making them cherished presents for special occasions or as gestures of support and care.

A butterfly magnet is a charming decorative item that brings a touch of nature's beauty to any metal surface. These vibrant magnets typically feature colorful, lifelike designs of various butterfly species. Made from materials like resin, enamel, or printed metal, they offer a

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realistic 3D effect. Butterfly magnets are perfect for adorning refrigerators, magnetic boards, or office filing cabinets. They serve both as functional organizing tools and as whimsical accents that brighten up spaces. Collectors often enjoy displaying an array of different butterfly magnet species.

[spookythesillyfella]

hey guys . heres my fair share of doodles from the magma i drew on with my big bro @chamom1le-t3a

[greenwitchcrafts]

March 2024 witch guide

Full moon: March 25th

New moon: March 10th

Sabbats: Ostara-March 19th

March Worm Moon

Known as: Crow Moon, Eagle Moon, Goose Moon, Hrethmonath, Lenting moon, Lentzinmanoth, Moon of Snowblind, Moon of Winds, Plow Moon, Sap Moon, Seed Moon, Sore Eyes Moon, Storm Moon, Sugar Moon & Wind Strong Moon

Element: Water

Zodiac: Pisces & Aries

Nature spirits: Air & water spirits & Mer-people

Deities: Artemis, Astarte, Athena, Cybele, Isis, Luna & Minerva

Animals: Boar, cougar & hedgehog

Birds: Sea crow & sea eagle

Trees: Alder, dogwood & honeysuckle

Herbs: Apple blossom, broom, high John root, Irish moss, pennyroyal, wood betony & yellow dock

Flowers: Daffodil, jonquil & violet

Scents: Apple blossom & honeysuckle

Stones: Aquamarine, bloodstone, jasper, opal &topaz

Colors: Pale-green, red, violet, yellow & white

Energy:  Balance, beginnings, dream work, energy breaking into the open, exploring, fertility, inner development, karma, prosperity, spirituality, success & truth seeking

For many years, it was thought that the name "Worm Moon" referred to the earthworms that appear as the soil warms in spring. This invites robins and other birds to feed—a true sign of spring.

However, more research revealed another explanation. In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver visited the Naudowessie (Dakota) and other Native American tribes and wrote that the name Worm Moon refers to a different sort of “worm”—beetle larvae—which begin to emerge from the thawing bark of trees and other winter hideouts at this time.

March’s full Moon often plays a role in religion, specifically in Christianity, this Moon is known as the Lenten Moon if it is the last full Moon of the winter season (i.e., if it occurs before the spring equinox) or as the Paschal Full Moon if it is the first full Moon of spring (i.e., if it occurs after the spring equinox).

Ostara

Known as: Alban Eiler, Lady Day & Spring/Vernal equinox

Season: Spring

Symbols: 8-spoked wheel, butterflies, chicks, decorated baskets, eggs, feathers, jellybeans, lambs, rabbits, seeds, shamrocks, spring flowers & sunwheels

Colors: Green, indigo, light blue, pastels, pink, red & yellow

Oils/Incense: African violet, florals, ginger, jasmine, lotus, magnolia, rose, sage & strawberry

Animals: Cormorant, hare, hawk, rabbit, sheep, sparrow & swallow

Mythical: Dragon & Unicorn

Stones: Amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone, moonstone, red jasper & rose quartz

Food: Dairy foods, eggs(hard boiled), fruits, honey, honey cakes, leafy greens, vegetables, pine nuts, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, sprouts & waffles

Herbs/Plants: Acorn, cinquefoil, dogwood, ginger, Irish moss, olive, strawberry & woodruff

Flowers: Celandine, crocus, daffodil, dandelion, Easter lily,  jasmine gorse, honeysuckle, hyssop, iris, jonquil, linden, narcissus, peony, snowdrop, tansy & violet

Goddesses: Aphrodite, Ariadne, Artemis, Athena, Coatlicue, Cybele,Demeter, Diana, Eos, Eostre, Flora, Gaia, Hera, Idunn, Iris, Ishtar, Juno, Minerva, Persephone, Venus & Vesta

Gods: Adonis, Attis, Celi, Cernunnos, Coel, Dagda, Dalon ap Landu, Dumuzi, Green Man, Lord of the Greenwood, Mithras, Odin, Osiris, Ovis & Pan

Issues, Intentions & Powers: Agriculture, balance, beauty, fertility, growth, life, love & rebirth/renewal

Spellwork: Air magick, fertility, new beginnings & water magick

Activities:

• Go on a hike/walk & look for signs of spring

• Add Ostara symbols to decorate your altar space

• Plant vegetable &/or flower seedlings

• Decorate eggs with bright colors

• Set your intentions for the weeks/months ahead

• Start a new class or hobby

• Create eggshell candles

• Make plans & new routines for the future

• Participate in rituals & ceremonies that connect you with energy & the life force of nature

• Have a feast with your friends &/family with sprouts & leafy greens

• Bake hot cross buns or lavender/lemon flavored treats

• Clean & de-clutter your home

• Try a re-birthing/ renewing ritual

• Bring fresh flowers or plants into into the home

• Host a spring & floral themed tea party

• Make egg based food dishes & desserts

This holiday marks the Spring Equinox, which happens before March 19-22. It is the second of three spring celebrations (the midpoint between Imbolc and Beltane)  during which light & darkness are again in balance, with light on the rise. It is a time of new beginnings & of life emerging further from the grips of winter.

There is much debate regarding the origins of Ostara due to the lack of primary sources about this sabbat. One theory is the name of Ostara came from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre. Another theory is that Eostre is more of a localized goddess in Kent County, England. Despite the questions of her origins, Eostre is associated with modern-day Pagan traditions of Ostara.

There is no evidence that the ancient Greeks or Romans celebrated Ostara, although they did celebrate their own spring festivals, such as the Roman festival of Floralia & the Greek festival of Anthesteria. It was a time to honor the returning sun, fertility & rebirth.

Related festivals:

• Nowruz- March 19th

Nowruz marks the first day of spring & renewal of nature. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox. It is also celebrated as the beginning of the new year by people all around the world for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East & other regions.

It promotes values of peace & solidarity between generations & within families as well as reconciliation & neighbourliness. Nowruz plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect & the ideals of peace and good neighbourliness. 

Traditional customs of Nowruz include fire & water, ritual dances, gift exchanges, reciting poetry, symbolic objects & more; these customs differ between the diverse peoples & countries that celebrate the festival.

• Holi- March 25th

Holi is a popular & significant Hindu festival celebrated as the The festival of colors, Love &Spring. It commemorates eternal and divine love of the deities Radha & Krishna. Additionally, the day signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it celebratess the victory of Vishnu as Narasimha over Hiranyakashipu. Holi originated & is predominantly celebrated in the Indian subcontinent, but has also spread to other regions of Asia & parts of the Western world through the Indian diaspora.

Holi also celebrates the arrival of Spring in India, the end of winter & the blossoming of love. It is also an invocation for a good spring harvest season. It lasts for a night & a day, starting on the evening of the Purnima (full moon day) falling on the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna, which falls around the middle of March in the Gregorian calendar.

• Easter- March 31st

also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday is a Christian festival & cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD. It is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus Christ, preceded by Lent (or Great Lent), a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, & penance.

Easter traditions vary across the Christian world & include sunrise services or late-night vigils, exclamations & exchanges of Paschal greetings, flowering the cross & the decoration and the communal breaking of Easter eggs (a symbol of the empty tomb) among many others. The Easter lily is a symbol of the resurrection in Western Christianity traditionally decorates the chancel area of churches on this day & for the rest of Eastertide. Additional customs that have become associated with Easter & are observed by both Christians & some non-Christians include Easter parades, communal dancing, the Easter Bunny & egg hunting.

Other Celebrations:

• Festival of Luna- March 31st

Is a feast day honoring the Goddess Luna who is seen as the divine embodiment of the Moon.

The Temple of Luna was a temple on the Aventine Hill in Rome, dedicated to Luna, the moon goddess. Its dedication was celebrated on March 31st, thus the celebration.

According to Tacitus, it was built by king Servius Tullius. However, the first confirmed reference to a temple to Luna dates to 182 BC & refers to one of its doors being knocked off its posts by a miraculous blast of air & shot into the back of the Temple of Ceres. That account probably places the temple at the north end of the hill, just above porta Trigemina. The temple was struck by lightning around the time of the death of Cinna, as was the temple of Ceres. After the destruction of Corinth, Lucius Mummius Achaicus dedicated some of his spoils from the city to this temple. It was destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD & not rebuilt.

Sources:

Farmersalmanac .com

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

Wikipedia

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

Encyclopedia britannica

Llewellyn 2024 magical almanac Practical magic for everyday living

[natsuki-bakery]

⁎˚ ఎ Dio Headcanons ໒ ˚⁎

Would you be able to do some dio (jjba) hcs?

•Dio knows how to manipulate everyone around him, not just with fear but with his seductive charm. He’s fully aware of how intimidating and appealing he is and uses that to his advantage

•Dio obsesses over perfection in his appearance and power. He genuinely believes he’s destined for greatness and will work tirelessly to ensure his success, even if it means crushing others underfoot

•Night Owl (literally and figuratively) : as a vampire, Dio spends most of his time at night plotting or enjoying the luxuries of life. Even before becoming a vampire, he was more active during late hours, reading or scheming in silence

•Despite his brutal nature, Dio appreciates art, music, and literature. He enjoys classical music, particularly opera, and surrounds himself with expensive decor

•While he despises his father, Dio sees his children (for example, Giorno) as extensions of his legacy. He’s curious about them, though his interest is less fatherly love and more pride in what he created

•Dio constantly seeks ways to strengthen his body and Stand, even obsessing over minor details like perfecting his reflexes. He never wants to feel weakness again

•Dio enjoys sipping on wine, despite it being unnecessary for his sustenance. It’s more about the aesthetic and indulging in human luxuries

•Dio has at least one full-length mirror in every room, but his vampiric nature means he doesn’t have a reflection. This doesn’t stop him from spending hours posing dramatically in front of them, imagining how incredible he must look

•Dio can’t enter a room without making it a moment. Whether it’s kicking a door open, teleporting in with Za Warudo, or descending slowly from the ceiling like a dark angel, it’s always completely over the top. Sometimes, his followers have to stifle laughter

•Dio occasionally tries to keep up with modern culture. Imagine him awkwardly attempting slang like :

"Is that what the children call... a 'meme' ?"

•If anyone so much as touches his cape, Dio gets irrationally angry. Once, a minion spilled something on it, and Dio made them scrub it by hand... for hours. He secretly has spares but pretends each one is "irreplaceable"

•Dio’s fine with children worshiping him, but he absolutely hates babysitting situations. One time, a villager begged him to spare their child, and the kid wouldn't stop tugging on Dio’s pants. He just stood there, frozen, muttering, "Unacceptable."

•Dio insists he’s an incredible chef but has no idea what human food tastes like. He’ll prepare something absurdly ornate and demand praise. One time, someone dared to critique it, and Dio replied, "Foolish mortal! You simply lack the palate for greatness !''

•Ironically, Dio has a slight fear of bats. He’ll try to hide it, but if one flies too close, he’ll flinch and immediately act like he was just "assessing its power"

•Despite not needing sleep, Dio still insists on an elaborate "morning" routine: Buffs his nails, styles his hair for hours and tests his poses in different lighting

•Dio has a collection of odd items he thinks are powerful or cool: random crystals, old swords, and even a tacky souvenir mug that says "World’s Greatest Villain."

•Dio once attempted to keep a pet (probably a black cat or snake) because it matched his aesthetic. It ended in chaos when the animal refused to obey him, and he dramatically declared it "unworthy of my greatness."

If you're in the basic criteria , are DSMP fans, vivziep0p fans , h0tel/h3lluva b0ss fans, Owl h0use fans, St4r butterfly fans, Ghibli fans, ddlg/abdl blogs, nsfw/k!nk blogs, anti-agere blogs, or anti Christians/Christianity blogs : just dont interact !

[otaku553]

kk wow you went so much more in depth than i thought but that was awesome. sending another but pls take all the time you need to answer this one.

i don't think i realized you had a colored version of two of them til today because i was going off of the sketches you posted at the start of the month. the one that caught my eye in that and who i have a different perspective of now that i've seen full color is the shortest hero. you mentioned that the clothing didn't come from any one culture, but if you have an answer it would be cool to hear: what's the long cloth hanging off of the waist belt of this hero called? or, if it's part of the belt, what's the name of the full thing?

[ also a more in-universe follow-up: am very curious about the symbols all four have on their clothing and what your thought process was behind each. i'll settle for the shortest hero's butterfly-esque symbol if you just wanna do one (: ]

Thanks for sending another ask!! This is probably going to get quite long again!

So first, to answer the question, there’s actually not a very easy answer for what that long cloth is called! It shows up quite often in fantasy outfits and armor of knights, and you might sometimes find it being called a tabard or a surcoat online. Really though, it’s closer to something called a monastic scapular, which is a western Christian garment that hangs over the shoulders and goes down to the knees.

The tabard is usually some form of light tunic or jacket worn over chainmail and underneath armor, and I think in fantasy armor the stylization of it as longer and thinner towards the bottom eventually turned it into a pretty common thing? But the point is that it’s usually attached to something hanging from the shoulders and not just from the belt. But having something hanging in front of the crotch from the belt does have some precedence in the Roman pteruges, so this might be where that kind of belt fabric came from.

So in the hero of yore designs, the pieces of fabric hanging from the belts aren’t actually very historically accurate, and follow more the trends of fantasy outfit design. But mostly they act as a sort of conisistent point between all the heroes that shows each hero’s insignia. This sort of hanging centerpiece of fabric has been a pretty consistent part of my designs for a really long time, though in my previous Kirby designs this mostly took the form of some part of a double breasted coat, like so:

But yeah! On another note, while the hero of dark’s outfit isn’t based on any specific culture, the hero of soul’s (the butterfly hero) outfit definitely is based on Japanese clothing! The very long sleeves are based on furisode, but there are some liberties I took with the whole design as a whole, I.e. the pants are based on hakama in construction and shape but don’t actually have all the pleats a hakama should, and have added slits for style. You generally also wouldn’t wear hakama with fancy long kimono I think, nor would you use a tasuki with it. Tasuki are generally used to keep the sleeves out of the way while doing activities, while long sleeves are more ceremonial and decorative. I did intentionally keep the sleeves very long on the design, however, for character reasons that I might go more in depth in if I ever make an individual outfit breakdown post.

I’m sorry I didn’t get around to answering about the symbols! I also have a lot of thoughts about them, so I might also make a separate post about that haha

[thelandboundseawitch]

🐣Ostara🐣

Ostara, or the Spring Equinox or the Vernal Equinox, is known as the first day of spring. It’s a time that marks the nights shortening and the days becoming longer. Ostara is similar to Easter in its aesthetic, but they are very different celebrations. Ostara often times starts between March 19th-22nd, it varies by year so make sure to check each year.

Activities

Plant flower seeds/bulbs

Spring Cleaning

Dye Eggs (and try your hand at making natural dyes)

Take a walk and admire springtime

Set up a bird house, bird feeder, etc.

Plan your summer garden

Altar Decorations

Bunnies

Flowers (and other plants), seeds, bulbs, etc.

Eggs

Ribbon

Chicks/birds/nests

Garland

Easter decorations

Baskets

Animals

Bunnies

Birds + Chicks

Butterflies

Baby animals

Colors

Pale Green

Pale Yellow

Pale Pink

White

Crystals

Amethyst

Aquamarine

Moonstone

Rose Quartz

Deities

Aphrodite / Venus

Eostre

Gaia

Persephone

Demeter

Osiris

Flowers

Tulips

Daffodils

Easter lilies

Peonies

Liliacs

Lavender

Clover

Honeysuckle

Meadowsweet

Food

Cheese

Eggs

Chocolate

Honeycake

Milk

Seeds + Nuts

Honey

Yogurt

Fresh fruit (especially berries)

Incense and Oils

Jasmine

Rose

Vanilla

Berries

Lavender

Plants & Herbs

Lavender

Thyme

Rose Hips

Dogwood

Clovers

Lemon Balm

Catnip

Spells and Rituals

Balance

Fertility

Growth

Rebirth

Marriage

Final Notes

"The character of the “Easter bunny” first appeared in 16th-century German writings, which said that if well-behaved children built a nest out of their caps or bonnets, they would be rewarded with colored eggs" [1].

"American Christians continue to generally celebrate Easter as a religious holiday, but public references to Easter almost never include any religious elements. Christians and non-Christians alike celebrate Easter in decidedly non-Christian ways: with chocolate and other forms of Easter candy, Easter eggs, Easter egg hunts, the Easter bunny, and so forth. Most cultural references to Easter include these elements, most of which are pagan in origin and all of which have become commercialized" [2].

[ohwhataniight]

How a perfume helped me reconstruct my grandmother

A couple of months after my grandma died, my aunt had told me I could pick anything I wanted from her closet. I chose a bottle of the L’Oreal Elnette hairspray she always used to wear, a Playmobil figure she kept that had once belonged to me, and a small bottle of perfume I had never seen her wearing. I hid everything in a drawer next to my bed and only came to intentionally smell the perfume last night, after deciding to write about perfumes. The perfume was Anais Anais by Cacharel.

I rediscovered my grandmother, Stella, only when I finally found Anais Anais. Not that I had ever smelt it on her (Mum thinks it must have been a gift she kept, the bottle was almost full). It just managed very well to capture her essence. (Whoever bought that gift must have been either very insightful and familiar with my grandmother’s psyche, or merely very lucky in blind-buying a perfume that was en vogue in the late 70s).

Before spritzing Anais Anais on my wrist, I half-expected it to smell like roses. My brain was probably paying tribute to the memory of my grandmother cutting pink roses from her balcony and placing them in glasses full of water, on my desk while I was studying for uni. I do not recall the scent of those roses.

Instead, Anais Anais smelt old. Not in a bad way. Just stuck in time. Like someone who had died but whom I craved to meet, peering through dusty chests full of dresses and hand-knitted jumpers wrapped in a cloud of naphthaline. I eagerly greeted my grandmother’s elegance in the room, her poise, the sternness of her mothering, the grace with which she smiled. I heard the voice in which she called me “sweet doll”, the voice in which she admitted, a week before her second stroke, that although I made her proud, she still grieved over the disappointment of my atheism. “You have strayed from God’s path. That is my only woe”.

It was the incense, combined with the elegance and doe-eyed romance of the iris and hyacinth. My grandmother wasn’t just a devout Christian - she was a fanatical one. Jesus Christ was the love to which she gave herself most freely, the shelter she sought when earthly affairs became unbearable. Based on my own spiritual experiences, I can only compare it to literary ecstasy, to the orgasmic feeling that comes when someone does something human-like and I relate to them, to the grappling with the all-crushing fist of falling in love.

In Orthodox Greece, before Holy Friday when the burial of Christ takes place, a wooden construction upon which His body is lain, Επιτάφιος, is decorated with spring flowers and sprinkled with rose water. During the litany, four men carry the fragrant coffin on their shoulders and lead a procession to the streets. In Anais Anais I smell the church on the day of the Επιτάφιος. I’m still seven years old, sitting next to grandma who’s whispering - reading out of a pocket Bible synopsis she’s holding in her wrinkled hands. I suddenly see my grandmother younger, wearing pearls and clean cashmere in the colour of lilacs, sitting in a wallpapered living room, writing Easter cards for friends and family as my grandpa reads his newspaper. Like the one she worshipped, my grandma is ressurrected, if I'm allowed the blasphemy.

I spray Anais Anais on my chest, and spend the evening sitting next to you, watching Leftovers on the computer, with my jumper (Dad’s jumper, actually) stretched over my nose. I inhale deeply. I remember the monarch butterfly that once made its way into the one-room apartment of my mid-twenties. I remember the shame, the guilt, the dew, the devotion. Smelling a perfume that my grandma rarely wore, I become her image, I breathe in her sighs, I choke on her laughter. I reconstruct her.

[andrewuttaro]

Immaculate Simplicity

Few sports memories I possess are as distinct and lasting as those of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Specifically the memory that comes to mind is that of the famed American swimmer Michael Phelps. He was at his peak. These memories are aided by being largely concurrent with a family vacation I enjoyed quite a bit in Virginia Beach; that and I was going into Junior Varsity swimming that Fall, my freshman year in High School.

That summer it seemed like every other day I was watching something new about Michael Phelps. He would become the most decorated Olympian of all time with what many posited were in-born skills. I am not kidding when I say the man has partially webbed toes and biologist seemed to agree his body was uniquely designed to be good at swimming. I can still see that perfect butterfly stroke in my mind’s eye. He was the perfect swimmer.

I never made it to varsity swimming. I was bad enough that in a less forgiving program they might have sent me back down to the modified team I’d been on in Middle School. Within the same year I had been marveling at the swimming perfection of Michael Phelps I was swearing off competitive swimming myself due to a combination of hazing, lack of talent, and a newfound passion for Cross-Country running. I never got close to the same waters of swimming perfection.

We have a funny understanding of perfection don’t we? Plainly we imagine some sterilized vision of faultless grace unreachable to our kindest conceptions of ourselves. We pick up an instrument and imagine a symphony orchestra in a concert hall. This thinking infects our cultural understandings of Christianity as well: heaven is a collection of cloud-bound harpists, the Saints are wise paragons illustrated like military generals, and for we Catholics there is Mary Immaculate conceived without sin.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary (referencing Mary’s Immaculate conception i.e. conceived without sin) is really the final boss of absurdly perfect religious ideas. On the face of it even the well-versed Christian might ask: Why do we need a sinless mother when the son she bore was sinless? Does that not make her less relatable? Does that not make her less human in a certain way?

When I gushed about the Blessed Mother back in May I touched on this briefly. The monthly Catholic devotions circle around to familiar themes. This is intentional in a way: prayer often involves repetition and what better things to repeat than the inner truths of the faith? What I wrote back in May was that Mary’s perfection did not make her any less human, it made her MORE human. Sin pulls us away from complete human flourishing, not towards it.

But this monthly devotion isn’t about her immaculate conception, that comes in December. No, this is about Mary giving us the grace to be more human… and dare I say less sinful? More than that: Mary gives us the graces to be more. Maybe not Michael Phelps level graces, but graces that glow vibrantly in us, nonetheless. Yes, there will be shiny things in this article! But don’t be blinded by the light, the simplicity of this devotion is what will keep you coming back.

This feels like an old habit now, but it has served me well: let’s dive into history to start!

The Miraculous Medal

Paris in 1830. The July Revolution is unfolding. Yes, the revolution Victor Hugo was writing about in Les Misérables. This revolution replaced one monarch with another. Charles X wanted to be a more dictatorial, absolute monarch so a good old fashioned French revolution threw him out for a cousin, Louis Philippe who accepted a constitution. He would preside over a decline in French living standards, so he was himself thrown out eighteen years later in another revolt of the French people.

The same year, in the same city, something miraculous was happening. Catherine Laboure, a daughter of Charity (the female religious order to the Vincentians established two centuries earlier by the great French Saint Vincent De Paul) had just entered the convent. On July 18th she was beckoned into the chapel by what she described as a child’s voice. Once there, the Blessed Virgin Mary spoke to her saying: “God wishes to charge you with a mission. You will be contradicted, but do not fear; you will have the grace to do what is necessary. Tell your spiritual director all that passes within you. Times are evil in France and in the world.”

Four months later, the Blessed Mother actually appeared to Laboure during evening meditations. This time she displayed herself in an oval, the details of which are all laid out in the Miraculous medal itself. The most notable feature of the miraculous medal (see the thumbnail image of this post) is the words around the outside: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

Mary was adorned with gems, most of which glistening out radiant light. Catherine asked why some of the gems were not shining and the Blessed Mother responded: “Those are the graces for which people forget to ask.” More on this exhortation in a moment. Mary told Catherine to bring a description of the image she appeared within to her confessor who would make medallions for which graces would come to those who possessed them. This Catherine did.

After some time assessing the sincerity of Catherine’s visions, her confessor did bring the visions to the Archbishop anonymously, hoping to protect Catherine from backlash. The Archbishop approved the visions and medallions were made. The devotion spread rapidly and had a big impact on the tumultuous but soaring Catholicism of the nineteenth century. The devotion was influential in the 1854 proclamation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary by Pope Pius IX, the biggest “long time coming” proclamation in the history of the Catholic Church which we’ll talk more about in December.

For her part Catherine Laboure would spend the next forty years of her life caring for the elderly and infirm outside Paris to the point she would be recognized as the Patron Saint of Seniors when she was canonized a Saint in 1947. Except for the four years immediately preceding her death in 1876 as she fell ill, Laboure gave her life exclusively to service, not the attention her visions had gained.

Nowadays you are likely to encounter the miraculous medal, in numbers, in any explicitly Catholic store or shrine. French Catholics practically throw them at you I’ve discovered. Just going to a Catholic shrine or on a retreat here or there I have come into a dozen of them. I also went to a Vincentian college, Niagara University, which helped my odds I suppose. The image itself, and its reverse, are densely packed with symbolic, prayerful meaning. Few devotions pack so much into such a little package.

The bottom of the front side has Mary standing atop the year 1830 which is a plain reference to the year of St. Catherine Laboure’s visions. The first words she spoke to Catherine are written around the outer parameter here. Mary’s arms are outstretched, symbolizing recourse to her, and the shining rays of light shine out from her hands extending the graces she told Catherine about.

As with most Marian depictions, Mary is standing on a globe representing her queenship of heaven and earth. Upon that globe is the serpent she strikes with her heel in reference to Genesis 3:15. We Catholics consider her the mysterious new eve discreetly referenced in that verse who crushes the forces of evil and sin by way of her brave acceptance of Jesus Christ before anyone else.

Before going to the symbolism on the reverse side of the medal I want to touch on this ability of Mary to dispense graces. All of Catholic Marian dogma really comes back to this idea that Mary is a mediatrix of the grace of God, indeed the premier mediatrix of that grace. Yes, God’s grace shines upon all who seek his face, but Mary is the original co-mediatrix with Christ. She is the great guide to Jesus Christ and the primary conduit of the graces he so desperately wants to impart on us.

Worth the distinction here, particularly for my non-Catholic readers, Mary is a co-mediatrix with Christ, that is she helps dispense his grace (like a true mom) like she does in so many small, personal ways and in big ways with these Marian visitations we talk about. Mary is not co-redemptrix, that is she is not herself a redeemer of humanity, that is a title and role reserved entirely for Jesus Christ. This is a critical distinction and worth repeating when you find someone scandalized by Mary’s prominence in Catholic life. Pope Francis reaffirmed this co-mediatrix/co-redemptrix distinction as recently as 2020.

Onto the reverse side of the Miraculous Medal. Around the parameter is the twelve stars crowning Mary from Revelation 12:1. While Protestants take a more agnostic understanding of this passage, it is the belief of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches (and most non-Protestant churches for that matter) that this pregnant woman giving birth referenced is Mary. The twelve stars then become a loaded metaphor, a crown unique among all Saints, a sign of her queenship over the communion of Saints, all those who pursued Jesus in exemplary ways.

This is for the same deeply relational reasons I gushed about back in May, that Mary bravely chooses Jesus before any other human being; but also because the stars indicate a sacred continuity between Jews and Christians and of the character of God himself forever. In one sense, the stars are a symbol of eternity for the ancients, as far as they knew stars lasted forever. God is eternally with us and wants to extend his saving grace to us.

The number twelve is a reference to God’s original chosen people, the nation of Israel, and their twelve tribes. The twelve stars also represent the Twelve Apostles, the foundation of Christianity and the tangible origin of the Church itself. The Twelve Apostles reference with the stars is also bluntly literally when we consider Mary a constant feature of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Those original twelve would have known Mary’s holiness quite well personally.

The twelve stars meaning goes so much deeper than I can fit in this article. Suffice to say Mary’s queenship which they represent is an honor and a grace given to all humanity via her intercession for us. Mary continually pleads our case to God outside of time and space in the realm of eternity. In the ancient world the most powerful queen in a royal court was usually the king’s mother for various reasons. Mary’s Queenship would have made perfect sense in that period of history.

Central on the reverse side is the Marian Cross. This is a regular cross with the letter M beneath it, sometimes with a crossbar linking the two. The Marian Cross is meant to represent the Blessed Mother’s presence for her son all the way through the passion, especially the crucifixion. Mary and only two of Jesus’ followers were there throughout, the ultimate fruition of Mary’s devotion to Jesus which began when she accepted his conception at the Annunciation before he was born.

The two hearts beneath the Marian Cross are the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In June I went in depth on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and I invite you to go back to that profound image of Jesus’ love for us in that article. The Immaculate Heart of Mary is shown with a sword piercing it. This sword represents Mary’s sorrows, namely the suffering she had to endure for her son.

Sidenote: the September devotion is the Seven Sorrows of Mary. That devotion dives deep into Mary’s experience of the salvific mission of her son. Moreover, the image itself is seven swords piercing her heart so we will explain this in much more detail next month.

I don’t need to explain why the death of a child is a traumatic suffering. However, when we consider all that Mary went through we see how profound her motherly devotion was: after all she knew the mission her son was on. She was told before he was even born. She went ahead with it all anyway and felt every joy and suffering along the way, nonetheless. Mary’s Immaculate Heart is what this month’s devotion is really all about.

Simplicity Immaculate

What are the graces “for which people forget to ask”? That is the big question left open when you first encounter this devotion. As far as I have been able to ascertain there are no specific graces frequently missed being referenced here. Rather this is an invitation to be brave like Mary was and ask for God’s grace. There is a simplicity to this worth noting. If you have a question, ask it. If you need help, request assistance. If you knock, the door will be opened for you. There is no magical thinking here: just an exhortation to be humble enough to ask for God’s help.

I could go on and on about how powerful that message would have been in St. Catherine Laboure’s moment in history in a France clutched by revolution for the second time in many people’s lifetime, “Times are evil in France and in the world” as the Blessed Mother said to Laboure, but I already went down the history hole once in this article. Still we might want to take on the comfort of that message: the ugliness of the times come and go. Divine grace always awaits us when we’re willing to accept it.

The kicker of the graces not asked for bit is the emphasis of a spiritual, almost psychologically heavy, chasm we feel between God and ourselves; the same chasm that often stops us from contemplating any personal ascent towards God or… dare I say perfection, Christian perfection. We don’t consider that magnitude of holiness something we could ever do so we simply don’t try or worse, perpetuate the idea its all an inaccessible religious standard of a bygone era.

I think I still love swimming. They normally capture my attention the most at every summer Olympics. Michael Phelps has now retired from competition. I got all excited to see him in the commentator’s booth for the U.S. Olympic Trials this go around. He isn’t defensive about his records. Michael Phelps is actually in regular contact with some of the most promising American swimmers in the pool these days.

Principal among those is one Katie Ledecky who is a handful of medals away from becoming the most decorated female Olympian of all time, an honor not far off from Phelps’ own title as the most decorated Olympian of all time. The fun thing here is that Ledecky was a fan of Phelps since she was a child. She got his autograph when he was hardly twenty-one years old, in the early phases of stunning the swimming world. Ledecky was only nine years old at that time. That 2006 autograph was before those legendary Beijing Olympics that stick in my memory.

Ledecky took that inspiration and became the greatest female swimmer ever. She did not consider Phelps an unattainable standard of perfection hindering her own striving for swimming excellence. That may sound like a ridiculous proposition: why would inspiration, a role model, discourage her from swimming? Bingo.

Now you see how grace works. Graces are God’s way of working with us if we only choose to cooperate. To put them off is in some ways taking an utterly positive thing and letting it rot on the vine. Grace is simple, beautifully simple.

No, I am not comparing Michael Phelps to God or Katie Ledecky to the Blessed Mother. The point here is that we have to overcome this existential awkwardness for lack of a better term. Christian perfection is possible with grace. We have to overcome a very human but nonetheless unhelpful compulsion that God’s callings for us are not doable or even conceivable at that. Immaculate is not a synonym for unattainable. Mary’s Immaculate Heart is our home base for the kind of striving that helps us approach Christian perfection if we only choose to cooperate with God.

It is really that simple. It is immaculate simplicity. Effort the approach to divine grace and you are likely to come away with something shiny. Your mind might really get blown when you discover the grace of God in a talent you possess just waiting to be activated by the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Thanks for reading! My book “How to catch feelings for Jesus” is available online. Admittedly it is not this focused on the Blessed Mother, but I definitely hit on the themes of the devotion in other facets. Share this article! I am in the swing of writing on a monthly basis now and would love to hear your input. Did you really read more than 2800 words to not have something to say about it?

[to-taiwan-from-fanny]

07/16/2024

July 16 - National Palace Museum, Meat-shaped Stone, and Residential

I would like to start this blog post with a formal apology to Faith for waking her up mid-nap later on in the day due to my uncontrollable laughter. In my defense, it was really funny (Hi Jommel!) and if she wasn't running on negative hours of rest, I'm sure she would've found it amusing as well.

Today was probably the best day so far, if we prioritize quality of life when ranking. While we might've not partied in the party bus, it sure did a great job of protecting me from heatstroke and having very soft reclinable seats.

Enough about the bus, the real highlight of the day was the National Palace Museum, where I encountered my one true love: "Meat Shaped Stone" from Qing Dynasty.

Oh, braised pork-looking stone. I don't think I'll ever forget you. Though it's been over half a day since our fateful meeting, I still get butterflies thinking of your elegance. I don't think I've wanted to eat an inanimate object more in my life: it looked so juicy and yummy.

Sadly, since it's "apparently a crime" to steal national artifacts from museums, I tried to buy a mini-replica of my beloved at the gift shop, only to be shut down by my dad, who doubted the quality of the material used to make it. Though I hated to admit it, he had a point - my beloved meat shaped rock deserved better than plastic. I could not tarnish its good name by letting such a cheap replica be its physical manifestation. I left the museum with a newfound sense of contentment. Other stuff happened too, including a really insightful trip to Chiang Kai-Shek's residence but it all pales in comparison to pork rock.

below are photos of my Everything and misc.

Academic Reflection

Though I barely touched on it earlier on in my blog post, the guided tour of Chiang Kai-Shek's Shilin Residence is by far one of the favorite things I've done so far on this study abroad trip.

Chiang Kai-Shek is a controversial figure. Depending on which side of history one's ancestors are from, opinions on him vary wildly. Peter mentioned that his grandmother's side especially wasn't a fan of him.

We had also heard from him before stepping foot into Chiang's residence that he stayed in that house for 26 years, which had me imagining a super-fancy mansion with marble flooring and gold engravement on every wall. Contrary to expectations, the residence was humbly decorated and arguably plain even when taking into consideration the sheer size of the place.

Though some of my classmates disagreed, I absolutely loved the formatting of the tour: it was entirely audio-guided through a small device given to us at the entrance. It allowed me to explore every nook and cranny of the place to the pace of my leisure.

I was surprised to learn that Mr. Chiang was a devout Christian; I guess I just wasn't expecting that from a man who ruled over a country with Buddhist and Taoist temples everywhere but when has the beliefs of a pseudo-cult leader ever been predictable? It made much more sense when I found out that Mrs. Chiang was the one who converted him. You can just tell how much the two loved each other from the way the house is adorned with her touches. It's little details like this that humanizes these historical figures for me. Learning about strangers through an audio recording can be a bit cold and detached so having that visual really helped.

that's all for today :)

with love, fanny

[noisycowboyglitter]

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The phrase invites individuals to pause amidst life's chaos and find inner calm. "Be still" suggests more than physical quietude; it implies a mental and spiritual quieting, a cessation of worry and frantic thought. It's an encouragement to let go of the need to control every aspect of life and instead find peace in surrendering to something greater.

"Know That I Am God" reinforces the idea of divine presence and authority. It reminds believers of God's sovereignty and omnipotence, suggesting that even in the face of life's greatest challenges, there is a higher plan and purpose at work.

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This phrase often appears in various forms of religious and inspirational art, from wall hangings and posters to jewelry and tattoos. It serves as a daily reminder for many to trust in their faith, to find strength in stillness, and to remember that they are not alone in their struggles.

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Butterfly art captures the delicate beauty and symbolism of these enchanting insects in various creative forms. Artists often depict butterflies using vibrant colors and intricate patterns, reflecting their natural splendor. Techniques range from realistic paintings and detailed sketches to stylized illustrations and abstract interpretations.

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These artworks frequently symbolize transformation, hope, and rebirth, making them popular choices for both personal spaces and public displays. Butterfly motifs are also common in decorative arts, appearing on textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.

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[wordsbeforeflowers-always]

Carnation

The carnation means fascination, distinction, and love. According to a Christian legend, carnations grew from the Virgin Mary's tears as she watched Jesus carry the cross. This is how they became associated with motherly love.

Know more about amazing carnation

Carnation

Dianthus caryophyllus

ALSO KNOWN AS

Clove Pinks, Angelier (Afr.), Border carnation, Clove pink, Cottage pink, Divine flower, Gilly flower, Picotee

Carnation is the birth flower for those born in the month of January.

Carnation Symbolism & Colors

Carnations grow in a wide variety of colors including pink, white, red, yellow, and scarlet. They are popular flowers for dying, so if you can’t find a natural color you like you can create it! Each color has a different meaning.

White carnations symbolize purity and luck.

Light red carnations symbolize admiration.

Dark red carnations symbolize love and affection.

Pink carnations symbolize gratitude.

Yellow carnations symbolize disappointment or rejection.

Purple carnations symbolize capriciousness.

Traditions and history

In France, purple carnations are the traditional funeral flower.Carnations are given on 1st anniversaries as a sign of love and commitment.They’re the second most popular cut flower after roses.

Carnations are the national flower of Spain and Slovenia.Since Ottoman times, red carnations and tulips are used in the interior wall paintings of mosques in Turkey. It is often said that while tulips represent God, carnations are the symbol for prophet Muhammad .{peace be upon him}

Carnations were mentioned in Greek literature 2,000 years ago. The term dianthus was coined by Greek botanist Theophrastus, and is derived from the Ancient Greek words for divine ("dios") and flower ("anthos"). The name "carnation" is believed to come from the Latin corona-ae, a "wreath, garland,

The formal name for carnation, dianthus, comes from Greek for "heavenly flower", or the flower ofCarnation Cultural Significance.

Carnation in poets

Carnations have inspired many artists, poets, and authors. British composer Joseph Mazzinghi wrote a song entitled “Ye Shepherds Tell Me”, which told of a beautiful girl wearing a wreath of flowers.

A wreath around her head,

Around her head she wore,

Carnation, lily, lily, rose,

And in her hand a crook she bore,

And sweets her breath compose.

Esteemed artist John Singer Sargent was influenced by this song, and created a painting entitled Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, which depicts two girls playing with lanterns in the garden.

Carnation in cooking

Edible

A spicy, floral taste. Ideal for adding to cakes or for use as decoration. Could be used as a colourful garnish to add to soups or salads.

Carnation overview

Dianthus caryophyllus is also known by the common name carnation. Historically this species has been cultivated for more than 2000 years. It is used medicinally, cosmetically, culinarily and as an insect repellant. The fragrant flowers are a favourite in many gardens, they make lovely cut flowers and are even listed in the top 10 cut flowers of the world, to grow at home!

Special features of Carnation

Nectar attracts butterflies and bees.

HOW TO HARVEST CARNATION

Deadhead flowers to keep this carnation blooming longer. Cutting side flower shoots will encourage the central bud grow into a larger flower.

Description

Dianthus caryophyllus is a herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 80 cm (31+1⁄2 in) tall. The leaves are glaucous greyish green to blue-green, slender, up to 15 cm (6 in) long. The flowers are produced singly or up to five together in a cyme; they are around 3–5 cm (1+1⁄4–2 in) diameter, and sweetly scented; the original natural flower color is bright pinkish-purple, but cultivars of other colors, including red, white, yellow, blue and green, along with some white with colored striped variations have been developed.

SPECIAL FEATURES OF CARNATION

Attracts useful insects

Nectar attracts butterflies and bees.

Attracts birds

Fragrant flowers attract nectar feeders like hummingbirds and insect eating birds too.

Facts about carnation

Purple carnations indicate capriciousness. In France, it is a traditional funeral flower, given in condolence for the death of a loved one.Carnations are often worn on special occasions, especially Mother's Day and weddings. In 1907, Anna Jarvis chose a carnation as the emblem of Mother's Day because it was her mother's favourite flower. This tradition is now observed in the United States and Canada on the second Sunday in May. Ann Jarvis chose the white carnation because she wanted to represent the purity of a mother's love. This meaning has evolved over time, and now a red carnation may be worn if one's mother is alive, and a white one if she has died.

Where carnation found

The wild carnation is found in the Mediterranean countries of Spain, Italy, Croatia, Albania, Greece and Turkey.

Know more about any flower??? Just Ask me !!!!

[30-before-30-but-im-27]

In preparation for this year's travels, I wanted to list the countries I have already visited starting from the latest one.

COPENHAGEN

We visited Copenhagen for Halloween. Copenhagen has one of the oldest theme parks in Europe, Tivoli Gardens. It was first opened in 1843 and features one of the oldest running wooden roller coasters built in 1914 called the, wait for it, The Roller Coaster. For Halloween, the theme park transforms into pumpkin heaven. I think they have 20,000 pumpkins decorating the park during this time. As someone who loves Halloween (check out my main blog for evidence of this) I had to go there and in 2022 I was lucky to be able to visit exactly on Halloween. Each Halloween I try to do something else spooky-related. 2022's Halloween was one of the best ones I had!

Copenhagen itself is a beautiful city in Denmark. It's home to the famous Nyhavn 17th-century waterfront, the statue of the Little Mermaid, stunning architecture, and, of course, offers plenty of references to Hans Christian Andersen. My favorite places to visit; however, were the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (art museum with a winter garden and a lovely cafe), the Botanical Garden with glass-winged butterflies, and the grounds around the Kastellet where the Little Mermaid statue is located. It offers stunning views of the water and the Amager Bakke; a combined heat and power waste-to-energy plant, which I was pretty stoked to see. Finally, I lost it over a water bus. Never seen one before. It docked at Ofelia Plads and without shame, I stared at the whole operation. That's some good public transport.

[natsuki-bakery]

⁎˚ ఎ CG! Sunday Headcanons ໒ ˚⁎

Can you do a Caregiver Sunday from hsr headcanon please ? Have a nice day !

•Despite his usual dignified and cunning demeanor, Sunday is deeply committed to providing a nurturing and secure environment for you

•Morning Routine : Dada Sunday starts the day by preparing a gentle, comforting breakfast. He chooses foods that are easy to eat and have a soothing effect, like warm milk with honey, soft bread, and fresh fruit

•Sunday meticulously organizes the living space to be safe and inviting. He removes any potential hazards and fills the area with soft cushions, blankets, and toys that are age-appropriate

•He decorates the space with calming colors and gentle lighting to create a peaceful atmosphere

•Understanding the importance of play for development, Sunday plans various activities throughout the day. He engages you in creative play, such as drawing, building with blocks, and simple puzzles

•Sunday reads to you, choosing stories that are both comforting and subtly educational. His storytelling is animated yet soothing, capturing your imagination

•Papa Sun is highly attentive to your emotional needs. He recognizes signs of distress or discomfort quickly and responds with comforting words and physical reassurance, such as gentle pats or hugs

•Bedtime Routine : As the day winds down, Sunday prepares a relaxing bedtime routine. He ensures you have a warm bath, followed by dressing you in soft, comfortable pajamas

•He creates a bedtime environment that is quiet and serene, with dimmed lights and a cozy bed. Sunday reads a calming bedtime story, helping you to relax and drift off to sleep peacefully

•He stays close until you're fully asleep, ensuring you feel safe and secure throughout the night

•While Sunday maintains a composed exterior, he often reflects on his role as a caregiver in private moments. He genuinely cares for your well-being

•As a caregiver, Sunday is attentive, compassionate, and deeply dedicated to the well-being of the age regressor

DNI: basic criteria, DSMP, vivziepop/h4zbin h0tel/h3lluva b0ss fans, Owl h0use fans, St4r butterfly fans, Ghibli fans, ddlg/abdl, nsfw/k!nk, anti-agere, anti Christians blogs

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[miyawaves]

help thats not what christianity talks about

at least protestants view, we say the earth is something god gave us to take care of, we are gods stewards and we will take care of the environment, the animals, and even the butterflies people consider to be little decorations of gardens

christianity did a number on the ecosystem

Christian peoples' way of thinking, especially the men, makes a lot more sense when you realize that they consider earth their playground, and that humans aren't animals and instead everything here is for humans to use, and that death is entrance into heaven as long as you follow god's rules (at least what that specific person believes to be god's rules)

[bethestaryouareradio]

Freedom Flowers

“Just living isn’t enough,” said the butterfly. “One must also have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”  Hans Christian Andersen

When we think of July, Independence Day looms large. Parades, barbecues, family gatherings, music, pool parties, fireworks, and flying the red, white, and blue are all part of the fun. This year is particularly important because of the forthcoming elections where freedom is on the ballot.

We have plenty of sunshine and since just living isn’t enough, what do freedom and flowers have in common?

Both are linked to beauty and an enhanced lifestyle. Flowers connect us to nature and thrill us with their glorious colors, textures, forms, and scents. The beauty of freedom is that we live life with ease. We make choices, feel liberated, and can express ourselves without fear. Both flowers and freedom are fleeting and fragile. They are not free. If we don’t care for and protect our flowers and freedom, they will wilt and die.

To celebrate our national pride, have fun with what I call “freedom” flowers, fruits, vegetables, and accessories that reflect our loyalty to “Old Glory”.  Plant an American flag garden with a pattern using red and white flowers for the stripes with blue flowers punctuated by small white flowers to mimic the stars. Create a patriotic theme in a mixed border with large blocks of the three colors or decorate with curated urns and containers. Add string lights that flicker red, white, and blue, place tiny American flags throughout the garden, or raise a large banner on a flagpole as a focal point. Add a red birdhouse and incorporate windchimes or statuary in unexpected places in the landscape that complement the theme. Don’t forget festive tablecloths, patio pillows, and throws as decorative and utilitarian elements! Add nutrition with bowls of fruit, and platters of vegetables with dips and chips for a cheerful culinary celebration.

Here are a few ideas for the flowers, fruits, and vegetables to utilize in your garden or plant in pots on your patio or porch.

Choices for RED include:

FLOWERS

Roses

Salvia

Hollyhocks

Impatiens

Petunias

Zinnias

Snapdragons

FRUIT

Cherries

Plums

Watermelon

Strawberries

Apples

Raspberries

Red grapes

VEGETABLES

Tomatoes

Red bell peppers

Chili peppers

Radishes

Red potatoes

Red onions

Rhubarb

Choices for Blue include:

FLOWERS

Hydrangeas

Bachelor Buttons

Iris

Forget-me-nots

Lobelia

Delphiniums

Agapanthus

FRUIT

Elderberries

Concord grapes

Blueberries

Damson plums

VEGETABLES

Blue corn

Choices for White include:

FLOWERS

Magnolias

Petunias

Roses

Gardenias

Lilies

Peonies

Impatiens

FRUIT

White peaches

White mulberries

Thompson seedless grapes

VEGETABLES

Cauliflower

Jicama

Turnips

Garlic

White onions

Fennel bulb

Parsnips

Although it is a little silly, I like to sparkle on the 4th. The marvelous memories of the past 4th of July family and friend gatherings bring big smiles to my face.  As I read historical biographies, I am cognizant of the bravery and sacrifices of the men and women who helped in our fight for freedom from 1776 until the present. Did they enjoy some of the same flowers, fruits, and vegetables that we relish today?

Just living is never enough. Oscar Wilde may have said it best. He wrote, “With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?”

Appreciate the sunshine, the moon, the flowers, and our freedom.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. Happy Independence Day!

 Read The Lamorinda Weekly: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1810/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Freedom-flowers.html

For more gardening advice for all seasons, check out Growing with the Goddess Gardener at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 which was just honored as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her newest children’s picture book, Books in the Barnyard: Oh Deer!, from the series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures is available for discounted pre-sales at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com  https://www.CynthiaBrian.com