We often see only that which we perceive as perfect, unflawed, without blemish. Fashion models and model homes. Flawless complexions and svelte figures. Glossy advertisement and enhanced photography. It is, I think, human nature to appreciate beauty, but, we often are swayed as to what beauty is. For instance, this bouquet. It caught my eye – for its perfect imperfection!
There is usually a floral arrangement at the information desk just inside the Visitor’s Center of the Morton Arboretum. It is most often a seasonally inspired collection of flowers, branches, leaves and more. I believe the natural materials used are gathered from the grounds of the Arboretum. The arrangements are always an inviting and cheerful welcome to the Visitor’s Center; a handshake, if you will, to the vast acreage of Morton Arboretum.
On what was mostly a crisp and cloudy day, the sun suddenly appeared, just as I passed this Autumnal arrangement. I walked past, then pivoted around for a second look.
Some things are worth a second look.
It was the unusual color of the leaves that gave me pause. I am familiar with hosta leaves and their many variations, but, I was unfamiliar with this particular color combination. I stood a few feet across from the desk for a moment and admired it, before I stepped closer and took a few photos with my cell phone. It was then that I realized that these leaves were a bit past their prime. They were, in fact, fading , wrinkled – and beautiful!
I squealed (more a squeak) drawing a few quizzical glances. “Oh, sorry. I was just admiring this arrangement and love that the leaves were left to fade a bit”.
The faded leaves, which I assume were originally a cream color, now mimicked the orange of the pumpkin. They told the story of their emergence from the once frozen soil and of their once tender leaves tasting the springtime air. They spoke of the long, hot summer with too much rain and not enough. Their natural, defining grooves had deepened as they matured, much like my own wrinkles and scars. The once deep green had softened and thinned but were still soaking up the water from the pumpkin pot. I found it brave and I thought it wise for these leaves to still be on display; a natural reflection of life as one season gives way to another.
~ Perfectly Imperfect ~
Beautiful post! Finding beauty everywhere – love it!
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You are so sweet, Jennifer. Thank you – and yes. We must find beauty everywhere.
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I think there’s a reason we take second looks at things…sometimes it’s to open our eyes (good or bad) to something we overlooked the first time. Love your post!
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I agree and have often discovered something otherwise overlooked.
Thank you – and welcome to the Cutoff. 🙂
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A little metaphor, eh Penny?! Actually, not being a fan of hosta, I think the leaves look better like that. haha
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Yes, indeed. 🙂 Metaphorical.
I do not care much for their flowers, Nan, accept for the Autumn lily hostas, which truly smell like lilies, but, I’ve gained a respect for the resiliency of the leaves. Now, I even like the faded, dead ones.
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Oh, how I wish I had your talent for descriptions and analogies, Penny! This is lovely!
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You are very kind, Karen, and I truly thank you.
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Thank you for sharing such lovely thoughts today, Penny! Just last week, a ‘second look’ stopped me in my tracks, too. I pass by the welcome desk at our library more than once a week, and usually slow down to say hello to to the friendly greeter there. This time, I had to stop and admire the sweet little vase of flowers on her desk ~ blooms from Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ surrounded by beautiful Hosta leaves. I grow both perennials, just one foot apart, but never thought to combine them for a sweet, simple arrangement. So grateful that Autumn inspiration is all around us! Hope you are enjoying our delightful weather, Penny! I’ve been working hard in the garden every day! ♡
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You are very welcome, Dawn.
How wonderful that you took the time to stop at the library welcome desk. That combination sounds quite lovely and what a great reminder to us all to take a cue from nature. The Autumn Joy sedum is really looking amazing this year, isn’t it?
This is my favorite time of year and I have been definitely enjoying the weather and glad to hear that you have as well.
Thank you, Dawn.
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I assume that a great many people walked right on past that little arrangement and didn’t pay it any attention at all! And if they did, perhaps didn’t admire the change in the foliage color. The leaves really do look like fall foliage, don’t they? I love that you noticed the beauty in an arrangement past its prime…such a hopeful outlook, Penny!
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Thank you, Debra. It made me wonder how many times I have passed beauty up just because it didn’t fit into the box of beauty we are used to. I agree. The leaves do look like fall foliage.
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Penny, your positive outlook let’s you find beauty everywhere. I love your post . Getting away from perfection and appreciating imperfection, you said it so well.
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I’m so pleased to read your comment, Gerlinde. Thank you. Isn’t it grand that we can keep learning in life?
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I needed this post today! LOVE the photo of that arrangement and your beautiful words. I love that you saw this arrangement. You are so right. We usually see perfect looking flowers artfully arranged. This is wonderful!
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I’m so glad that the post appeared when you needed it, L. Marie. There is beauty in so many things that I don’t often see and this arrangement was a reminder for me to look closer. Thank you and have a good day.
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I appreciate your comment on appreciating things a bit past their prime as my birthdays come and go swiftly now! It is nice to see how we fit into the seasonal aspect of nature. You gave me a sweet reminder to try to see things and not just look or glance as I pass by. I hope your week is special.
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That swift passage of time and birthdays is most certainly upon me, Marilyn. I suppose it is why I was drawn to this arrangement. 🙂 There is so much beauty in all of the stages of life and some of the most beautiful people I know come with wrinkles and fading – like the image I see in the mirror, myself.
Thank you, Marilyn. It has actually turned quickly into a rather challenging week after I posted this. Working on a post now.
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‘Wrinkled and beautiful’ — nothing like finding a good role model in nature! I can relate to this Penny.
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I think we can all find a good role model in nature, Juliet. Here in the States, pumpkins are widely carved into scary creatures. I like them better as vessels of beauty. Thank you for your comment.
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