People struggle. We struggle over all sorts of things. Education, Relationships, Work. You name it, people struggle with it. I have had so many struggles in the last few years, I oftentimes find myself looking for something good to hang onto. I guess that’s one of the reasons why I grow roses.
It helps to remind me that there is some good left in the world and that good still happens in people’s lives. For me to be able to dig into the earth, to plant and nurture and grow a rose has become God’s way of showing me that there is hope.
We bought this miniature rose in July. “Heartbreaker“. It has not impressed us until now. In fact, Tina and I had discussed shovel pruning it in the spring to make room for another rose. The summer blooms were not pretty, it was not growing well, etc…
After two days of frosty mornings, most of our roses are beginning to take their rest for the winter. This rose however, is just now beginning to shine. I took this picture this morning. We have now decided, its a keeper.
It’s just another reminder that just when I was about to give up something, along comes a reason to hold on. There is hope. There is some good left in the world. I heard this song playing in the background on a movie I was watching this weekend. Curious me had to go and find it online. It’s kinda fits……
About Chris VanCleave - America's Favorite Rose Gardener
Christopher R. VanCleave – America’s Favorite Rose Gardener
Nicknamed "The Redneck Rosarian”, Chris VanCleave is passionate about gardening and growing roses. He is an active member of the Birmingham chapter of the American Rose Society, serving two terms as President. In 2007, he created the Rose Chat Podcast which has reached over a half a million listeners with news and information on growing on growing the world’s most beloved flower, the rose.
He was a contributor to the 2015 Southern Living Gardening Book, has appeared on P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home television show and was featured in the June 2015 issue of Southern Living Magazine. Locally, Chris serves as Chairman of the Helena Alabama Beautification Board where he has spearheaded efforts to create a sustainable landscape in one of the top one hundred places to live in the United States.
His writing is seen at About.com and on his popular website; RedneckRosarian.com, where he chronicles his gardening adventures and explores an intrinsic mix of life, faith and gardening.
An agent of change with over 20 years’ experience in process innovation, Mr. VanCleave is leading the charge to reinvigorate horticultural societies and helping them to reach their full potential in the social media age.
>I totally understand your reasoning. I started a new job teaching (I am a nurse) in August and my life has been so crazy. All I have to do is see a beautiful bloom and it grounds me and lets me know things are still beautiful even though my mind is fried! Thanks for sharing the thoughts and the rose.
>We’re a group of volunteers and starting a brand new initiative in a community. Your weblog supplied us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous work!
>Dear Chris, Thank you; your post touched a cord. I just came home from a very scary three days in the cardiac unit. Your rose and video help me think it's going to be OK. Pam
>Really informative blog post here my friend. I just wanted to comment & say keep up the quality work. I’ve bookmarked your blog just now and I’ll be back to read more in the future my friend! Also well-chosen colors on the theme it goes well with the blog in my modest opinion 🙂
Update: As of May 2011, a spring bloom was photographed by me on a morning #gardenwalk and won the “Award of Photographic Excellence” at the Birmingahm Rose Show. GOOD DOES HAPPEN! – Blessings to all!
I hope things will improve in your personal life. Prayers to you. The rose is lovely. I love miniature roses.
There is something fierce about them even though they are small. It’s like life, We may feel insignificant, but with God’s armor we can do anything. I just thought “shovel pruning” was a hoot! I’m going to have to use that term. What a hoot.
Ah, Chris wonderful post Good Happens and I see and hear it each time I talk with you, Tina, Teresa and all the beautiful friends I have in my life! Thank you again for writing this post Annie
The Redneck Rosarian 
>I totally understand your reasoning. I started a new job teaching (I am a nurse) in August and my life has been so crazy. All I have to do is see a beautiful bloom and it grounds me and lets me know things are still beautiful even though my mind is fried! Thanks for sharing the thoughts and the rose.
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>The bloom is perfection!
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>This is a really sweet and heartful post. Love it. Thanks.
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>We’re a group of volunteers and starting a brand new initiative in a community. Your weblog supplied us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous work!
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>Yes a keeper for sure! My 'Lovely Fairy' is blooming aftr a miserable summer and a sharp haircut! gail
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>Dear Chris, Thank you; your post touched a cord. I just came home from a very scary three days in the cardiac unit. Your rose and video help me think it's going to be OK. Pam
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>Nice shots.
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>i enjoy exactly how you receive your level throughout
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>There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working ,great job!
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>Buona giornata DYNAMITE mio amico!
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>Sehr gute Sachen.
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>Thank you for the great information! I would not have discovered this otherwise!.
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>I usually don’t post in Blogs but your blog forced me to, amazing work.. beautiful …
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>Really informative blog post here my friend. I just wanted to comment & say keep up the quality work. I’ve bookmarked your blog just now and I’ll be back to read more in the future my friend! Also well-chosen colors on the theme it goes well with the blog in my modest opinion 🙂
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>Beautiful Rose. Great Story. Excellent Video. Yes GOOD HAPPENS!
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Update: As of May 2011, a spring bloom was photographed by me on a morning #gardenwalk and won the “Award of Photographic Excellence” at the Birmingahm Rose Show. GOOD DOES HAPPEN! – Blessings to all!
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I hope things will improve in your personal life. Prayers to you. The rose is lovely. I love miniature roses.
There is something fierce about them even though they are small. It’s like life, We may feel insignificant, but with God’s armor we can do anything. I just thought “shovel pruning” was a hoot! I’m going to have to use that term. What a hoot.
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We too have know heartbreak in the last couple of years. But, God is faithful! This beautiful rose is indeed one of His reminders.
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Ah, Chris wonderful post Good Happens and I see and hear it each time I talk with you, Tina, Teresa and all the beautiful friends I have in my life! Thank you again for writing this post Annie
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Beautiful post. We can always find beauty if we look for it.
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