23 Comments
User's avatar
Kathy G's avatar

Wow. I adore peonies and have one lone plant. But that quote just stunned with its rightness.

Manise's avatar

Definitely one of my favorites! ❤️

Tamara's avatar

Peonies are one of my favorite flower, especially the ones that smell like roses. Ours got caught in our mini heat wave and blew so fast that they'd hardly been there when the rains came and washed all the petals away. So I'm happy to see yours are buxom and bountiful!

Mary McNally's avatar

That quote felt like a gut punch. I probably should take a lesson from peonies. I’m definitely old enough to accept that most things (especially people) are ephemeral. Some of the lettings go have been much harder than others. 💔

Joanna's avatar

There you go, well said.🥰

Kathy Sieg's avatar

I love Thich Nhat Hahn! It seems to me most of us have this issue with wanting things to last beyond their sell by date. I am working on embracing change; change is good; change is a constant that I really need to enjoy more! More Joy, less Suffering! I so enjoyed seeing the peony flower, now all I can wish for is that we could attach the fragrance to the visual!

Jackie Sideman's avatar

I too love peonies. Wonderful quote.

Sharon's avatar

The scent of peonies is wonderful and it comes to replace the wonderful scent of lilacs. Each in its time is my favourite.

Patty's avatar

They really are such showy, fancy blooms.

Angella Stimson's avatar

I love the quote! I have a few peonies in front of my house and love them so much! I can understand your impulse Clara!

Elizabeth Ann's avatar

Peonies are so beautiful ! The quote is also so beautiful and so very true.

s o's avatar

Me too Clara. Check put "Peony Paradise" Adelman Peony Garden outside Salem Oregon. It has become an annual pilgrimage for me during bloom time. I can't figure out how to paste a photo here for you but Really, visit their website. The fabulous Silver Falls State Park in close by and has Wonder cabins and unlimited hot water showers for very reasonable rates. It's so worth it.

Colleen Ware's avatar

Ahhh. Beautiful. Now I am wanting to go to Winterthur. It is peony time there too. Perfect quote by one of my favorite philosophers, although I am not sure he would call himself that. A perfect reminder to me not to lament changes.

JoAnn's avatar

Your photos are frequently the treat of my day. Thanks!

Jennifer Manoukian's avatar

Peonies are also my favorite flower—their aroma, their lush blousiness (as you say) their various colors at the red end of the spectrum—you can almost chew them. The question of impermanence is a whole “nother” thing.

Suzan Williams's avatar

Love the quote!