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Day 223 Stop and Look 365 Samurai, It comes from the Japanese word that means “to serve.” Here is a glimpse of the Samarai exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. It was fascinating to learn this seven-hundred year history. There were women Samurai. A Black slave became a reverend Samurai and still has statues honoring him in Japan.  The aspect I found most intriguing was that their helmets started out as papeir-mâché. Samurai even made their horses wear ferocious masks.Samurai arrows are not only artistically designed, but they are still lethal killing instruments when they hit their mark. Samurai warriors are skilled at making this happen.Even if you don’t enjoy war, you will admire the elements of design throughout this exhibit

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Day 221 Stop and Look 365.  I almost missed this “stop and look.” To quote a somewhat old adage “I was so focused on the flowers that I almost missed the trees.” OK, it’s not quite the saving, but you get what I mean. For those of you who have read or seen the movie The Hobbit, this place looks like a road leading to Frodo’s house. Or any place in Middle Earth. These trees have a character, an old soul. I am not crazy but I feel like they want to talk to me. They want me to walk amongst them, and they will transport me to Middle Earth to visit Frodo. We all can benefit from some fantasy, magical places. Don’t let scenes like this escape your imagination.

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Day 220 Stop and Look 365   I think this looks magical. Some call it an invasive weed. It’s  wisteria. I guess too much of something can be overwhelming. But, how can you ignore the delicacy of these tiny lilac color flowers?Yes, it has taken over these trees. But, these flowers are providing food for the pollinators (the bees). They need our help. The sound resonating is like a lullaby, humming you to sleep. This place is stimulating for my imagination.  I am being transformed into a world of wonder and dreams. I think we need to leave nature alone. Not always try to control it. Admire the beauty it shares with us. Before, we lose it.

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Stop and Look 365Day 218     My yard is starting to come alive with blooms.  I really do enjoy looking at flowers. especially when they pop up from the ground.  My garden is a cottage garden because it is not formal and structured. To some, this might look like weeds. But they are flowers that bloom at different times throughout the summer. It starts off with daffodils,  then tulips and irises. Day lilies, black eye susan’s and phlox also start blooming in late July.  Oh, and my son plants over 50 zinnias every year for cuttings. The birds help too with planting crocuses, violets, and daffodils. This is a magical space for me. Do you have a place that makes you smile? If not, make one. It does not need to be grand. Just inspire and make you happy.

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Stop and Look 365               Day 217            These little flowers, called violets, can go unnoticed if you don’t  pay attention. You might even step on them. They are a very versatile flower. I have learned from my foraging that they can be used to make teas, jellies and dyes.  They also dress up any salads. There are 900 varieties around the world. The U.S. claims 77 varieties. I remember as a child, I would pick them to add to my crown of flowers. It’s a precious memory. What flowers give you warm memories. Maybe you should “stop and look” more closely to your surroundings. Now, go pick some violets and brew a cup of tea. Don’t forget to make a flower crown to wear while sipping your tea.