Here are some photos of the lilies that are growing in my yard. Because we moved into this house in the winter, I’ve been discovering all summer what kinds of perennials are in the garden. Lilies are some of my favourite flowers and I’m thrilled with the colours that are here – we also have a few bright orange and one yellow one, but the plants are smaller and have just one or two blooms. Next year I will be adding other varieties since I know they thrive here – I love how bold and showy they are and how long the flowers last.
It occured to me as I was writing this that the process of discovering a garden that you didn’t design or plant but are now in charge of is a pretty damn good analogy for what it’s going to be like meeting my child and getting to know him or her. Especially because our child was donor-conceived – there is a greater sense of mystery to it all, I guess. Already I am waiting with great anticipation to meet this little person and to find out what he or she looks like, what kind of temperament he/she is going to have. And I hope I can keep my heart open to all the unexpected parts as we grow together, just like I waited anxiously for these yellow and burgundy lilies to open up, having no idea what colour they would be, but was filled with joy when they finally burst open one morning.
Go see what everyone else is showing and telling over here!
We had fun finding out what was going to grow at our farm last year. We did have one clump of very tall orange lilies, and the rose bush we knew was there turned out to have dark purple-y flowers. The saskatoon bushes were obvious and not a surprise, but the pin or choke cherries and the huge rhubarb patch had me calling my mom in excitement.
I love lilies! They are such beautiful flowers! I love your analogy between the garden and your baby! It’s so sweet and very true. I saw your belly pictures a few posts down and you are so beautiful! Congratulations!
*HUGS*
We’ve had little bits of garden surprises, because while the previous owner was not the most avid gardener, there were some daffodils scattered here and there that came in unexpectedly. We also planted some bulbs our first year here that didn’t come in at all. I figured they were just duds, but they came through unexpectedly the next spring. It was so cool. This winter will be the year I go bulb-crazy. Last year I meant to but didn’t. The year before I meant to but didn’t… and the year before that as well, etc., etc., etc. This fall will be different!
We have one daylily that I planted. Its gorgeous the once a year it blooms. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/k8izgr8/3581649051/) I want more of those, too. I need yellow ones, and pink ones and white ones. Flowers flowers everywhere!
I love the metaphor of the blossoming, of the anticipation of seeing what’s inside.
Beautiful.
Your little one WILL surprise you. In fact you will be overwhelmed by the insane amount of joy he/she will bring. I don’t think anything could prepare a person for the sheer emotions felt when meeting & discovering the little one growing inside you.
What a beautiful way of thinking about your little one. It will be very exciting to get to know him/her.
Your lilies are gorgeous.
Beautiful flowers, and I love your analogy! So true, just like flower seeds in the ground, we do not know how and what our child will be like, but just like a flower, he or she will inevitably be the most beautiful thing on earth
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That’s the best analogy, ever. I love it. I also love those lilies .. they are my faves. Someone sent me a bunch in hospital when I had Max, to this day if I put my nose into a bunch and smell them, I’m reminded of the profound state of Grace I was in when Max was born. All spiritual and shit.
I love how you love gardening, and cooking, all the “adult” things. Makes me want to love them too. Realz. XOX
Beautiful flowers and wonderful analogy!
Beautiful analogy about the lilies baring their sweet surprises, and your little one doing the same. Don’t worry about keeping your “heart open to all the unexpected parts as we grow together” your heart will be committed at first sight and you will cherish each and every beautiful surprise. peace
What a beautiful analogy ! I am looking forward to meeting your little one too
I love that first lilly I have never seen any that colour before.
What an amazing analogy! The flowers are gorgeous.
I love, love, love lilies. The bigger and wackier and more fragrant, the better. (My general gardening strategy–is it weird and big and uncontrollable? I’ll take five.) It’s crazy, though: ours have been gone for at least six weeks! It makes me feel we’re downright tropical compared to your neck of the woods!
I’m always forgetting where and what I plant, so I have a similar process of discovery every year…
I love the comparison. And although your baby may be donor-conceived, he/she will be completely and totally yours. Amazing, isn’t it.
Gorgeous lilies, Anna — and great analogy too!
A perfect analogy – I echo Emily’s thoughts: your child will surprise and amaze you in small but astounding ways every day, no matter its biological origins.
My personal observations of Nature vs. Nurture have opened up my heart and helped me to better accept both my adoptive parents and my biological parents (reunited 10 years ago) for who they are, and moreover, who I am turning out to be. Sometimes I find new things sprouting up, sometimes I need to weed and transplant, sometimes I sit back with dirty fingernails and marvel at the beautiful evolution of my family.
In X’s personality, temperament, appearance, mannerisms, etc., I am fascinated to see myself and his known sperm donor, and I am relieved and thrilled to see my husband who is the Best Dad Ever. I truly hope that you have the same wonderful experience of discovery!
gorgeous, both your lilies and the analogy.
I very much look at watching our little girl grow up as a mystery unfolding. maybe it’s the same for every child? but for sure with adoption and donor conceived children there is an added sense of wonder, I think. lovely.
This is such a great analogy.