♥ Although I miss her every day, I wrote this post six years ago (2016) on the occasion of and to celebrate my Mother’s birthday…as I do every year.
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♥ “A rose is a rose is a rose” or so said Gertrude Stein. At least it’s attributed to her. It’s often interpreted to mean that things just are what they are…no more, no less…
♥ However, in the case of a rose…at least in my case, a rose is much more than a rose… You see, Rose was my mother’s name and today is her birthday. ♥
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♥ An avid gardener, she was particularly fond of roses and I remember that, along with the other flowers that she loved to grow –camellias, hydrangeas, azaleas, fuchsias–we had rose trees or bushes in the front and back yard of our family home.
♥ My mother’s favorite color, pink, was always prominent…and her favorite rose? “Peace”…
♥And in her honor, the other day, I decided to stop and admire the lovely rose garden here in Santa Barbara. 
♥ This very magical rose garden is part of the Santa Barbara Mission.
♥ I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve lived here 13 years, driven by it countless times but never took the time to stop, park and linger…perhaps because roses hold such a special meaning and sentiment for me.
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♥ Ever since I visited Santa Barbara as a little girl, I have cherished my memories of this mission and this place. Our annual family vacations always included a stop over here so my feelings run deep. I’ve never questioned why this mission is called the “Queen of the Missions” but right now her crowning glory is the magnificent and simply gorgeous rose garden.
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♥ Strolling through this lovely rose garden most certainly elicited a poignant mix of emotions. Certainly the strongest was my wish that my mother and I could have enjoyed and appreciated all of this beauty together.
Please wait for lovely slideshow!
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♥ Roses are red…and shades of pink and peach, yellow, crimson, lavender, magenta and white, and so many other lovely hues. Delicate but resilient and more than happy to pose and display their beautiful blossoms, it’s no wonder that the rose has traditionally always stood for love. It certainly does for me…
♥ We’re often reminded to “stop to smell the roses…” and although no one is quite sure of the origin of this particular phrase…maybe Dale Carnegie said it best?
“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.”
– Dale Carnegie
♥ Let’s not put off enjoying the roses today… Won’t you join me? I dare you to not want to stop and smell the roses! ♥
8 thoughts on “♥ When a Rose is More than a Rose…♥”
Beautiful post as always Victoria <3 Not to mention, food for thought for me on a personal level right now. So thank you!!
You are more than welcome, Rae…<3
I’ve been to the Rose Garden in Santa Barbara when I was house sitting there. It is truly lovely.
J. christina
Thank you for commenting J. Christina…I’m so glad you had the opportunity to enjoy the Rose Garden and Santa Barbara.
Maybe house sitting will bring you back one day…
V.
Lovely post Victoria and what a beautiful place to visit! Rose, as a name is very special ( my daughter’s name also), and as a flower even more so. What a wonderful tribute to your mum!
Dear Paula,
I thought of you since your daughter is named Rose…maybe someday you’ll see this lovely rose garden, a
tribute to every Rose :D. I think she would’ve been surprised but touched…
So appreciate your comments…
What lovely thoughts about your Mom…my Mother was an amazing gardener as well and adored her roses. You may or may not know that I actually dug our her favourite “Peace” rose and planted it in our yard when they were about to sell their house. Every time I pass it when it’s in bloom…it makes me think of Nora…our family’s rose! Just seeing the photos of the roses brings tears to my eyes. Thanks for this and hugs to you V.
Oh, Phyllis, you have the “Peace” rose how lovely. I remember walking through the garden with my Father after my
Mother passed and he told me it was her favorite. I took a bloom and saved it for ages…now the family garden is gone but
the memories remain. We never forget, do we? Enjoy the lovely rose for your Mother and for mine!
Hugs back!
V.
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