September 12th is our wedding anniversary so I was inspired to post an image of roses and then to look deeper into the historic association of roses and love. Did you ever wonder about that? The word rosa comes from the Greek word rodon, meaning “red.” A Greek rose was a deep, crimson color—the color of “blood and passion. The red rose in Greek and Roman iconography was tied to Aphrodite, or Venus, the Goddess of Love. Aphrodite was born of sea foam or spume (created by the agitation of seawater). Quite a shocking tale, even by modern standards. One legend has it that the rose was a gift for gods to celebrate her rising from the sea.
In the 12th century a Persian poet wrote, “Mystery glows in the rose bed, the secret is hidden in the rose.” The rose has historically been recognized as the western equivalent of the eastern lotus – a symbol of the unfolding of higher consciousness.
We moderns can take comfort knowing that a rose is a perennial flowering plant that lives for more than two years, so the association with enduring love is a good one. Besides-roses are beautiful!
The story of the discovery of rose oil is another fascinating piece of rose lore from India. This from the tale of the Shah Jahan (credited with building the Taj Mahal for his wife). A canal was dug that encircled the gardens around the Taj Majal and groundskeepers filled the water with rose petals. In the heat of the day, the roses essential oils separated from the water. The Shah and his bride noticed an incredible aroma while rowing along the canal. Oil skimmed from the water’s surface was made into an enchanting perfume- the origins of rose perfume.
Then there’s the thorns…enter Christian stories about thorns, sin, sorrow and hardship; from antiquity the rose joins both pain and pleasure in the story of Christ. More about that another time. Looking for info about rose care? Here’s a site you might find useful.
We very much enjoyed Rodney’s painterly exuberance!
Last week, Larry and I drove north to Brimfield Market, MA to walk through the enormous flea market laid out along Main Street – we try to visit at least once annually. The take-aways were a couple things we needed for home- a cast iron fry pan and funky butter dish. You can find the next market here.
A welcome and unusual display included the paintings of MA painter by Rodney Madison, originally a Chicago native. Madison shares a gallery with another artist in Miller Falls, MA. An interesting article from 2016. Very colorful and dynamic work.
On the way home, we completed an auction we’d entered – Black Rock Galleries, online. Bingo! 
Two cement pedestals from Portugal have taken up residence in the garden. Now, we just have to figure out what they go with. The companion urns went for more than we wanted to spend. Just as well. The bases weighed over 100 pounds each. Besides, I think we need some careful thought about what to put on their heads.
Larry heard this song today and mentioned it at breakfast. Rick Nelson, was never a favorite of mine. However. When I heard the words,” You can’t please everyone, so you got to please yourself, ”it made a lot of sense to me as a good marriage sentiment. Remember those words.
Garden Party by Rick Nelson, who sadly, died on his plane with five other people, after crashing into Love Field in Texas.
Roses of every color are some of my favorite flowers. Paola Prints has a few to offer you. 
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