Sue’s photo prompt today reminded me of the first bunch of roses Hubby Dearest gave to me when we were dating. He was a student, so they were never going to be the full-headed, huge, deep red blooms that you need to take a loan out to afford.
But they were roses, there was a dozen, they were red, and they were mine!
I was so touched, I wanted to keep them forever!
Remembering the advice of a friend, instead of trimming them, and sticking them in a vase, I used twine to secure the bunch and then hung them to dry, upside down. They dried beautifully, with their little heads held high. The colour faded. What aroma they had, disappeared. But they never failed to raise a smile, when I looked at them. I kept them for a few years, but they got to a state where they started to disintegrate, so I had to say goodbye to them…
Then, two weeks ago, at my parents, I found myself giving my mum the same upside down drying advice! Pops and mum had been away from each other for 5 weeks, as my brother sustained an injury, falling on ice in Finland, where he lives. Mum went over to him to help out a bit, and Pops was left, home alone. He keeps busy, but I know how much he missed mum! And when she arrived back, he bought her a beautiful bunch of roses, romantic old fool, my darling Pops!
When I went to visit, they had been sat there for 2 weeks in a vase and were still in amazing condition. Only one bloom was starting to droop. Mum proudly showed her flowers off, and as they were in such good nick, I suggested she dry them upside down, as a wonderful memory!
The photo immediately brought a thought of a haiku to mind, and here it is…
Withering away
Yet showing ageless beauty
Sparking memoriesRitu 2016
But I Smile Anyway... 
May 21, 2016 @ 02:05:44
Such wonderful men. =) They know how grateful they ought to be. 😉
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May 21, 2016 @ 07:44:49
We trained them well!!! 😉
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May 21, 2016 @ 18:50:31
lol
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May 14, 2016 @ 18:41:32
Hey Ritu
Just dropped by to say hello
I’ve been on the down low
Too many things going on
Not doing so well
It’s a very long story
To much to say now
Maybe when things die down
Hope all is well
Lol
Sheldon
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May 14, 2016 @ 18:43:41
I was wondering why I hasn’t seen you on here for a while. Hope all is ok.
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May 14, 2016 @ 18:52:08
Not really Ritu
It’s been touch and go
It’s a long story
But I’ve been flat on my back since the beginning of April
Lots of pain
Stay close Ritu
I need that smiling face of yours
As always Sheldon
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May 14, 2016 @ 18:54:05
Oh no Sheldon!
My prayers are with you.
I hope things turn the positive way soon for you 😊
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May 07, 2016 @ 02:22:55
I once had a shiatsu message and the therapist told me to buy one perfect rose and watch it bloom and then fade. Life is like that. I also love your haiku and your mother’s bouquet is beautiful.
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May 07, 2016 @ 07:13:36
Thank you Carol 😊
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Apr 23, 2016 @ 19:34:08
What a great way to spark wonderful memories. Mom likes this idea. You don’t do anything special to the flowers just hang them upside down? For how long and where?
Shoko and Jean
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Apr 23, 2016 @ 19:38:32
Nope nothing special. I just hung them on a hook on a wall until they dried! !!
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Apr 23, 2016 @ 19:40:43
Thanks my friend. When summer comes I want to dry some Phlox from the garden. This way seems easy and mom’s style is easy.
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Apr 23, 2016 @ 20:21:13
Try it!!! Let me know how it goes!
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Apr 23, 2016 @ 17:11:29
Such a loving and wonderful collection of memories wrapped up in a bouquet, Ritu. I am trying to catch up from time to time. My work is hectic and I am off havinr mini- adventures so work doesn’t drive me crazy! Thank you for all your recent Likes, dear. ❤
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Apr 23, 2016 @ 17:23:20
You’re welcome and thanks for stopping by on your mini adventures! !
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Apr 20, 2016 @ 19:45:36
What a gorgeous memory – it brought a tear to my eye. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Apr 20, 2016 @ 19:56:06
Thank you Melissa! !!
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Apr 17, 2016 @ 11:58:03
Wow! This is just not a photo…rather a memory
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Apr 17, 2016 @ 12:01:18
😊😊😊
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Apr 16, 2016 @ 19:28:15
Oh that is a lovely story sis. I love roses and I love your tip about drying them out. Beautiful haiku too! 🙂
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Apr 16, 2016 @ 19:59:43
Thank you sis! The photo prompt brought gave immediate memories!
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Apr 16, 2016 @ 20:03:44
Lovely ones too! 🙂
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Apr 16, 2016 @ 20:57:34
Indeed! 💖
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Apr 16, 2016 @ 17:54:39
For years and years I saved roses, until one day I didn’t. Thanks for reminding me of my own ‘sparkling memories’ Ritu!
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Apr 16, 2016 @ 17:57:06
Aw! Glad to have reminded you of good things, I hope! !! 😊
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 17:45:46
Wonderful way to preserve a special moment and being left with beautiful memories later on! 🌹
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 18:57:29
Isn’t it just! 😊😊😊
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 17:12:59
Beautiful story and lovely memories, Ritu. You are a woman of many talents. 🙂 xo
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 17:34:30
Thank you Tonya!
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 17:06:30
Lovely haiku, Ritu. A beautiful take on the prompt.
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 17:08:05
Thank you so much 😊
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 15:52:58
Beautiful, Ritu. 🌹 🌷 💐
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 17:07:45
Thank you Van 😊
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 14:40:47
Such a beautiful story, Ritu, what a lovely man your Dad is! And the verse is stunning. Xxx
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 17:07:19
Thank you Ali 😊
My parents truly are special people… I am so lucky to have them both 💖
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 12:08:06
That’s a lovely romantic story, Ritu. Your Dad sounds like a true romantic. That’s so lovely to hear.
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 12:33:53
Thanks Hugh. He is indeed a big softie and romantic too!!!
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 08:47:56
Beautiful story and memories…and the Haiku was very delicate ❤ Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend 🙂 ❤
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 12:32:55
Thank you, and you too!
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 07:55:15
There is something so beautiful about roses. As for those first roses … I never promised you a rose garden 🎶🎶🎵 springs to mind. I expect he has well made up for this by now.
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 08:01:39
Oh he has!!!
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 06:35:38
Both stories ar so wonderful. You all are such a vivid proof of lived love. Then romance will always stay alive. Thank you for sharing this, sis. You know how I love that. And good morning😊
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 07:01:00
Good morning sis!
Thank you!!!!! 😊😊💖💖
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 08:40:02
You are welcome, dear sis! Have a lovely Frday! 😊😘
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 12:32:42
You too!!!
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 14:45:22
😊 😘
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 05:12:01
So sweet!
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 07:00:02
Thank you!
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 04:29:54
Very touching Sister..wonderful memories to cherish.
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 06:59:49
They are indeed… Thank you Brother! 😊
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 14:28:00
You’re welcome Sister! Happy Friday! 😊
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 17:06:15
Happy Friday Brother!
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 17:51:17
Thank you Sister!
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 03:03:09
Love your story, love your parents’ story!
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 06:56:59
Thank you Sandra!
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 02:02:59
lovely story and haiku, Ritu 🙂
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 06:56:45
Thank you 😊
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 00:02:16
Oh, how lovely, both your story and your parents!
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 06:56:18
Thank you! See, romance isn’t dead! (Even though the flowers are!)
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 12:53:19
:D. I love romance
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 17:05:37
Me too!!
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Apr 14, 2016 @ 23:41:47
So sweet Ritu… Lovely post!
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Apr 15, 2016 @ 06:55:08
Thank you Shivangi!
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Apr 14, 2016 @ 23:09:05
Sparkling memories. Lovely, Ritu!
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Apr 14, 2016 @ 23:20:59
Thanks Al!
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Apr 14, 2016 @ 22:46:34
That really is a gorgeous story, Ritu 🙂 Thank you for sharing it. Love the haiku too 🙂
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Apr 14, 2016 @ 23:02:56
Thank you for bringing back the memories Sue!
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Apr 14, 2016 @ 23:03:38
Flowers, so fragile, seem to hold them 🙂
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Apr 14, 2016 @ 23:20:40
Oh they do indeed!
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