I wish peonies lasted forever

They are my very favorite flower.

Because...well, I'll start with the obvious reasons: their fragrance is like none other. Yep. Their beauty is unparalleled in its femininity and splendor. Indeed. Their transformation from tightly wound sap-covered ball to feathery, pillowy blossom is bewitching. Crazy true. They make very popular tattoos. Also true.

And (this is my happiest reason) they were also my Mom's favorite flower. Their emergence every spring and gentle fading every summer, is a reminder of her and also a reminder of how fleeting our time here is. In my opinion, they're nature's little way of telling us to stop and smell the proverbial rose.

Maybe we all do that today. Just stop and admire what's around us. What do you think? For me, I know the answer:

Yes. :)

Images from top: Little Flower School, Saipua.

Update on Thursday, May 19, 2011 by Jess

Wouldn't you know it, just minutes after I posted about my love for peonies, my Husband walked through the front door carrying a giant bouquet of pink peonies! I love it when things like this happen.

Aren't they beautiful?!