STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES…
I recently learned that this phrase means: “Take time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of life.”
Every time I go on walks with our labradoodle Max, he knows I’ll stop now and then to admire and photograph flowers. Last Sunday was no different. On our way to the local park in Saint Francis Wood, I paused to take a photo of a white rose bush.
Just then, two young women power-walked past us. I called out and asked if they’d noticed the stunning roses they had just passed. Sweaty but curious, they paused. I showed them the delicate inner part of the flower and explained how its petals fall away to reveal seeds, ready to create new life. They smiled, thanked me, and continued up the hill.
Later that day, Max led us to the Rose Garden in Golden Gate Park. The colors, the scent, the variety—it was magical. Like a bee, I drifted from bloom to bloom. The fragrance of roses isn’t just lovely—it’s made up of more than 300 natural compounds that draw in pollinators. And we, humans, benefit from that beauty… but only if we take the time to notice.
And if, for any reason, you can’t get out to smell real roses, you’ll find peace and beauty in my new book “Reflections. The Healing Images™.”
It features 56 stunning roses—each one unique, all of them soothing. The book is designed to help you relax, reflect, and reconnect.
Above here are three of my photos capturing people who found time to truly stop and smell the roses.
Care and share!