Happy Mother's Day, everyone.
Mother's Day seemed like a fitting time to share the Blessed Mother Mary garden statue that graces our little backyard. I've shared her many times before, so I hope you will bear with me.
This vintage concrete statuary is probably my all-time favorite thrift store find,
found five years ago in a New Hampshire antique store.
Her quiet presence adds a sense of serenity, grace, protection, and peace to our little garden.
When I look at her, I'm often reminded of a quote from a favorite movie of mine,
Under the Tuscan Sun.
"Signor Martini wants me to have faith. Something I've never been good at, and now I'm even worse at. Not that I don't want faith. I'm jealous of the believers. But as a fallen-away Methodist, I do not expect to emerge from all of this a Catholic, although I admit some interior juggling is going on. To my surprise, I have become friendly with Mary. It started the night she stood by me through the storm, knowing full well I'm not a Catholic. Yet, somehow, she seems more like Mary, my favorite aunt, than Santa Maria. Aunt Mary is everywhere here, her calm presence assuring us that all things will go on as they have before."
Frances (Diane Lane)
Unlike Diane Lane's character from that movie, I did grow up Catholic so Mary has always been a part of my life. And I do find such comfort in her, so you can understand why this piece is such a treasure to me, and such a welcome addition to our little yard.
Under the Tuscan Sun.
"Signor Martini wants me to have faith. Something I've never been good at, and now I'm even worse at. Not that I don't want faith. I'm jealous of the believers. But as a fallen-away Methodist, I do not expect to emerge from all of this a Catholic, although I admit some interior juggling is going on. To my surprise, I have become friendly with Mary. It started the night she stood by me through the storm, knowing full well I'm not a Catholic. Yet, somehow, she seems more like Mary, my favorite aunt, than Santa Maria. Aunt Mary is everywhere here, her calm presence assuring us that all things will go on as they have before."
Frances (Diane Lane)
Unlike Diane Lane's character from that movie, I did grow up Catholic so Mary has always been a part of my life. And I do find such comfort in her, so you can understand why this piece is such a treasure to me, and such a welcome addition to our little yard.
These photos were taken last weekend when the cherry tree was in full bloom.
The pale pink of the ruffled cherry blossoms were breathtaking.
The simplest of settings look exquisite when framed by the blossomed branches.
The newly repainted and repaired birdhouse is holding up well and vinca vines have been placed in the birdhouse windows. By summer's end they will cascade to the ground below.
The hoppa crab trees in the front yard, which were in full bloom last week when this photo was taken, are now but a memory. But, oh, what a show they put on this year!
Have a beautiful week, everyone,
Donna
12 comments:
She is beautiful and I love that movie and that quote :-)
Oh Donna, you just quoted one of My favorite movies. I think I have it memorized enough to be an understudy....:)
I was named after Mother Mary (in Spanish), so she has a special place in my heart as well.
Your blossomy back yard looks Heavenly....
The Mary is such a nice addition to your garden--your garden is lovely. We have a bird house which needs repairing--the squirrels thought it was a diner!
Wonderful photos! The statue has beautiful patina. Your yard looks dressed for spring!
Hi Donna. I remember your Blessed Mother statue. Her face is the prettiest ever.
Some of the statues have such ugly looking faces but yours is beautiful.
Hope your day was lovely. Mine was very blessed and I am grateful.
Take care. Susan
Hi Donna,
Beautiful garden, your Cherry tree is so beautiful and that Mary statue is quite a treasure, I like the way the paint looks. Have a great day! Gina
It is a very nice statue that you found. She does add a bit of serenity to your garden area. Though some people would disagree, I think in the future a bit of restoration could be in order. I do like garden art. I believe it enhances the plants and trees, being a focal point. I hope you enjoyed your Mother's Day--I am certain you did.
Such a beautiful statue of Mary. She has a gentleness, a softness to her face that you don't normally find in stonework.
A perfect post for Mother's Day. I love that quote from the movie too.
I have another Mary quote for you:
"When I find myself in times of trouble Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom let it be". - The Beatles
Hi Donna,
I just love your cherry blossoms! Your yard is delightful.. thank you for mentioning parkinsons on your blogspot. My father had parkinsons and passed away at 74. I know how you must miss your mother.
Your pictures were so inspirational! Thank you for sharing!
karen@karenscottageandcastle.blogspot.ca
I love your Mary statue! :)
Mother Mary is perfect under tose cherry blossoms. I never tire of looking at her. Enjoy Spring! Minerva x
Hello, I just read your reply to Claudia on HollyHockHillCottage. I love your Mary statue. I'm not Catholic but have always been drawn to Mary. Lovely blog you have here, I will be back. The mommy/decorating blogs are not my cup of tea, at 64, I am over most of that! I just enjoy sharing my days with other women. Thank you. Hedy
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