Colors are finally bursting out. Hurrah. We are done with the somber hues of winter. Our cherry tree is finally blooming and budding. Looking forward to harvesting cherries in our backyard soon.
Mother’s Day was especially exhilarating, albeit, I was still nursing a bit of a cold. It did not stop me though from joining the rest of my family (3 generations of us) to enjoy a trip to a tulip farm. It was heartwarming to see families traipsing around the festive grounds of Pingle’s Farm in Hampton. The tulip fields were gorgeous. Just perfect to chase away the blues and grays of the lingering traces of winter. Although the wind was still bracing, the brilliant sun and bright blue skies more than made up for it. Vis a vis the utterly ravishing reds, yellows, oranges, purples of exquisite tulips, they were a refreshing sight to behold. No wonder there was a so-called “Tulip Mania” in the 17th century in Holland.
I understand that tulips were introduced to Holland in the late 16th century from the Ottoman Empire (now Turkey). Those tulips must have looked so exotic in their eyes then. They became so popular in Holland at that time, that it went as far as tulip bulbs being traded like stocks. During this popularity surge, they were trading tulip bulbs on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. It even ended up pushing prices of certain varieties to equal the value of houses! How about that?
Of course, that tulip bubble eventually burst. The tulip though continues to be the beloved flower in the Netherlands and a symbol of Dutch culture.
Pesonally, I find tulips exquisite and would understand why they were so enamored with them. I find great joy in just looking at them. They lift my spirits and nourish my soul.
SPEAKING OF COLORS AND NATURE
There is an ongoing exhibit now at the Royal Ontario Museum until August 17, 2025 which I am looking forward to go to. I was just waiting for the warmer weather to finally stabilize before taking the train from Ajax to the ROM. And the time is now!
According to the ROM website, NATURE IN BRILLIANT COLOR “will take you on a kaleidoscope journey through the vibrant hues of our planet.” It will “awaken your senses, and have your perception forever altered, as you make your way through a series of spaces, each dedicated to a colour of the rainbow. Through over 200 specimens, photo worthy projections, and shifting soundscapes, this exhibition promises to be a transformative experience that will deepen appreciation for the complex artistry of our world and celebrate its vivid and untamed beauty.”
You might want to check this out yourself. I know I will. Maybe I’ll see you there.
ANOTHER SPIRIT-LIFTING EXPERIENCE
Last week, I found myself riveted to my big screen TV watching a mind-blowing and impressive parade. This was the 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory Parade in Moscow. Setting aside partisanship and the like, I was in awe of the way the whole spectacular event was planned, executed and presented to the public on social media. From opening shot, to camerawork, sequencing, directing thousands of participants, choice of music, staging, it was a staggering masterpiece. I cannot imagine the unbelievable scope of the work and the preparation that went into it.
Not to mention, the pride it must instill in the peoples of Russia and the other nations (who were also honored in the parade) that contributed greatly to the victory at the end of World War !! I learned a lot of new things during this experience. On the side, I was doing my own research of the events that transpired during that great patriotic war. Of the staggering millions of lives lost to win the war.
I find it sad that to win a war, lives are lost first. Or to attain peace, you first have war. Something does not seem to be right somewhere. I say it is better not to start a war at all. Wishful thinking? Maybe.
Till next month, enjoy spring while it’s here. Happy Victoria Day!!!
Mabuhay!
So thankful to be here enjoying the beauty and the nourishing and nurturing spirit of nature.