The fragrance of gardenias greets me as I walk through the den. I know it’s from the bouquet a friend gave me yesterday. Yet for a moment, I’m transported back to the living room of a little white house on Pear Street in the day of open windows and the enormous gardenia bush planted beneath them.
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| Home Sweet Home 610 North Pear Street |
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| Mother & Lily Fay Fuller Their friendship dated back to school days |
Is that the murmur of voices and tinkle of laughter? Of Mother and Daddy visiting with family and friends—maybe even you—as its heady scent drifts in
on the evening breeze? Once again, I’m that little pitcher with big ears, taking in tidbits of gossip and family history. 
If only I’d kept a journal. Then again, perhaps I did.
Like childish scribbles, precious memories are inscribed upon my heart.
What takes you back in time?
5 I have thought about the days of old, the years of long ago.
6 I remember my song in the night. I think with my heart…
Ps. 77:5-6
Reflections from Dorothy 
If it weren't a sin, I'd be envious of your gardenia bouquet. Of four bushes, I had four blooms. I didn't pluck a one, tho' I wrote about one: It bloomed on the front bush, and it seemed the daisy and tansy stalks moved over to give it room. I took a pic, but it's still in my camera. Love your 'memories.' Love you.
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Gorgeous gardenias, beautiful memories. Gardenias remind me of my Nana:)
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How lovely, Dorothy! You are blessed with sweet memories of family and home.
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I love the fragrance of gardenias as well. Your aroma-triggered memories are so precious. So glad you shared theme here.
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So lovely and sweet with truth. Thank you for the memory.
Does a Gardenia grow up here? We had them in Camden and my mother had several. They grow in Hot Springs, but I was not sure about “up north” in Arkansas. How I'd love to plant one.
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I have the two on the deck that I mentioned before that I rescued from Sam's and they have lots of buds, opening slowly.The two little bushes in the front are in the wrong place and never bloom much. So far no blooms on them. Love your poetry. Thanks for reading.
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I never have enough for a bouquet on my little bushes. A friend did the these for church Sunday and insisted I bring them home. I bet your Nana was around my mother's age. Thanks for reading.
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Thanks, Freeda. It's true. I am blessed with good memories, as I know you are from your writing.
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Thank you, DH. It was a sweet moment.
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Thanks, Jane. I'm not sure if they thrive where you are or not, but you could ask at a nursery. Mine need to be moved to a better spot.
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I love your memories of Searcy since that is my paternal family home, as you know.
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Glad you liked it. Thanks for reading!
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Wonderful trip down memory lane, DJ. Beautiful flowers for a beautiful heart.
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Thanks, friend. They don't last long. I put the last three blossoms in a little bowl and set it nearby. Just love their fragrance.
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