Sunday Evening Reflection in Emily’s Garden

“I think that one’s art is a growth inside one. I do not think one can explain growth. It is silent and subtle. One does not keep digging up a plant to see how it grows.”  Emily Carr

Welcome to Sunday Evening Reflection.  I invite you to join me in a walk through Emily Carr’s garden, Victoria, British Columbia. It is a September day, the gentle warmth of the sun nourishes the vibrant colours of late summer.  In the air, winter is stirring, readying for the days of rest that prepare the earth for the coming of spring.

“It is hard to remember just when you first became aware of being alive. It is like looking through rain onto a bald, new lawn; as you watch, the brown is all pricked with pale green. You did not see the points pierce, did not hear the stab – there they are!” Emily Carr

A Walk in Emily’s Garden from Rebecca Budd aka Clanmother on Vimeo.

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

28 thoughts on “Sunday Evening Reflection in Emily’s Garden

  1. As to unanswerable questions, we must accept to live with, much as these words of wisdom… One does not keep digging up a plant to see how it grows.” Emily Carr
    Beautiful gardens, wonderful words of wisdom!
    Thank you Rebecca.

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    1. I am delighted that you joined me, Jean-Jacques. It was an unusually mild, sunny day when we made a visit to Emily Carr House. We were surprised to see the House closed on their normal hours (the garden was open). What was happening on that day, was the climate strike walk to the Legislature Buildings. Somehow, I think that Emily Carr would be very pleased to know that there are many, many people who share her love for this planet and all who make earth their home. This profound thought as accompanied me as I walked through the garden. (Loved those apples)

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  2. Rebecca, your post and video gave me serene start to the day! Thank you for sharing the beauty of Emily Carr’s garden and her wisdom … I loved the quotations! Wishing you a magical week, my friend! 😀❤️

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    1. What a wonderful thought – the magic is happening as I write this comment. We had rain cloud this morning, and now the sun has decided to make an appearance. Winter sunshine is the best kind. Emily Carr was an extraordinary painter and writer. What I most appreciate was that she wrote her story, which allowed us to peak into her world. May we do the same….

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    1. I knew you would. I wish you could join me next week when I visit the Vancouver Art Gallery – they are having a special Emily Carr exhibition. I am interested in her writing – she had several books and I confess that I have not read one, to date. Another 2020 New Year’s resolution – one that I plan to keep. I believe that to understand art, we must also know the “back story.” So glad that you joined me on my walk.

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      1. I checked out some of Emily Carr’s paintings online. They remind me so much of Georgia O’Keefe’s but with such a different color palette and different subjects. I found an omnibus of Emily Carr’s writing on Internet Archive that can be borrowed–but it’s nearly 900 pages long!! Maybe if I read it in increments?

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    1. You would love this garden and the way the dedicated group of volunteers have preserved the house in the way of Emily Carr’s day. I felt as if I would turn the corner of a room and Emily and her friends would be there, having tea, an empty chair waiting for my arrival. Stories through art, poetry, writing music take on meaning – the narratives become alive, full of dynamics that call to us to fulfill our creative destiny.

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  3. “It is hard to remember just when you first became aware of being alive.” — this gave me chills. Many never truly become aware of being alive.

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    1. I had the chills too when I walked through Emily’s garden. It was as if her presence remained, or perhaps it was the remnants of her thoughts that were scattered throughout the flowers & trees. Stories are kept hidden, and if we hear their whispers we must look for them as if for priceless treasures that are waiting to be found. I love treasure hunts, as I know you do too!!!

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  4. The comments added to this post are extraordinary. The garden is lovely, and as one already suggested, Emily Carr and her quotes are even better. Your photos are really nice, thank you for sharing. Keep up with those Sunday reflections! !

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    1. The volunteers and organizers of Emily Carr House are truly remarkable. They work diligently so that we can step back into time. They continuing work to showcase more areas of the house. Can you imagine how much time it takes to dust all of the beautiful ornaments? The house was spotless – much care goes into preserving history.

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      1. It is interesting how many help to find ways to ke ep history alive! Yes, I can only imagine the amount of time to keep all of the infotmation (including dusting and cleaning) current. Just so we can see, understand and enjoy.

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    1. I am delighted – truly delighted – that you joined me in Emily’s Garden. Emily Carr was a remarkable women. Did you know that she had a monkey and dog for companions? I have a photos of a sculpture that shows the three of them together. I must get that out to show you!!!

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    1. I felt Emily’s presence here, Resa. Thank you for joining me on my Sunday Evening Reflection. I started this series based on my own experience. Sunday nights were times when I prepared myself for the week ahead. So I learned that meditative thoughts provided a calming influence that would allow me to relax and be more in sync with the world around me. Hugs coming your way…

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