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Red velvet feeling and the soft touch of roses just make me smile. I love how their scent wraps around you and just holds you peacefully. There are so many types and varieties that it can often be overwhelming to chose just one. Roses represent so many things; a celebration or a loss, and/ or an apology or a thank you. To me roses mean love and caring, gentle and warmth.

When I was a little girl my Grammy and Memere (which is grandmother in French) also grew roses. I loved to watch them plant these amazing bushes and I would be filled with anxiety and excitement just to see that first bud. I was mesmerized that their roots branched out to seek nutrients while the leaves soaked in the sun. These two tasks that the rose bush did to produce such beautiful flowers were magic and still are.

My Grammy also made sure her local church garden was a reflection of how she saw God and that was beauty. She surrounded the gardens with pinks, reds and yellows. You weren't able to tell where they began or where they ended. That's how she saw God; everywhere in many forms and colors; welcoming and inviting.

Today as an adult I appreciate roses and the hard work that it takes to nurture them. They remind me of those wonderful feelings of love. When Grammy passed we made sure that she was surrounded with such beauty, and on my wedding day I made sure I carried roses down the isle in my bouquet to honor her sprit and memory.

On warm summer days I love tending to my garden and just relaxing. Unfortunately living in NH growing roses has been very difficult and challenging yet that makes them even more special. My Grammy and Memere made everything look so easy and I think they both had a special touch.

I ask readers to really do take the time and smell the roses, it's worth it! Allow the scent to wrap around you and fill you with peace.

Learn more about this author, Michelle Powers.
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