Monday, September 8, 2014

Honoring Tina


So last week I posted a little something when I found out Tina Downey had passed. I am still so sad about it. But today is about honoring Tina and to do so, many across the internets are sharing sunflowers.

I've only manage to successfully raise sunflowers twice—once in Portland and once here. I think my problem, in addition to the fact I'm broadly a gardening failure, is squirrels.

A much bigger sunflower than this
See, Squirrels LOVE sunflower seeds and several of the times I've planted them, I realize several days later than not only do I not have little spouts, what I HAVE is little HOLES... Which reminds me of one of my FAVORITE squirrel sitings ever. I was walking home from work one day several years ago and a squirrel was BACKING up a tree dragging this GIANT sunflower. Guess the greedy little guy figured he wanted more than he could fit in his cheeks.

Tina was very much a sunflower—spreading joy and cheer as she made her way around to help us all be a bit cheerier. I'm probably more like that greedy squirrel—stealing a little joy where I can, but definitely appreciating when someone has so much of it to offer.

The bigger the better, eh?

And they promote creativity...

And dexterity, eh?

Oh, Tina, you are definitely missed.

18 comments:

Trisha said...

Squirrels and sunflowers - such an interesting mix. :)

I didn't know Tina, but I've definitely been thinking of her a lot.

And sunflowers are just awesome. Unfortunately I don't think I've seen any around where I live ... ever.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Squirrels sure do love sunflowers! We've had to change to safflower to discourage them.

Nice tribute, Hart! Hope you're doing well.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hart, that would amuse Tina to no end. She'd enjoy both the sunflowers and the squirrels.

Mason Canyon said...

Hart, love your tribute to Tina. You made me smile with your squirrel photos brightening my day much in the way Tina did.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I didn't know that about sunflowers and squirrels. Love the pics! :)

Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption

Shah Wharton said...

Some beautiful joyful warm pictures here. A lovely tribute!

shahwharton.com

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Squirrels attack any nuts or seeds, so I can see them going after sunflowers.

The photos are adorable.

Arlee Bird said...

I never see squirrels around my house but I've seen them in other parts of my community. My sunflowers might be at risk from birds including this old bird writing this comment. I'm bad about taking care of plants.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Hart - oh gosh .. squirrels are a right pain (unfortunately) .. I am going to spread my Sunflower seeds all over the gardens here .. and at the Nursing Centre ...

Wonderful photos though .. and greedy little chaps aren't they ...

So pleased you enjoyed my Swedish link postings for Tina .. and brought home reminders for you and your roots .. cheers Hilary

Silvia Writes said...

Lovely post for a wonderful woman. Uniquely done. Thanks for sharing the sweet pictures. Very interesting combo.
SilviaWrites

Sarah Allen said...

Such a beautiful post. She will be missed.

Sarah Allen
(From Sarah, With Joy)

Elizabeth Mueller said...

What fun photos!! What a great way to honor Tina, too! <3

♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥

Helena said...

A neighbor had a sunflower that grew higher than my garage. I loved looking out my kitchen window and seeing it wave in a breeze. No doubt the local ravenous squirrels enjoyed it too.

I didn't know Tina, and now I wish I had. Rest in peace, darling lady.

Jan Morrison said...

I didn't know Tina but I get her radiance! I love these photos and your take on love.

Michelle Wallace said...

Wonderful tribute!
I've learned something new today, and that is: sunflowers and squirrels go hand-in-hand... and I do love the pics, especially that acrobatic little critter...
#Life is good!

Heather M. Gardner said...

These are just perfect! Tina would be cracking up!
Thank you,
Heather

J Lenni Dorner said...

Ha ha ha. That's a great tribute. Some smart little animals!

Shannon Lawrence said...

I've never seen a squirrel eating sunflower seeds directly from sunflowers. Little dickens!