My Beautiful Adventures: Monday's Beautiful Memory

Monday's Beautiful Memory

One of the most memorable experiences I have had to date was visiting Japan several years ago during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, or the Sakura Matsuri. It was such a gorgeous thing to witness! So, when I was living in New York City and discovered that at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden I could view Mother Nature at her best again, I grabbed my friend good friend, Vanessa, and set off to celebrate the opening of the flowering pink trees.

The Cherry Blossoms in full bloom in Tokyo, Japan.

I had been to the BBG once before, but it was in the fall and most of the flowers were no longer in bloom. Still, the park had left quite an impression on me and I had wanted to return. Now it was the perfect excuse! It is easy to lose one’s connection with nature while living in a city and I found myself craving green.

Break open a cherry tree and there are no flowers, but the spring breeze brings forth myriad blossoms. -- Ikkyu Sojun

The Cherry Blossoms at the BBG.

The sakura, or cherry blossoms, in my opinion are one of nature’s finest gifts. Although they are fleeting, only blooming once a year for a couple of weeks; during their bloom they contribute an immeasurable amount of loveliness to their surroundings (of course, I am biased, since pink is my favorite color to begin with).

More Cherry Blossoms!

Me smelling the Cherry Blossoms (no, they do not have an odor).

Hanami is the Japanese cultural tradition of viewing and cherishing each moment of the cherry blossom season; from the first buds to the brilliant blossoms to the petals falling like pink snow. We arrived during the peak of their bloom and what a site to behold!

Me taking a little break.

However, not only were the sakura in bloom, but just about every other flower in the park was too. The sakura were my favorite, while the lilacs were Vanessa’s. I left our day together feeling more relaxed and at peace with life than I had in a very long time.

Tulips!

Daydreaming I was.

I heart waterfalls.

In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends. Right now the Cherry Blossoms are blooming around the world and I hope that they bring as much happiness to others as they did to me.

Posted by Andi Perullo at April 6, 2009