Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.
Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle.
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post
some
photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me.
Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
I usually run with a theme. This week I am sharing the festive season's approach to the Dignity Drive. The Dignity Drive seeks to give people (particularly women) in poverty some of the dignity that they so often lack. We were asked to fill a gently used handbag with items to put a smile on the face of someone who is struggling. As usual I had fun selected items to include and cramming them into the second hand bag I picked up at an op shop.
When I took my bag down to the real estate office I was pleased to see others clustered under their Christmas tree - and even more pleased to hear that they had already made one delivery and expected to make more before the Dignity Drive finishes. For Australian readers I understand that Bunnings Hardware stores are also acting as a drop off point.
I am going to finish this post by reverting to type and sharing some of the colour blazing in our garden.
I really like these double poppies (as do the bees and other insects). I save the seeds each year and broadcast them across the gardens.
Our 'Christmas Cactus' is blooming early (and well) this year too. Another splash of red to brighten the garden, the day, my mood...
Spectacular aren't they?
That is such a wonderful drive to help the needy. I am sure the recipient will be most grateful. As for the colorful flowers, wow!
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: I have been supporting the Dignity Drive since I first came across it. I think it is a wonderful initiative.
DeleteAnd thank you - I do love my garden and often worry that I am continually foisting my obsessions on others.
You did a good Christmas job by giving gifts to the collection.
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas Cactus is gorgeous. We have also Christmas Cactus (not me, but my father, for example, was big and old one) and it should bloom at Christmas.
The double poppies are gorgeous too. It's nice, our indoor flowers are your outdoor flowers.
Have a very nice weekend.
orvokki: I am not good with indoor plants and am glad that these are happy (very happy) outside.
DeleteI hope your weekend is safe and lovely.
Yes EC, they are spectacular, love them.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Thank you. We love them too.
DeleteIt's a great programme, Sue, and I can only imagine the happiness of the recipient. And I have no doubt that you shared in the good feelings by having done it. Bravo all round!
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Thank you. You are right, I had a heap of fun filling (cramming) the bag for this wonderful initiative.
DeleteYour photography, especially the close-ups, is spectacular too.
ReplyDeleteLove and cheer, EC.
Rawknrobyn: Thank you. Love and cheer are such wonderful wishes - and I do appreciate digital photography.
DeleteI love all the red.
ReplyDeleteI had to look up 'op shop'. I'd never heard that term before.
Mike: I am sorry. Op shop is common Orstrayan slang and I should have added a translation. I love the red too - and it is still on display.
DeleteDon't be too sorry or you'll have to move to Canada.
DeleteMike: I can think of worse places to move - and very, very shortly I will be envying their winter. Big time.
DeleteThat's a very nice gesture to help the poors !
ReplyDeleteIt is the first time I participate in this meme, I saw it on Andrew's Blog ! Hope I did everything right !
https://gattinawritercramps.blogspot.com/2020/11/sunday-selection-509.html
Gattina: Welcome and thank you. You did everything right - and I loved your selections. I am still smiling broadly. Oscar is beautiful.
DeleteEn estos tiempos se impone la solidaridad.
ReplyDeleteSon preciosas las fotos de tu entrada.
VENTANA DE FOTO: Thank you. I am hoping for a kindness pandemic to sweep the world.
DeleteKindness, consideration and thoughtfulness for those less fortunate surround...We must never forget we are one...one with each other...in this world.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a good week ahead, EC. Ward off the heat if you can...cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: Sometimes I think too many of us have forgotten that simple thing.
DeleteIt is hot and horrid here - but neither as hot nor as horrid as it is in some places. I hope you and your furry overlords have a cool and wonderful week.
I can imagine most women would be so appreciative of the seasonal bag of basics and some luxury items. It is a rather easy and simple way to make a personal contribution.
ReplyDeleteWhen you said your cactus is in flower, wow, is it really in flower!
Andrew: I hope that the recipients do enjoy their bags, and feel cherished.
DeleteAnd yes, that cactus blooms every year, but this year it has taken it to a whole new level.
You bloom in my life just like those spectacular photos of yours! What a clever idea with the handbags. Maybe I can start something like that here
ReplyDeleteCloudia: I hope you can. Sadly the need is world wide.
DeleteThe recipient of your thoughtfully crammed bag will be fortunate indeed; what a kind and considerate way of helping someone who may well be struggling with meeting the demands of the season.
ReplyDeleteYour poppies are beautiful, and the cactus obviously does very well in your "hot and horrid" climate! Mine all flowered as usual in the winter, but not as vigourously as yours, sadly.
I hope the coming week is a little cooler and more comfortable for you.
Alexia: The Dignity Drive is a charity I am very, very glad to support.
DeleteThat cactus blooms every year - but never before like this. Some at least of the week to come will be cooler.
I hope your world is treating you and your convalescent husband kindly.
You have a beautiful assortment of gifts for someone for Christmas. I'm sure they will be so grateful. Our church does almost the same thing ever year for the homeless. For 4 weeks of Advent before Christmas we collect new items. This week the parishioners filled 2 big boxes of warm socks, next week it will be mittens, the next it will be hats and the last week will be toiletry items and some little treats such as candies and chocolates.
ReplyDeleteWe also collect food for the food banks. There will be more need this year because of Covid-19.
Thanks for the splash of colors. Your flowers are always spectacular. I also have a Christmas Cactus blooming. They are all pot bound and I never got around to repotting them.
Stay safe and well.
Hugs, Julia
Julia: I am glad that you are also including some treats with the sorely needed necessities. We have been asked not to include food stuffs, so have to think harder about treats.
DeleteI give my Christmas cactus no special treatment and have been blown away by this years blooms.
You stay safe and well too please.
Your Christmas cactus are gorgeous! They would brighten anyone's day. :)
ReplyDeleteLove how many caring things you involve yourself in. Your city and country have good people and a good heart.
River Fairchild: That cactus certainly brightens my day - and I hope that of passersby. My city (much as it would like to) cannot claim that kindness stops here. Dignity Drive for example is Australia wide - where it is sadly needed.
DeleteYes, you cactus is spectacular, and so is spring, there down under. It makes me happy to know it comes twice a year, even if I miss one of them.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: I feel exactly the same way about winter. It is already warming up fast here (and fires are burning). Very soon now I will be turning to snowy wonders for relief.
DeleteI remember the Dignity Drive from last year and totally forgot about it. I have a free day on Wednesday so I will purchase a bag and some items to fill it, then catch a bus out to Bunnings and drop it off.
ReplyDeleteI love your double poppies, my daughter once grew similar ones and I brought seeds home and put them somewhere safe. So safe that I haven't yet found them again! My Christmas Cactus didn't survive, the poor things got eaten alive by snails, earwigs, caterpillars until there was nothing but the centre stems left. Even worse, those cheeky crawlies find their way into mu house every summer!
River: Thank you. I am sorry to hear that your Christmas cactus was gobbled - and hope you find those poppy seeds.
DeleteYes, these are indeed spectacular. I so enjoy your posts and your brilliant colors. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you. So much.
DeleteThe flowers are so gorgeous and colourful, looks like a gift directly from father Christmas 😃
ReplyDeleteSteve: We are being encouraged to put up Christmas decorations early this year - and the cactus has obliged.
DeleteLots of interesting care products - beautiful Christmas tree decorations - fantastic blooms .... feel complete to decorate your post this time. Everything looks festive.
ReplyDeleteHave a super week 😊🙏
Himawan Sant: Thank you. I do hope your blog will let me visit this week.
DeleteHimawan Sant: It didn't.
DeleteHow wonderful to do that for the under privileged people. I'm sure they will appreciate their gifts.
ReplyDeleteCertainly a beautiful flower and quite a showy one at that.
Margaret D: I suspect that Covid has (and will) forced more people to need this support than ever before. I do love my garden.
DeleteI'll drop off a bag next time I go past Bunnings. And I might put in some extra high SFP sun block ...it's not pleasant right now. OK on a postcard, but too much for this pale-skin girl!
ReplyDeletedinahmow: I meant to include sunblock - and forgot. I tried to include a small torch too, but got very grumpy about it. I found a small one - but none of the ones in the store worked. The attendant told me that they had no batteries. They did. So he tried to insist that I should BUY batteries to go with it. I am not even sure that is legal. Fit for purpose comes to mind.
DeleteWell done that you have done your bit for the ladies and I am sure they very much appreciate every item. You flowers are gorgeous Sue. Have a great Sunday and week ahead.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: Thank you. I hope your lockdown isn't grinding you down and you find ways to have fun.
DeleteYes they are! I wish more communities did Dignity Bags.
ReplyDeletee: The Dignity Drive is great isn't it?
DeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteGorgeous Christmas cactus. My little one is in bloom now too. I love the idea of a Dignity Drive. I would love to participate in something like that.
ReplyDeleteWe are: Clamco: Each year I find it fascinating that Christmas cactus bloom on opposite sides of the globe simultaneously.
DeleteThe Dignity Drive is a wonderful initiative isn't it?
Here in England my cacti is just coming into bloom.... my sweet houseplant was left behind by the previous owner when we moved into the house 33years ago. This is my first Christmas on my own and my cacti gives me hope... thank you for sharing yours with us.
ReplyDeleteXx
Christine: I do hope that both your cacti and your hope bloom beautifully.
DeleteLove that you added beads and nail polish to the handbag! A very thoughtful collection that'll brighten someone's day when she receives it. Great initiative.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is as always magical - the reds and greens look very festive and very apt! Thank you for sharing the colours.
Nilanjana Bose: I was happy to add some treats to the bag - and also included some notebooks and a pen (with colour change options for different moods).
DeleteI get a lot of joy from the garden and am always happy to share/overshare it.
Dear EC
ReplyDeleteThe bags will really brighten up someone's day - what a wonderful idea.
I love that double poppy - it is a stunning flower. My Christmas Cactus is flowering too, but on our bathroom window. Yours looks so much happier!
Have a lovely week
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Thank you. I have largely given up on plants inside (they rarely survive and even more rarely thrive). I do hope that my bag brightens someones day. I love that it is an initiative which seems to have taken off.
DeleteHave a wonderful week yourself.
Hi EC - thanks for this ... I remember seeing the Dignity Drive (or similar) at another time - I think it's a brilliant idea - I must see if there's something similar in Eastbourne. I can't see one ... but I'll check in other ways.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers are stunning ... the poppies and the Christmas cactus ... gorgeous - cheering us all ... thanks for the reminder re the bag - yours will be truly welcomed ... take care - Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: Our Dignity Drive has three or four 'runs' a year and I try and feature them here. It is a wonderful initiative isn't it?
DeleteI hope that you continue to find cheer in these dark and trying times. Stay safe. You are valued immensely.
Thank you so much for this wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteFilling a bag for those who are struggling is a fantastic idea, especially at Christmas time. We are doing a similar thing here, and when I made my donation yesterday, I was delighted to see that there were so many there that they covered an area equivalent to the area of my lounge floor! That sight really helped to restore my faith in human compassion!😊😊
Gosh! Your flowers are SO beautiful...and truly lifted my spirits this morning! Our garden is currently looking so very dead and sorry for itself!😉
Have a lovely day, dear friend!
Sending lots of love and hugs, always ❤🌹❤🌹❤🌹❤
Ygraine: It is really heartwarming to see so many donations isn't it? It restores my sometimes very dented faith in humanity.
DeleteThe flowers are lifting my spirits too. As they fade (and they are) lilies are coming into bloom.
Please stay safe and well dear friend. Very safe and very well.
Your flower photos are lovely
ReplyDeleteThe Blog Fodder: Welcome and thank you. You will often see flower photos here.
DeleteI can't believe you got all of that stuff to fit in the bag!
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: I did say that I crammed it in. There was not a lot of room well before I finally succeeded (more or less) in getting the last item in. The bag didn't close though.
DeleteAlways so lovely!
ReplyDeleteGranny Annie: Thank you.
DeleteThere is a Fill a Handbag event going on here too, but I am hesitant about going shopping for all the items to fill it. It's a great idea, but not for me this year. Our 55Plus Club has done it in previous years but of course many things are just not the same in 2020.
ReplyDeleteI had a pink Christmas cactus for many years and it always bloomed in October, silly thing! I talked to it to try and change the date but it wouldn't listen.
Shammickite: I understand your reluctance. I hope that you (and your whole community) can feel (and be) safe again. Soon.
DeleteI have given up trying to insist that the garden follows my calendar. It doesn't. It won't.
The drive is a wonderful idea and I wish more communities did things like that. I love that you added the extra items, a great boost for someone. As always your flowers are beautiful. Have a wonderful week my friend and be safe.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: I was so glad to have discovered the Dignity Drive a few years ago. I almost always toss out the 'junk mail' without reading it. This was a piece I was very, very glad to read. Thank you as always for your kindness and your wishes - which I send back to you as well.
DeleteThe handbag drive is such a good idea. I love the flowers in your garden. I live in the desert but have never seen cactus like yours. It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week.
Myrna R: It is a spiky succulent rather than a true cactus I think, but has brightened our garden (and my spirits) for many a long year. Stay safe, stay well.
DeleteQuite spectacular, the bag and the flowers. It's always such fun to give, isn't it.
ReplyDeleteMy selections are over here.
messymimi: You are so right. Giving is a heap of fun. I really enjoyed (as I always do) your Sunday Selections.
DeleteI love that handbag idea, stuffed with gifts, gives a thought about a few people I know, who might love that. Yes your flowers are spectacular!
ReplyDeleteStrayer: It is a brilliant initiative isn't it? I sometimes wonder whether I will ever see one of 'my' handbags while I am out and about.
DeleteAren't those blooms wonderful? They are mood lifters here.
That drive brings cheer to women’s lives like the poppies and Christmas cactus bring smiles to so many of us too.
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: Thank you. Smiles are always welcome. To give and to receive.
DeleteA dignity drive. What an absolutely wonderful idea. I know you all made some people mighty happy...and no doubt a bit relieved. Your flowers are so bright. I especially like the Christmas cactus. Mine did not bloom this year. :(
ReplyDeleteJ C: We have had much more rain than usual in early Spring and the whole garden has benefited. How I wish that the Dignity Drive was not necessary.
DeleteHola hijo de elefante. Primero agradezco tu visita a mis espacios de poesia, eres muy generoso.
ReplyDeleteCon respecto a este emprendimiento que tiene como finalidad acercar algo a los mas necesitados me parece sumamente hermoso. Siempre hay personas que la estan pasando mal. No hace falta irse lejos para encontrar gente con una necesidad. A veces estan al lado de nuestra casa, a la vuelta de nuestra esquina, porque la necesidad puede ser material y tambien afectiva y se puede suavizar con una palabra de aliento, o bien escuchándolos y compartiendo aquello que les sucede.
Te felicito de corazón por ese árbol de navidad a disposición de otros..y te deseo muchos exitos en todo lo que emprendas desde tu corazón noble.. Un abrazo grande!!! Feliz domingo.. Ahhhhh...olvide tus bellas plantas...Un jardín precioso!!Disfrútalo y cuidate mucho
eli mendez: Thank you for your kind words. You are so right. Many people are in need, and I am glad to be able to help in some small ways.
DeleteThe Dignity Drive is a great idea. Bless you for participating in it.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: I first found out about the Dignity Drive some years ago - and contribute each time. Of course. I have been in need and wish that something similar had been available at the time.
DeleteI really like this idea and I'm so glad you have participated. It's really rather shameful that in this day and this country we have people who basically have to beg for these basic items
ReplyDeletekylie: I find it shameful that in our affluent country people need these basic items, much less that they have to beg for them.
DeleteYour choices are beautiful and generous and I know any woman would be glad to get them. Beautiful Christmas cactus - and bigger than what we grow indoors here. Love the double poppies. They remind me of pom poms :)
ReplyDeletejenny_o: You are right about the pom poms. Beautiful, brightly coloured pom poms. I pretty much fail in the indoor plant department. These live outside all year and are the better for it.
DeleteI do hope that my choices do make someone feel cherished. That was certainly my intent.
Laurie: Thank you. I do hope you are feeling a little better.
ReplyDeleteA bag full of good things. And yes, you need some luxury-items as well. A Danish priest once wrote that the necessary without a bit of superfluous was deadly for the soul.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for these red flowers warming me on a drizzly, dreary day with temperatures around 0 Celsius
Charlotte (MotherOwl): That priest was very right. I do hope that the treats I chose please the recipient.
DeleteWe are expecting a temperature around 34C today and I would swap with you in a heartbeat. I do hope that your drizzle and your drear lift though.
Great Christmas tree and flowers❤
ReplyDeleteKinga K.: Thank you.
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea and how thoughtful your bags are with the luxuries along with the necessities. And your flowers cheered my up immeasurably.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: I really enjoy selecting things to go in these bags and hope that the recipients enjoy them as much.
DeleteAnd of course I continue to revel in the garden.
Spectacular is an understatement!
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas Rose is puny. I think it's on its last leg.
I love the fill a hand bag idea. How purrfect.
You are awesome.
Sandra Cox: I don't know who thought up the Dignity Drive here - or came up with the idea to fill a bag but I think it is a BRILLIANT initiative that I am very, very happy to join.
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea.. and I'm sure the little extra will be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning flower!
Hena Tayeb: Isn't it a wonderful initiative: I like both of those plants and look forward to them blooming each year. This year they were both particularly good.
DeleteVery thoughtful and much needed items. We will be doing the same. Loved the flowers!
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: That sad need (worldwide) horrifies me. Thank you for helping out.
DeleteWhat a worthy cause. Women are so vulnerable and easy to hurt. this gift is perfect.
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas cactus is awesome. Mine are miserable.
Susan Kane: Isn't it a wonderful initiative. I am so glad I found it - and equally sad at just how much it is needed.
DeleteSpectacular for sure! Love all the color. Such loveliness takes hard work though. Good on you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea to share with others!
Yolanda Renee: Thank you. While the garden as a whole does involve work (and sometimes lots of it) these are 'set and forget' plants.
DeleteAnd I think the Dignity Drive is wonderful. Truly wonderful.
I love the handbag idea! Someone will be thrilled to get all the treasures you included in yours.
ReplyDeleteYour poppies are gorgeous, and your Christmas cactus makes my indoor versions look wimpy. It must be a different species - your cactuses are much fuller with more petals. (Or maybe they're just happier because they're outdoors.) Thank you for sharing your garden! :-)
Diane Henders: I am really, really glad that I found the Dignity Drive. I hope that the recipient a)knows that someone cares about them and b)has as much fun with it as I did in choosing the contents of that bag.
DeleteI have other Christmas cacti with less petals, but they never do as well as these - which like it outisde.
What a really brilliant idea to Build a bag. It is something I can consider here for Lions Clubs too. You have put in many thoughtful items which will make a family happy this C'mas. And your garden is beautiful as always, the colour of your double poppies and Cmas cactcus is very usual. I love your colours this week
ReplyDeletekestrel: I would be very, very happy to learn that the Dignity Drive was spreading. It is such a simple idea, and a wonderful, wonderful initiative.
DeleteI am glad that you are not (yet) tired of our garden.
Good on you for taking part in the Dignity Drive. Sounds like a very worthwhile effort.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing some beautiful color with us! That is one special cactus.
Gini and I hope mid-week finds you well.
Wally Jones: It is a very worthwhile and sadly essential initiative.
DeleteThat cactus is special isn't it? It is largely finished flowering now, but definitely brightens my memories.
They. really are spectacular!
ReplyDeleteI love the name for Dignity Drive - we do a few similar drives here (including the Period Purse for sanitary products). Such a great way to help up
Jemi Fraser: How nice to hear that similar initiatives exist world wide. And how desperately sad that they are needed.
DeleteThis is such a wonderful idea, yes a shame it is needed, but so many are so thankful for the help.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your gorgeous blooms, they all look very nice and wonderful colour.
Many Happy December Wishes.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. And a very happy December to you and your family.
DeleteWhat a lovely gift you prepared for the Dignity Drive. Some woman will be thrilled to receive it. So many people are in need. The virus has made it so much worse in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: I hope so. I really hope so. I have my suspicions that my crammed bag will be divided up and shared among several women - and that if fine too. Covid has hit the poorer communities harder the world over. And women are so often the poorest of the poor.
DeleteSad, but true.
DeleteJanie Junebug: A sad truth which fills me with anger and despair.
DeleteI love that idea about filling the purses! Well done everyone! You have my mom's plant! LOL! Of course her's is kept inside! I ran and showed my mom your Christmas Cactus! I said look mom, EC, has your plant! LOL! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: I have your mama's plant? I hope she liked seeing it on the other side of the world, and knowing that I value it and take care of it. Big hugs to you too.
DeleteSpectacular colours in your garden!
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: Thank you. Those blooms have largely gone now, but there are other colours to fill me with joy.
Delete