Roses are the epitome of what's wonderful and heaven-like about summer.  This morning as I sat on the front steps, drinking my cup of Earl Grey, listening to the birds all vying for airtime I felt for a moment that THIS IS heaven to me, right here, right now, in this moment, and this garden is my sanctuary, my place of peace and worship. 

Someone (a woman friend) once told me, that as we age, we develop a love and sentimentality  for roses... It is certainly true in my case. In my old garden, I had just three rose plants, and though I  thought them lovely they seemed over-rated, needing much in the way of maintenance.  Now I'm older and my new garden has  (pauses to count in head, ... this may take a while) 19 rose plants that I love and adore and feel such a strong physical connection for their well being, as if I am their parent.., sometimes when one of my roses is doing particularly well (Jude the Obscure, you know who I'm talking about..) I get a lump in my throat, and feel so touched at their ability to be so very stunning.  

What touches you ?