| Do you ever take time to stop and smell the roses? I try to as often as I can, and when I do I always tell myself “why don’t you do this more often you dummy!” If I could have chosen a career (without worry of money) I would have definitely chosen gardening and landscaping. There are aspects of landscaping that I love so much and the visual appeal of something alive and beautiful has just always attracted me. I tell my family all the time that “I love trees” and they look at me like I’ve flipped my lid. Trees to me, especially those that have stood up to decades or even centuries of weather and insects, are amazing creations. A massive oak tree sits on the hilltop across the road from our house. This tree stands head and shoulders above all other trees on the hill and I’m convinced that it was standing there 200 years ago when Indians and pioneers roamed this land. I love looking at that oak tree and wondering who it gave shade to back then. Are you anything like me? Do you enjoy a meticulously designed landscape? I may be weird in this but I’m definitely not alone. Many famous people throughout history have had the same love and in many places around the world there still is evidence of it. Two places come to mind: The Biltmore in Asheville, NC, and Chartwell House in England. I’ve seen Biltmore and it has amazing gardens and meticulously kept lands for as far as you can see. Chartwell House is on my bucket list and I hope to eventually see it in person. Sir Winston Churchill is one of those men in history that stands head and shoulders above others, just like the giant oak that I see from my front porch every day. He showed such courage and leadership during WWII and was one of the primary reasons for the defeat of Germany’s evil regime. I have always respected his leadership style and ability to stay calm during incredibly difficult times. Not only do I respect him as a leader, but I also respect his good taste in homes… and landscaping… Chartwell House was the home of Sir Winston Churchill and his family for several decades up until his death. I wonder how many giant oak trees still stand on the grounds of this grand estate in honor of Mr. Churchill? If you are not familiar with Churchill’s amazing ability as a leader, I encourage you to do some reading and learn from his example. Adopt his courage and tenacity and you too can be a great leader. |
Photo by Charlie Seaman on Unsplash
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill |
