The glorious peony is back for an encore. Albeit a short visit, my own bundle of blush on my desk has started to bow to the window as if for the final curtain call of the year. To me, a bundle of peonies mean something more than something beautiful to look at. Right now, they remind me of the hope of spring as the sky begins to draw the shade of clouds and leaves fall away to a barren landscape. They remind me that even in the darkest winter, the sun will rise, a new year is coming and life has not gone, but is only resting to come back stronger, more vibrant than ever before. As Albert Camus said, "In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there is something stronger - something better pushing right back."

Ivanka of Hana + Pine created this beautiful shoot, actually from an afternoon just spent playing with peonies and beautiful items at hand with Michele. The result? A stunning memory and reminder that life will return, in due time. 

Photography by Michele Beckwith :: Florals by Hana + Pine