Believe it or not, the above photo was taken last week. Even as the leaves are fading away in a vast array of colors, there is still spring-like birth taking place in some corners (in this case my mom’s garden). In Anne of the Island, Anne says,
“‘Everything is new in the spring…Springs themselves are always so new, too. No spring is ever just like any other spring’” (Montgomery 1992d, 68).
The beauty of nature is a big theme in the Anne of Green Gables series. Anne is always going on about blooms and bubbling brooks. She notices the beauty that others pass by.
“The world looks like something God had just imagined for His own pleasure, doesn’t it?” (Montgomery 1992b, 144).
This is another one of Anne’s lines. Yes, God creates beauty, and he means for us to enjoy it. While I was immersed in the Anne series this summer and was constantly having her view of nature in mind, it was harder not to notice the simple beauty around me. I don’t have to go on a hike or out to the country side to find beauty. I can see it in the clouds, the trees, and the flowers as I walk from my car to my office.
“A completed garden wouldn’t really be any fun, Susan. You have to work in a garden yourself or you miss its meaning” (Montgomery 1992c, 24).
It’s not complete yet. The plants I have so far will grow and expand, but I left plenty of room to plant shade flowers in the spring!
“The year is a book, isn’t it, Marilla? Spring’s pages are written in Mayflowers and violets, summer’s in roses, autumn’s in red maple leaves, and winter in holly and evergreen” (Montgomery 1992d, 149).
Anne shares several of her fanciful ideas out loud, and I’m so glad this one’s included. Even as the seasons change, there is still some beauty to appreciate. I have to remember this because I’m not a huge fan of winter. I share Anne’s view:
“That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs” (Montgomery 1992a, 213).
This is the third in a series of posts discussing different quotes and themes from the Anne of Green Gable series by L.M. Montgomery. Find the other posts here! Also, see more posts by following me on Instagram @beautyandthemessblog!
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References
Montgomery, L.M. 1992a. Anne of Avonlea. New York: Bantam Books.
——. 1992b. Anne of Green Gables. New York: Bantam Books.
——. 1992c. Anne of Ingleside. New York: Bantam Books.
——. 1992d. Anne of the Island. New York: Bantam Books.
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