Peace Rose, Strength in Softness, A Story of Survival
Title: Peace Rose, Transition into Light, by Leslie Montana
Watercolor on hot press paper
Size: 22 x 30 inches
Key Notes: Strength in Softness, Emergence
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Peace Rose, Strength in Softness, A Story of Survival
Roses speak to us from a dimension of truth, beauty, and abundance that transcends language. They can bring in the divine as the ground underfoot to help steady us as we learn to trust life. Uncertain times require the support of all realms. Heaven and earth in this case, Peace Roose, Transition into Light, saw me through a series of changes. It took a while to complete. And now, when I step back from it, I can see that it emanates an energy of release, gentle discernment, and an openness and receptivity to the new. These beautiful flowers and my dialogue with them have been like angels helping me across perilous chasms.
The Staying Power of Softness
If a painting can be a prayer, and I believe it can, this piece supports us in the changes we're going through both individually and collectively as of January 2019. I'm writing this in June 2020. Times of uncertainty including the global health crisis, economic upheaval, and political shifts are challenging our sense of equilibrium. The things we used to depend upon for security are disintegrating rapidly. Nature, in particular roses, stands strong in their softness for me. They help me see the way forward in a gentle way.
With just a few sharp thorns for protection, roses have been blooming on this earth for about 35 million years. In our time we enjoy many varied hybrids of this flower. Peace Rose, however, is the inspiration behind this work of art. Originally propagated during a critical time in history, an uncanny parallel exists with the events of today.
Peace Rose, Transition into Light Small Poster Print. Key Notes: Strength in Softness, Emergence Buy Now!
The Peace Rose, True Story of Survival
The Peace Rose, which this painting is inspired by, is a beautiful garden rose made famous all over the world for the story of its dramatic beginnings. This rose was originally developed by French horticulturist Francis Meilland during the years 1935 to 1939, just before WW2. When Meilland foresaw the German invasion of France he sent cuttings of the rose stock which he had so lovingly raised to friends in Italy, Turkey, Germany, and the United States with the hope of ensuring its survival.
As the story goes, it was just in the nick-of-time that he convinced authorities at the American consul in Lyons to transport his prize packages of rose stock off to safety. His rose cuttings made it out of the country on one of the last planes leaving the area. Of course, we know that his rose stock survived the intrigue, conflict, and politics of the day and went on to be propagated with great success all around the globe. But as German troops advanced Meilland had no idea if his package would be safely delivered, or not.
Much later on as the story continued in the USA, it all turned out much better than anyone could have hoped for. And that rose stock that Francis Meilland had so lovingly propagated went on to make the right kind of history. And to become the subject of much inspiration for gardeners, artists, and lovers of beautiful roses.
The Peace Rose was officially named at the Pacific Rose Society show in Pasadena, California, on April 29, 1945. Later that year Peace roses were given to each of the delegations at the inaugural meeting of the United Nations in San Francisco, each with a note that read "We hope the "Peace Rose" will influence men’s (and women's) thoughts for everlasting world peace". The rest is history in the making as this rose is found in many gardens across the world.
Roses are one of Mother Nature's greatest gifts. Highly prized for their beauty, they emanate frequencies of unconditional love. Ambassadors from the green world, they're here to help us awaken to the higher love within. And because they are conduits of especially high and rarified frequencies you'll find they're often associated with saints, gods, and goddesses. So, whenever you have the opportunity, take time to smell the roses. Get in touch with how they effect you and allow them to impress you with their exquisite healing vibrations. They are all love. And that's soulful nourishment for us humans, especially during these challenging times.
Leslie Montana
Peace Rose, Transition into Light Large Giclee Prints. Key Notes: Strength in Softness, Emergence. Shop large giclee prints.
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Exquisite Paintings on the Nature of Flowers is a body of work based on a sophisticated visual analysis of nature's frequencies = LOVE. Ongoing, and now in phase two.