Gather Ye Rosebuds

"While ye mayOld Time is still a-flying: And this same flower that smiles to-day To-morrow will be dying."

The first stanza of Robert Herrick's poem "To The Virgins, To Make Much Of Time" tells us to live in the moment. Appreciate what you have while you have it because nothing lasts forever.

The first red rose to bloom in my garden. I took a picture of it because in a few weeks it will start to wither and eventually die. Just like the backdrop for this week's photos.

Behind me is what remains of the Bellevue Mall. Years ago, when enclosed malls were all the rage, it was a busy, thriving place of business. Then the stores began to close and were eventually replaced with flea market-like clearance and secondhand booths. About five years ago the property was purchased and plans were approved by the city to turn the area into a "lifestyle shopping area" with an outdoor strip mall, bike path, courtyard park, and restaurants. Then the economy soured, plans were abandoned, and the mall became a dried out, empty husk of its former glory.

This is a very dressed-down day. I'm in errand running mode here so this is my version of "slob".  Rosey red Bandolino jeans, Cable and Gauge black polka-dotted top, and Jessica Simpson bag. The Not Rated Get Shorty black oxfords from Shi are making their inaugural appearance. My rope twist silver and gold bracelet is at least 25 years old but the style is back with a vengeance. The watch is last year's genuine Betty Boop light-up model I picked up for a song.

Even if you're tired, harried and just want to run out the door, get what you need, and hurry home to collapse into your couch you can still look rosier than you feel.

Thanks once again to Patti for hosting all of us divas for Visible Monday and Jill for Monday Mingle.