Got Tenacity?
This sunflower inspires me. I’ve planted these cheerful blooms in my garden a number of times, and they haven’t come up–maybe, because the birds ate the seeds. I really don’t know. But, two summers ago, this little sunflower sprung up in our backyard of its own volition. It didn’t just grow….it thrived. To my surprise and joy, it bloomed and bloomed and bloomed…all summer. This eager little flower, in its simplicity and loveliness, grew into a flourishing plant. And, it accomplished this feat despite a lack of proper planting, no fertilizer, and without consistent watering. I admire this sunflower for what it symbolizes to me: determination, perseverance, and tenacity.
“Tenacity”
by Tonya R. Hengerer
Tireless
Effort to resist
Negative thinking
And overcome difficulties, while summoning
Courage
In spite of
Tough times—never
Yielding.
“Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.”
~James A. Michener
“If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.”
~H.G. Wells
Categories: Green Hill Farm, Inspiration, Reflections on Farm Life
fourth generation farmgirl 
“Bloom where you’re planted.” ❤ Great tenacity, indeed. Like a little miracle volunteer!
I was SO pleased with my sunflowers last summer. I'd never planted them before and boy, they were a delight! I shall plant GOBS of them this year. Cheerful, without fail. 😀
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Thanks so much, Joey. I remember those beautiful sunflowers from one of your posts. 🌻 They ARE cheerful–just love ’em. 🙂
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I like your anagram, sunflower story, and quotes. 🙂
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Thank you, Deborah. I’m happy you enjoyed the post! 🙂
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Beautiful and inspiring! 🙂
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How kind! Many thanks, Ronit. 🙂
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Love, love, love this Tonya! I call those “volunteer” plants. They just volunteer to bloom and grow anywhere! I had a volunteer tomato plant come up last year. Didn’t produce but maybe two small cherry tomatoes, but it did it on its own, right?
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You’re so sweet! Thank you, Kathryn. I love those little “volunteers,” too. They really amaze me. Whenever I find one in the flower garden or yard, I always leave it. I don’t have the heart to disturb it. 🙂
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Love a sunflower… never managed to grow one lol!
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Me, too! Apparently they like to come up on their own. 😉🌻 Thanks, Ritu.
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🙂
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I’ve had many battles trying to grow sunflowers. The bunnies and chipmunks are the culprits in my yard. The chipmunks dig up the seeds, the bunnies bite off the tender shoots. This past year I had a good crop, I sowed them, then placed a tower of water bottles, top and bottoms cut off and attached, around the stems. I had beautiful sunflowers this year. The best I ever had though, like yours, grew on it’s own, near the bird feeder. It was magnificent.
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Yes, near the bird feeder seems to be an ideal spot. I’m glad you had a good crop of sunflowers, despite those meddling bunnies and chipmunks. Sunflowers are so uplifting and cheery! 🙂
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Beautiful sentiment to go with a beautiful flower! Sunflowers are my girlfriends favourite so, naturally, I have a soft spot for them too.
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That’s lovely. Thank you.
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Our sunflowers grew really well last year and they were a real delight to look at.
I love your tenacious little sunflower determined to thrive! The acrostic poem was perfect too! 🙂
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They’re one of my favorite flowers. My grandmother used to grow the giant ones. Maybe that’s why I like them so much.
Thank you very much, Judy. 🙂 xo
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💖💖
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I love this character quote!!
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Thank you, Laura.
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