Gertrude’s Commentary:
You know, violets have this funny way of sneaking into your life and making you appreciate the little things. Here I am, stuck behind the counter of our cozy shop in London, and these violets have become my secret source of joy. In this fast-paced city, violets are like a breath of fresh air. They are nothing flashy, you see, just these unassuming little flowers. They do not scream for attention; they just quietly exist, much like me, really. They have taught me to find beauty in simplicity, in the moments that usually slip by unnoticed. They have taught me the art of appreciating the transient, of finding joy in the smallest moments. What is fascinating about violets is how fleeting they are, like life itself. They bloom, pleasing everyone with their delicate charm, and then they are gone. But in that short span, they have shown me the art of savoring the briefest of moments. Through violets, I have also rediscovered nature's calming embrace. These unassuming blooms are a reminder that even in the midst of the urban jungle, you can find tranquility and inspiration. So, you see, violets have become my little companions in this adventure called life. They have opened my eyes to the beauty that is all around us, hidden in plain sight. They help me see life's intricate beauty and the significance in life's quietest corners. They have transformed my ordinary routine into a delightful romance, one violet at a time.
Researcher’s Commentary:
I uncovered a remarkable find: a well-preserved scrapbook containing the entries of Gertrude Lorimer, an owner of a photography studio living in London during the Victorian era. Among the pages of this intriguing artifact, I stumbled upon a reflection on violets, penned by Ms. Lorimer herself. Gertrude's commentary on violets offers a glimpse into the sensibilities of her time and her personal philosophy. Violets, she noted, held a peculiar significance in her life, emblematic of beauty in its most unobtrusive form. Her words convey a sense of humility and a quiet appreciation for the finer aspects of existence that often go unnoticed in the chaos of urban life. What particularly strikes me is her analogy of violets to life itself—brief, fragile, yet possessing a unique allure. In these words, we witness Gertrude's insight into the fading nature of existence and her desire to savor the fleeting moments that define it. Her perspective aligns with contemporary discussions on mindfulness and the art of living in the present moment. “Women could not seem too focused on finding a husband, lest it appeared they had a worrying amount of sexual desire. Women were meant to only desire marriage in that it allowed them to become mothers rather than for any sexual or emotional satisfaction” (“Social Life in Victorian England | British Literature Wiki.”). Gertrude seems to focus on the art of enjoying life in its purest form rather than the typical focus of finding a husband in the Victorian Era. Furthermore, her connection with nature through these violets resonates with the modern emphasis on reconnecting with the natural world in an increasingly urbanized society. “We ought always clearly to bear in mind—men and women alike—that to all time the vast majority of women must be wives and mothers; that on those women who become wives and mothers depends the future of the race” (Allen). This was the social standard in the Victorian Era which undermined women and took away the authenticity of love within relationships. With society’s opinionated chaos, these violets represent the serenity found within. Gertrude underscores the timeless human need for support and inspiration found in the simplicity of the natural world. In essence, Gertrude Lorimer's reflections on violets transcend their historical context, offering a timeless message about the value of appreciating life's subtleties and temporary beauty. As a researcher, I find her words to be a precious glimpse into a former era and proof of the enduring human pursuit of meaning and beauty in the everyday.
Allen, Grant. “Plain Words on the Woman Question.” 1889. COVE, 2023.
“Social Life in Victorian England | British Literature Wiki.” WordPress at UD |, https://sites.udel.edu/britlitwiki/social-life-in-victorian-england/. Accessed 12 October 2023.
“Violet - Bouquet.” Tornado Studios, www.tornado-studios.com/stock-3d-models/violet-bouquet. Accessed 12 Oct. 2023.