Wednesday, February 06, 2008
The Sometimes Gardener
Monday brought beautiful weather to my small city on the plains. It was a day that called for being outdoors. I had passed other opportunities lately to work outside, but was determined that nothing was keeping me from watering and cleaning on Monday.
So, out came the hoses, the rake, the trash bags, and the flip flops. I wasn't really approaching the work with joy, so I also donned my "put on your big girl panties and deal with it" t-shirt. I call it my attitude adjustment shirt.
It truly only takes a few minutes for my mind and attitude to embrace the wonder of working outdoors. The smell of damp earth and the warmth of the sun do my attitude good.
By the time I am half way around the front of my house watering I come across my hyacinth beginning to peek out of the ground. I am a bit surprised, but realize that it is indeed time for the renewal of the seasons to begin. I am filled with anticipation for their magenta color to appear while also experiencing a bit of regret for not planting more bulbs this past fall.
I continue watering noting what will bloom next and saying a quick prayer over the azaleas. I have never had good luck with these - hopefully blooms will come this spring.
After dragging the hoses to their proper places, I start the traveling sprinkler. Our grass is in need of a quick watering. Then off to the back yard. I water one bed and "plan" some new plants to add for this spring. This bed is one I would call successful. The plan is going well and the results are what I want. This bed actually brings me much joy in the summer as I sit on the patio.
But, my attention must shift to one of my trouble spots. Probably the worst bed in our yard - the corner bed. Each year I have high hopes for this bed. I have literally planted all sorts of things here hoping for a good outcome. Although on occasion one or two things end up working well, overall the bed is always disappointing. Truly the only consistently performing thing in this bed are the weeds. Seriously, if our county fair had a catagory for "best weed" there would have been several years I could have taken the blue ribbon!
This time I have decided to try a new trick. After cleaning out the leaves and dead sunflower stalks, I lay down wet newspapers. I have read in more than one place that this will kill the weeds and/or grass. So, this is my new "let's give this a try" thing for this year. Of course, I didn't factor in the need for mulch to put on top of the newspaper. But after a quick trip to the store it was covered - literally.
I wish I was more devoted to my gardening, but even being a sometimes gardener has taught me alot about how it reflects life. Somethings flourish with very little care. Other things require more attention. On occasion, some things just need to be moved. And most things require pruning or deadheading. But above all, things constantly change. Some things I can control, and others I cannot. Even when bad things happen, like losing a beautiful and mature tree, good things come from it. Sunshine allows things to grow where they once would not. A new beauty takes hold.
And today, just two days later, there is snow on the ground. The planting season is not yet here. It is still time to enjoy the dormant season and to marvel at the cycle of it all.
Just ponderings from a sometimes gardener.
simple faith
Monday brought beautiful weather to my small city on the plains. It was a day that called for being outdoors. I had passed other opportunities lately to work outside, but was determined that nothing was keeping me from watering and cleaning on Monday.
So, out came the hoses, the rake, the trash bags, and the flip flops. I wasn't really approaching the work with joy, so I also donned my "put on your big girl panties and deal with it" t-shirt. I call it my attitude adjustment shirt.
It truly only takes a few minutes for my mind and attitude to embrace the wonder of working outdoors. The smell of damp earth and the warmth of the sun do my attitude good.
By the time I am half way around the front of my house watering I come across my hyacinth beginning to peek out of the ground. I am a bit surprised, but realize that it is indeed time for the renewal of the seasons to begin. I am filled with anticipation for their magenta color to appear while also experiencing a bit of regret for not planting more bulbs this past fall.
I continue watering noting what will bloom next and saying a quick prayer over the azaleas. I have never had good luck with these - hopefully blooms will come this spring.
After dragging the hoses to their proper places, I start the traveling sprinkler. Our grass is in need of a quick watering. Then off to the back yard. I water one bed and "plan" some new plants to add for this spring. This bed is one I would call successful. The plan is going well and the results are what I want. This bed actually brings me much joy in the summer as I sit on the patio.
But, my attention must shift to one of my trouble spots. Probably the worst bed in our yard - the corner bed. Each year I have high hopes for this bed. I have literally planted all sorts of things here hoping for a good outcome. Although on occasion one or two things end up working well, overall the bed is always disappointing. Truly the only consistently performing thing in this bed are the weeds. Seriously, if our county fair had a catagory for "best weed" there would have been several years I could have taken the blue ribbon!
This time I have decided to try a new trick. After cleaning out the leaves and dead sunflower stalks, I lay down wet newspapers. I have read in more than one place that this will kill the weeds and/or grass. So, this is my new "let's give this a try" thing for this year. Of course, I didn't factor in the need for mulch to put on top of the newspaper. But after a quick trip to the store it was covered - literally.
I wish I was more devoted to my gardening, but even being a sometimes gardener has taught me alot about how it reflects life. Somethings flourish with very little care. Other things require more attention. On occasion, some things just need to be moved. And most things require pruning or deadheading. But above all, things constantly change. Some things I can control, and others I cannot. Even when bad things happen, like losing a beautiful and mature tree, good things come from it. Sunshine allows things to grow where they once would not. A new beauty takes hold.
And today, just two days later, there is snow on the ground. The planting season is not yet here. It is still time to enjoy the dormant season and to marvel at the cycle of it all.
Just ponderings from a sometimes gardener.
simple faith
Labels: Life, Ponderings
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Someone Else's Dream
For weeks now that phrase has rolled around in my head.
We seem to have spent a lot of time on the road the past few months. The phrase first formed while pondering old barns and homesteads that we past. They were abandoned and slowly falling apart. There is a unique beauty in them as they sit serenely in the countryside.
The thought came to me one day that they are, in fact, someone else's dream. They represent a time and way of life that is passing. The new generation needs/wants bigger barns and homes. That change has left abandoned barns and homesteads to dot the landscape. Silent reminders of another generation's dreams.
Recently we spent several hours on the road traveling to and from the Rocky Mountain High State. Again the phrase rolled through my mind as the landscape was dotted with old barns and homesteads. Then suddenly, the phrase took on an unexpected meaning.
My mind wandered to my own life and my chosen path. I am sure the turn in thinking had to do, in part, to a couple of books I have been reading. But the phrase became a question - "Am I living my own dream, or someone else's?"
I have been very purposeful about my chosen path. It has not always been easy to walk. I have spent much time this past year evaluating that choice.
I have had the blessing of stepping into temporary jobs that have given me the opportunity to "try on" that path. It set me to much pondering and brought me to the conclusion that, for now, this path I am on is best. This path is allowing me to live my dreams.
I firmly believe that we must often evaluate our path and ask the question, "Is this someone else's dream, or mine?"
simple faith
For weeks now that phrase has rolled around in my head.
We seem to have spent a lot of time on the road the past few months. The phrase first formed while pondering old barns and homesteads that we past. They were abandoned and slowly falling apart. There is a unique beauty in them as they sit serenely in the countryside.
The thought came to me one day that they are, in fact, someone else's dream. They represent a time and way of life that is passing. The new generation needs/wants bigger barns and homes. That change has left abandoned barns and homesteads to dot the landscape. Silent reminders of another generation's dreams.
Recently we spent several hours on the road traveling to and from the Rocky Mountain High State. Again the phrase rolled through my mind as the landscape was dotted with old barns and homesteads. Then suddenly, the phrase took on an unexpected meaning.
My mind wandered to my own life and my chosen path. I am sure the turn in thinking had to do, in part, to a couple of books I have been reading. But the phrase became a question - "Am I living my own dream, or someone else's?"
I have been very purposeful about my chosen path. It has not always been easy to walk. I have spent much time this past year evaluating that choice.
I have had the blessing of stepping into temporary jobs that have given me the opportunity to "try on" that path. It set me to much pondering and brought me to the conclusion that, for now, this path I am on is best. This path is allowing me to live my dreams.
I firmly believe that we must often evaluate our path and ask the question, "Is this someone else's dream, or mine?"
simple faith
Labels: Life, Ponderings
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Sweet Memories
The holidays are always filled with thoughts of loved ones and friends - it just seems inevitable. Some years bring incredible tragedies to those you know. Other years see the passing of time as loved ones who have journeyed long on this earth begin their eternal journey. This year has brought both to my life.
As my holiday preparations and daily life have been underway in recent days, I have come face to face with reality and sweet memories.
An old friend's eight year old son tragically dies. My breathe is taken away. My own children seem even more precious - the gift is cherished even more.
My Aunt's handwriting is found in a cookbook. My Grandmother's candy recipes are highlighted with a pink highlighter. The memories are sweet - the sorrow still remains.
My husband's Grandma passes away yesterday. Today my laundry includes a crocheted doily she made - the grief is new, but the memories are sweet.
I am purposeful about surrounding myself with memories. This week, I think I will be more mindful of how precious and sweet they truly are.
simple faith
The holidays are always filled with thoughts of loved ones and friends - it just seems inevitable. Some years bring incredible tragedies to those you know. Other years see the passing of time as loved ones who have journeyed long on this earth begin their eternal journey. This year has brought both to my life.
As my holiday preparations and daily life have been underway in recent days, I have come face to face with reality and sweet memories.
An old friend's eight year old son tragically dies. My breathe is taken away. My own children seem even more precious - the gift is cherished even more.
My Aunt's handwriting is found in a cookbook. My Grandmother's candy recipes are highlighted with a pink highlighter. The memories are sweet - the sorrow still remains.
My husband's Grandma passes away yesterday. Today my laundry includes a crocheted doily she made - the grief is new, but the memories are sweet.
I am purposeful about surrounding myself with memories. This week, I think I will be more mindful of how precious and sweet they truly are.
simple faith
Labels: Ponderings
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Tapestry Ponderings
My life is a tapestry that is rich with colors and textures all interwoven from my relationships with friends and family. Some relationships bring love, joy, laughter, wisdom, and humor. Some relationships, well they don't necessarily bring those things, but I wouldn't trade them. They add texture to my tapestry.
Today I am just thankful for the diversity of family and friends.
simple faith
My life is a tapestry that is rich with colors and textures all interwoven from my relationships with friends and family. Some relationships bring love, joy, laughter, wisdom, and humor. Some relationships, well they don't necessarily bring those things, but I wouldn't trade them. They add texture to my tapestry.
Today I am just thankful for the diversity of family and friends.
simple faith
Labels: Ponderings
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Detours
Much progress has been going on in our small city this summer. Road work and updates to our high school have forced me to take different routes during my daily routines. It was a bit frustrating at first, but the change of scenery allowed me to see some things I would have otherwise missed.....a beautiful remodeling of a home in one of our historic districts and black hollyhocks in bloom in the front yard of a cute, tan stucco house.
I was happy for the new routes and for the changes around me.
It makes me wonder how often I miss something spectacular going on because I am not detouring from my route. Or perhaps spectacular things are happening on my route, but I fail to notice them because I am not truly looking.
I think I will detour off my route more often.
simple faith
Much progress has been going on in our small city this summer. Road work and updates to our high school have forced me to take different routes during my daily routines. It was a bit frustrating at first, but the change of scenery allowed me to see some things I would have otherwise missed.....a beautiful remodeling of a home in one of our historic districts and black hollyhocks in bloom in the front yard of a cute, tan stucco house.
I was happy for the new routes and for the changes around me.
It makes me wonder how often I miss something spectacular going on because I am not detouring from my route. Or perhaps spectacular things are happening on my route, but I fail to notice them because I am not truly looking.
I think I will detour off my route more often.
simple faith
Labels: Ponderings
