Gratitude

Gratitude

Gratitude seems to sum up this image. As I pulled the blinds on the window next to my computer desk, this beautiful red rose caught my eye.

The Zinnias (which had invaded its territory) have completely succumbed to the cold weather, but still provide a neutral background for this bloom — blooming as if on cue with the fab metal sign I purchase in Taos, NM. I was grateful for the stem of red rose blooms I was able to cut and place in my bud vase on my desk — despite it being 30-something degrees outside!

So, what are you thankful for? Thanksgiving is a word of action … (Feel free to post your responses here!)

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

Pause and Delight

Pause and Delight

Listening. Taking pause. Not always descriptive of our days. However, it is in The Pause of each day that we are able to truly listen.

Most of the people I know, myself included, take each day at a steady jog. Running just fast enough to keep up with their schedule but not fast enough to feel satisfied, nor slow enough to enjoy the view. And just forget about stopping! Or rest!

And yet we wonder why we feel so confused or at best, harried or discontented.

This is a tree of many years on the west side of my acreage. With the month of November moving along, I became concerned that this beautiful and garden-protector (from the hot summer rays of sun) would not glow with color this Autumn. It drapes over a corner of one of my large gardens, as it frames that area of my backyard from its post on the other side of the fence.

The other day — at almost sunset — I drove up my driveway and I realized that my concerns weren't valid. I gazed upon this tree in all its glory! Because during this time of year, the rays of the sun shine parallel with this tree. As the sun appears to set itself down along the horizon, the angle of its light upon the golden leaves of this majestic tree creates a soft glow.

So, what does this beautiful tree have to do with "Pause and Delight" and thus, this post?

Seeing it on that day reminded me to pause and to delight in God's Creation. (And realize that grabbing one's camera and capturing beautiful images of a tree in its glory is more important than groceries — including the ice cream! — waiting in the van to be carried into the house!) And to celebrate "all things in God's time" ...

Use my unlimited stores for your needs and those of others. You will love the consciousness of My Presence when you hear no voice. Cultivate silence I speak in silences, a soft wind can convey my meaning to the heart. ~Two Listeners

Change

If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. ~Mary Engelbreit

I have long been a Mary Engelbreit aficionado. She is a bit too perky for some but I enjoy an eclectic blend of style in my home and office, and her style blends right in! Her artwork often includes a theme or a quote; the one cited above is certainly one of my favorites!

The photograph I posted is also pertinent to change (Autumn) and changing the way I think about something. I enjoy the way the ever-faithful Virginia Creeper adorns my grapevine archway and along my fence. It is almost as tenacious as the wild grapevine that graces my country garden (and hither and yon!). However, when it comes to the matter of a gazillion seeds dropping into my country garden — I have to draw the line! So, I have been dedicated to weed it out except for the north fence line.

However, something I realized was that come October-November I could simply trim back those seeds as they draped over the fence. Thus preventing said gazillion seeds popping up next Spring! Yay!

Simple thing, actually, but revolutionary if we could simply apply it to other aspects of our Life-Garden. Right? Especially sincewe can only change ourselves (and not another person). And especially since some situations must be faced head-on instead of ignored or walked-away from. And in order to accomplish that we must change the way we think about said situations! :-D

"Take what you want and leave the rest." is a catch phrase from my 20's when I attended Al-Anon meetings. The concept stayed in my head ... and funny thing — 20 some years later — I think I finally get it! ;-)

And, I can thank G-d for Virginia Creeper, since apparently it was the closer on this whole "change what you can" and "leave the rest" deal!

Autumn

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. ~George Eliot

First Freeze

Well, in all the years I have lived here in my country home, this is the first year I wasn't running around in the dark the night of the first freeze! I dressed in layers this morning and finished up pruning and preparing my gardens for a forecasted freeze tonight ...

55° | 28°

Garden Planning

Photo Credit

This time of year I enjoy perusing my garden books and the Internet for ideas and inspiration. Here are some of my collected notes about garden planning and redesign:

Getting Started
1. Decide on a theme or plant family reflects your personality, with consideration to the time you have available for gardening as well as your level of expertise or resources.

2. Don’t be afraid to use different types of plants or garden accents, but focus upon a common theme or at least complimentary plantings. And, of course, for eclectic types (like me!) don't shy away from blending themes or including accent colors or textures as you weave your garden tapestry.

3. Study the space you want to garden, with consideration to future expansions or long-term plantings (such as scrubs or trees).

4. Compile photos or a list of plants you discover and want to include in your garden. Visit garden centers and keep a list of the names of the plants you are drawn to. Don't hesitate to inquire about native plantings, hardiness and local recommendations when you visit.

5. Annuals are a great starter plant for beginners. And they lend themselves to the trial-and-error mode of "planning"!

6. Start with a container garden if an in-ground garden seems too daunting.

7. Enjoy the process! Life is a garden ... What is growing in yours??



Related links:
Greenwood Nursery and Gardens
Landscape and Design Ideas

After ... Day 1

It always amazes me how much work can be accomplished if one simply makes the intention of focused activity. (Something I have to intend as it does not come naturally for me ...)


I was able to clear all the overgrown Bermuda grass, transplant the (struggling amongst the Bermuda) Sedum, as well as prune back the Salvia and Summer Savory. And, spot an empty chrysalis as well as a resident Terrapin turtle!

Related link: Monarch butterfly emerging ...

Focus for clearing

Before, Day 1

There are some errant seeds threatening to burst from their pods. They prefer to be called Garlic Chive seeds. However, their "fertileness" tends to add them in the weed category. And, actually Garlic Chives are more invasive (and difficult to remove) than Bermuda grass (the golden patch in the center of the photograph)! It is difficult to determine the Garlic Chive heads ... However, there are several! They are my first priority today!

So, this is my current focus for clearing and dead-heading.

Hoping to post an "after" photo very soon!

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Best Remedy!

Fall Color ...

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. ~Anne Frank