During the right seasons, my middle son often brings me flowers. Today is was a fistful of dandelions and a little lavender weed. He was delighted with his find, and his delight was contagious. I know it’s cliche, but I really do think we would all be better off if we could see the world through a child’s eyes now and again.
“Don’t ask what the world needs.
Ask what makes you come alive and go do it.
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
-Howard Thurman
I read several blogs on writing, but this post by Patti Digh at 37days gets right to the heart of the matter. She’s blunt, but darn it’s nice to not dance around the heart of the matter.
And she’s right. Her advice applies to a lot more than writing.
We were driving home the other day when I noticed these trees with the snow caps in the background.
Disclosure of Material Connections: Some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission, although I have yet to do so. In other instances, I receive free books from a book review publisher for whom I write book reviews. I am not required to write positive reviews. Furthermore, I only give my honest opinion of products and services mentioned in this blog. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
We had a beautiful day here today.
Indeed, beauty was everywhere.
Apparently, it was also a good day for visitors.
It’s odd how events come together at times. The last few days, I’ve been spending my precious blog-posting time, working on my blogs to move away from Google products.
While transitioning, however, I’ve been a bit cut off from my virtual world, especially my blog reader. The break has been surprisingly refreshing.
At the same time, I am Catholic, and today is Ash Wednesday, which is the start of Lent.
I happened to read today that the Bishop of our diocese suggests that we attempt a virtual fast for this season, taking a break from our computers and tech devices to turn toward God, our friends and family. He does not suggest a ban, but moderation.
Given my earlier experience this week, I’ve decided to try the fast. I wont stop posting, but I will be attempting to spend less time on the net.
What makes this fast even more interesting to me, however, is that I discovered the Creative Every Day 2010 challenge earlier this week. I’ve decided to join the challenge.
I’m curious to see where the opportunity to turn inward and be creative will take me.
I’ve been trying for some weeks to get a photograph of my neighbors. No, I’m not some obnoxious person who pries into others’ private affairs. Rather, this lovely doe and her twins sleep just up the hill from our patio and graze on the grass in the morning. More than once, we’ve forgotten their presence and left in a hurry at night, only to hear what sounds like a police raid.
I really do love my neighbors!
The end of 2009 approaches rapidly, and my thoughts have turned to resolutions. Having reviewed my current circumstances, I find little in need of serious improvement. I think Dr. Oz made some good suggestions. To these, I would add the following:
(1) Eat more home cooked meals made from fresh ingredients – Let’s face it: fresh, homemade food tastes better. I might as well enjoy my food.
(2) Spend some time each day in prayer and attend weekly Mass – This isn’t some desire to be more religious in the conventional sense. I simply want to find more peace and joy in life. Taking time to be grateful is a good start.
(3) Make regular time for my creative outlets – Instead of putting my books, paints, yarn and sheet music on the shelf to gather dust, why not just use them?
Those sound reasonable. Let’s see how I do.
Something, however, is definitely wrong. It may be that we had a very
cool summer in June. Or, the dirt in the new beds may not be what I
wanted. (I thought I ordered one thing and got another.) Inadequate or
inconsistent water may have played a part. Any one of these could have
weakened the plants to permit a virus to attack.
Whatever the cause, the plants are producing, but not thriving. And for
the better part of the summer, it’s bothered me. Last night, however, I
decided to focus on the positive. Here are the results of my change of
heart.
I
have never had luck growing beans in my garden. Actually, these are
from a second planting, after something came in and nipped my earlier
plants off at the base. I have no idea if I will get any beans, but I
just love the way their delicate tendrils gracefully entwine the
netting. And they appear to be growing by leaps and bounds as those
were not there a week or so ago. You just have to love a plant that
thrives!
Okay,
I realize that this isn’t miraculous, but that looks to me to be a
perfect eggplant! Note the unblemished color and perfect shape. This
one has Szechuan Eggplant in its future!
Finally, how can anyone feel disappointed in a garden that produced this sunny, happy creature?