T.M.I.

I’ve been remiss in my blogging. In considering the reason for this, I’ve come to the conclusion that it is NOT because I’ve had nothing to say. Quite the opposite. There’s TOO MUCH to say. Family stuff, community stuff, and global stuff bombard me and I struggle to keep up. I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling this way.

Life is messy — like the spent sunflower seeds in this photo. Everyone’s “mess” is a bit different. My mother, who is declining into dementia, has been the greatest focus of my time and energy for the last few years. My own involvement in social activities, like church and chorus, has taken a turn during the pandemic and I’m reassessing my priorities and assessing my own needs. Too many details to mention or even fully grasp are whirling inside my brain. Messy.

Some days, all I can do is focus on the simple things — the things that bring a sense of momentary peace and beauty — like the crocuses in this photo. Today, my “crocus” will be venturing outside in the retreating drizzle to start turning over the dirt in my garden beds. That’s all. The mess of life will still be here when I’m done, but that’s okay. Maybe it’ll feel a little less daunting. I encourage you to do the same if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Give yourself permission to focus on the crocuses. And have a blessed day. 🙂

Gratitude Spiral: Day 336

Today, I’m grateful once again for my Christmas cactus blooming.

It bloomed from February to March and then broke in half one day. I’ve been wondering if the whole thing was on it’s way out. But there it goes, blooming again!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 326

Today, I’m grateful for the variety of black-eyed susans still blooming in my garden.

Many flowers have gone by already and temperatures are threatening to dip into the thirties soon. So, I’m enjoying these while I can. A friend gave me some black-eyed susans from her garden many years ago. I haven’t planted any of them since then. They just pop up all over my front gardens every spring. It’s like they feel right at home here. 🙂

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 311

Today, I’m grateful for flowers in my kitchen.

I bought them for myself. Grocery shopping is not a pleasant task for me, made more uncomfortable by the Covid-19 pandemic. Feeling like I needed a pick-me-up the other day, I chose a deep red bouquet just for me. Sometimes, that’s all it takes. 🙂

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 308

Today, I’m grateful for the marigolds I received on Mother’s Day that are still thriving.

Their full, yellow blossoms are so cheery in my dwindling autumn garden. Their brightness makes me smile. 🙂

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 282

Today, I’m grateful for weeding.

No, not so grateful for the weeds themselves. But the act of weeding, pulling up crabgrass, roots and all, reveals what the garden is supposed to look like.  And it’s amazingly satisfying.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 256

Today, I’m grateful for zinnias.

For the last few years, I’ve bought zinnia seedlings from The Herb Farmacy in Salisbury, MA. There are so many fun, colorful varieties. I keep meaning to grow them from seed myself, but each year I seem to forget, until it’s too late. So, I’m thankful to have any at all to brighten up my garden.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 249

Today, I’m grateful for the hibiscus blooming at the front corner of our yard.

Almost every year, like clockwork, it blooms on the first day of August. The lunch-plate sized flowers open their pink and white faces to the sun and last a few days each. As the first flowers droop, more open, making a spectacle for passers-by for at least the rest of the month.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 238

Today, I’m grateful for nasturtium flowers.

Nasturtium foliage is full and fun. I almost forget sometimes that flowers will eventually bloom out of it. The variety of small red, orange, and yellow blossoms are a joy to see peeking out between my squash and tomato plants. 🙂

What are you grateful for today?