This week-end we finally felt like it was safe to bring out garden decor, some plants, and watering cans. In the back of the greenhouse the statue of this little girl reading was hidden where she had been stored last fall. Uncovering her yesterday reminded me of the woman that gave me this girl. She worked for me at school as a paraeducator. She knew my passion for reading and shared that passion. I now have her daughter in my class and she also shares our passion for books. The mother and I were in a book group together and talked about books when we had a moment in our days.
Three of my favorite things in May are Teacher Appreciation Week, gardening, and lilacs. During Teacher Appreciation Week a few years ago this woman showed up at my gate one day while I was gardening with this statue. It was a gift so perfect for a gardening reader. This week again teachers are being honored during our special appreciation week. I had a co-worker deliver a bouquet of flowers for my desk this morning to start this special week. Thank you signs hung around the teacher lounge and doughnuts were waiting at break.
Arriving home today I placed Reading Girl in a prominent place in the garden. It was only fitting to place her in front of the lilacs. In May there is nothing more nostalgic than the sweet fragrance and beautiful color of lilacs. Lilacs are Grandma's house on Bridgeport Avenue, my childhood backyard, marching in the Torchlight Parade during the Lilac Festival in Spokane, and bringing starts from Mom's lilac bushes to start my own here. Three passions are represented in the picture above: gardening, reading, and lilacs. Today the lilacs were also open and ready to be brought inside in a vase. Happy Monday!