Rooted in Responsibility

Now we have said good-bye to Sheriff  McDuff I think Deputy Grayson feels the weight of the world on his shoulders. He must now begin guarding Martin Creek Gardens diligently, taking over for his mentor McDuff. He strolled the sidewalk in early evening looking for trouble that might be lurking in the flowers.

I Miss Sunsets

I miss sunsets where I live. I get the pleasure of sunrises every day, but no sunsets. While driving home this evening we got to enjoy quite a show in the sky. Perhaps I should get out and drive more at sunset. ( We also need to clean our windshield!)

Iris: Rooted in Beauty

Everything about an iris is unique.... the scent, the texture, vivid color, and sustainability.

Rooting Beauty in Bouquets

"Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day - like writing a poem or saying a prayer."
Anne Morrow Lindbergh 

You Reading This, Be Ready

As  we move into graduation week at our school I have been reflecting on the group of students graduating and the time I had with them in middle school. Each of them has plans as they move into a bigger world this summer. This poem by William Stafford always gives me a lump in my throat as I think of graduation. 

You Reading This, Be Ready

William Stafford

Starting here, what do you want to remember?
How sunlight creeps along a shining floor?
What scent of old wood hovers, what softened
sound from outside fills the air?

Will you ever bring a better gift for the world
than the breathing respect that you carry
wherever you go right now? Are you waiting
for time to show you some better thoughts?

When you turn around, starting here, lift this
new glimpse that you found; carry into evening
all that you want from this day. This interval you spent
reading or hearing this, keep it for life -

What can anyone give you greater than now,
starting here, right in this room, when you turn around?

Roots: Playing In the Dirt

I am once again going to try to post each day this month. The NaBloPoMo theme this month is roots.

When I moved into my current house I really didn't have soil, but sand. I have learned in the last sixteen years that sand is fairly easy to amend. It just takes lots of amendments and time. We have added manure, green sand, blood meal, bone meal, leaves,compost, compost tea, and various other amendments to get our plants to grow bigger and better.

This spring we can really see the results of all our playing in the dirt. Plants are growing healthier, bigger, and the stems are stronger. Amending the soil continues like teaching and learning. You are never done.