Coming Home to Myself

Rearranging a Life

Today the sunshine is glorious. Yesterday gloomed in both my inner and outer worlds. But both days, I caught glimpses of the Cooper’s Hawk at the park setting up his/her nest (I’m unsure of hawk responsibilities). The night was cold so this morning I walked in my warmest blue coat, gold hat and red scarf,Continue reading “Rearranging a Life”

Forward

Seeds are getting motivated. Indoors, marigolds are an inch high, and basil and thyme have begun producing little specks of green. Outside, both bachelor buttons and spinach are sprouting—though there is also a chance of weeds. For the third week in a row, Sophie and I have enjoyed a Sunday stroll, where she rides andContinue reading “Forward”

Seeds and Sophie.

These two topics have nothing in common except their alliteration. Seeds were duly planted on the first of February: spinach and bachelors buttons in the earth box. I do hope the seeds are compatible. I also potted indoors: thyme, basil, snapdragons, tomatoes, marigolds, and coleus. The following day I bought and added eggplant seeds. Wow!Continue reading “Seeds and Sophie. “

Spring is on its way

Those stubborn geraniums on the front porch finally gave up in the face of the January chilly nights I complained about in my last blog. But now, our days are warming and lengthening. I covered my Earth box with a protective garden cover. It should at least deter marauding birds and squirrels. I don’t knowContinue reading “Spring is on its way”

Delays, Deliberations, Derivations

Delays: A cold blast has delayed my hopes of planting seeds. December’s warmth was a fooler. A friend told me this cold is necessary. I’m sure she’s absolutely right, but I can’t say it’s comfortable. I’m waiting for February to think gardens Deliberations: Speaking with my older sister about my progress on the final pagesContinue reading “Delays, Deliberations, Derivations”

Winter is icumen in

to paraphrase an old song, but there are no cuckoos to loudly sing in this cold season. And yet, I bought a frost cover for my as-yet-unplanted Earth box. I’m waiting for a warm, encouraging day to put out a few experimental seeds. Sophie’s wonderful groomer retired, putting me in charge of her baths. She’sContinue reading “Winter is icumen in”

Awakenings

The Texas Red Oak in my front yard clings to its leaves long after other trees stand bare. Lately, those leaves have appeared on the back patio. Somehow the wind plucks them, carries them over the house and dumps the load. I’ll sweep up one batch, and if there’s a wind, a new, neatly sculptedContinue reading “Awakenings”

I RESOLVE TO PLANT SEEDS

First seed: I made an early resolution to return to my weekly blogging. I’m now three weeks into that promise. Second seed: One of my Earth Boxes now sits by the back door. I’ve resolved to plant flower seeds there as soon as possible. It faces south and will be warmed by the brick wall,Continue reading “I RESOLVE TO PLANT SEEDS”

Christmas bloom

I still have ups and downs. At times I bury myself in reading fiction and don’t emerge until finished—or until Sophie needs a meal or outing. But all in all, we are both thriving in this emptier house. Last spring I planted geraniums in the porch planter. They were very unhappy all summer. Too hot.Continue reading “Christmas bloom”

What ifs

If I were to say anything about grief (or my current stage thereof), it’s that connecting with other people helps the griever feel real. Every face-to-face, heart-to-heart encounter is something I am grateful for. Such encounters are happening more often, maybe because I recognize and welcome the healing they provide. Taking Sophie for a walkContinue reading “What ifs”