Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the long road.
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going... ~Beverly Sills
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. ~Henry Miller
For me, things may be simple but never easy. I always take the long way around, my preferred path in life. Shortcuts are rarely part of my recipes or travel itineraries. I'm afraid that I'll miss too much if I cut short my journey. I've learned to pay my dues and move on.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Tuesday, 30 May 2006 - The bluest blues
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the bluest blues that brighten my spring garden (and I'm not talking about Paul Newman's baby blues). Of these, the hardy blue flax, Linum lewisii 'Appar', dazzles my eyes with its prolific and scintillating blooms.
Nature always wears the colors of the spirit. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Monday, 29 May 2006 - Memorial Day
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the men and women who died in the defense of the freedoms and choices I enjoy and usually take for granted. I hope that the fruits of my life will prove that they did not die in vain.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
They hover as a cloud of witnesses above this Nation.
~Henry Ward Beecher
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the men and women who died in the defense of the freedoms and choices I enjoy and usually take for granted. I hope that the fruits of my life will prove that they did not die in vain.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
They hover as a cloud of witnesses above this Nation.
~Henry Ward Beecher
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Sunday, 28 May 2006 - A wake up call
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a wake up call to move on with my life.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ~Mark Twain
I sensed it all week. I felt it when I worked in the garden each evening. And, I heard it at church this morning. Jesus tugged on my heart as he whispered in my ear, "Tag, you're it."
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a wake up call to move on with my life.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ~Mark Twain
I sensed it all week. I felt it when I worked in the garden each evening. And, I heard it at church this morning. Jesus tugged on my heart as he whispered in my ear, "Tag, you're it."
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Saturday, 27 May 2006 - Blank canvas
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a blank "canvas" on which to plant a garden.
It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. ~ Henry David Thoreau
The photo shows part of the backyard - the land that challenges me to plant and grow a garden. After looking at the area, another person might give up and hire a professional to landscape the area.
But, not me.
In my mind's eye, I see this arid parcel transformed into a bit of Colorado paradise - my own piece of earth alive with shrubs, flowers, birds and butterflies. It will take lots of work, but I'm up for it.
Lucky me. The job is mine.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a blank "canvas" on which to plant a garden.
It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. ~ Henry David Thoreau
The photo shows part of the backyard - the land that challenges me to plant and grow a garden. After looking at the area, another person might give up and hire a professional to landscape the area.
But, not me.
In my mind's eye, I see this arid parcel transformed into a bit of Colorado paradise - my own piece of earth alive with shrubs, flowers, birds and butterflies. It will take lots of work, but I'm up for it.
Lucky me. The job is mine.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Friday, 26 May 2006 - Growth
Dear God:Today, I am thankful for growth in my garden, in myself.
(The photos show my garden from April 18 to May 1 to May 26.)
For these blessings, I am grateful. Amen.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Thursday, 25 May 2006 - Trusty hand trowel
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Wednesday, 24 May 2006 - Great teachers
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for great teachers.
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. ~William Arthur Ward
While attending Dominic's promotion ceremony this afternoon, I thought about the elementary school teachers who inspired me to be a better person.
Mrs. Pankinin (kindergarten) - One afternoon, after she finished reading a book to the class, I told her and my classmates that I could read the book. My remark caught her off-guard. She recovered quickly, however. She must have realized that I wasn't bragging. I was simply stating a fact. After a brief pause, she handed me the book. I immediately re-read it aloud to the class. Mrs. Pankinin never said a word to me about the event, saving me any embarrassment from my unconventional act. I later learned that she reported her surprise and delight to my mother. My love of books and reading has never waned.
Mrs. Thompson (1st grade) - By the time I entered 1st grade, I was reading at the 6th grade level. Mrs. Thompson had the wisdom and courage to put me in my own reading group so I could progress at my own speed. From her, I learned the importance of treating children as individuals.
Mrs. Geminder (2nd grade) - She was young, energetic and "with it." She inspired my decision to become a teacher.
Mrs. Wright (3rd grade) - She recognized my creativity and helped me expand my repertoire. A few days each week, she gave me permission to work with first graders - I usually read books to them. From Mrs. Wright, I learned the importance of meeting each student's needs. Even the best students need personal attention and help meeting their special challenges.
Mrs. Hughes (4th grade) - One day, the boys were naughty and accused the girls of participating in the prank. Mrs. Hughes was annoyed and would not listen to my explanation of the situation. She simply remarked, "that's the way the cookie crumbles" (I think of her and cringe when I hear that phrase). Needless to say, she punished the entire class. I vowed not be be another Mrs. Hughes. At age 10, I already knew that lessons about honesty, fairness and justice were just as important as our reading and math assignments.
Mr. Thietje (5th grade) - His grammar assignments involved diagramming hundreds of sentences including the Pledge of Allegiance. I immediately understood and appreciated the structure of the English language. Because of him, I decided to become an English teacher.
Mr. Canary (6th grade) - He shared his love of classical music with us. Every Friday, we listened to Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. The result: the birth of one more opera lover - me!
Mr. Dimoff (6th grade - math) - He taught the advanced class and always emphasized math's practical applications. For example, he taught us probability from the Los Angeles Times horse racing summaries. My love of math grew from his classes.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for great teachers.
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. ~William Arthur Ward
While attending Dominic's promotion ceremony this afternoon, I thought about the elementary school teachers who inspired me to be a better person.
Mrs. Pankinin (kindergarten) - One afternoon, after she finished reading a book to the class, I told her and my classmates that I could read the book. My remark caught her off-guard. She recovered quickly, however. She must have realized that I wasn't bragging. I was simply stating a fact. After a brief pause, she handed me the book. I immediately re-read it aloud to the class. Mrs. Pankinin never said a word to me about the event, saving me any embarrassment from my unconventional act. I later learned that she reported her surprise and delight to my mother. My love of books and reading has never waned.
Mrs. Thompson (1st grade) - By the time I entered 1st grade, I was reading at the 6th grade level. Mrs. Thompson had the wisdom and courage to put me in my own reading group so I could progress at my own speed. From her, I learned the importance of treating children as individuals.
Mrs. Geminder (2nd grade) - She was young, energetic and "with it." She inspired my decision to become a teacher.
Mrs. Wright (3rd grade) - She recognized my creativity and helped me expand my repertoire. A few days each week, she gave me permission to work with first graders - I usually read books to them. From Mrs. Wright, I learned the importance of meeting each student's needs. Even the best students need personal attention and help meeting their special challenges.
Mrs. Hughes (4th grade) - One day, the boys were naughty and accused the girls of participating in the prank. Mrs. Hughes was annoyed and would not listen to my explanation of the situation. She simply remarked, "that's the way the cookie crumbles" (I think of her and cringe when I hear that phrase). Needless to say, she punished the entire class. I vowed not be be another Mrs. Hughes. At age 10, I already knew that lessons about honesty, fairness and justice were just as important as our reading and math assignments.
Mr. Thietje (5th grade) - His grammar assignments involved diagramming hundreds of sentences including the Pledge of Allegiance. I immediately understood and appreciated the structure of the English language. Because of him, I decided to become an English teacher.
Mr. Canary (6th grade) - He shared his love of classical music with us. Every Friday, we listened to Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. The result: the birth of one more opera lover - me!
Mr. Dimoff (6th grade - math) - He taught the advanced class and always emphasized math's practical applications. For example, he taught us probability from the Los Angeles Times horse racing summaries. My love of math grew from his classes.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Tuesday, 23 May 2006 - Earthworms
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for earthworms. They give me hope each time I find them in the heavy clay soil that graces our yard.
I've learned that Mother Nature can solve any garden problem given enough time, adequate water, plenty of sunshine and a few earthworms to work the soil.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for earthworms. They give me hope each time I find them in the heavy clay soil that graces our yard.
I've learned that Mother Nature can solve any garden problem given enough time, adequate water, plenty of sunshine and a few earthworms to work the soil.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Monday, 22 May 2006 - Rollerblades for Dominic
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for rollerblades for Dominic.
Boy, n.: a noise with dirt on it. ~Not Your Average Dictionary
What is a home without children? Quiet. ~Henny Youngman
Last winter, I bought a pair of heavy duty Bauer hockey rollerblades from one of my favorite Ebay sellers. Although she paid over $250 for them, she used them infrequently on the Virginia Beach boardwalk. Since I was one of her "favorite" customers, she sold them to me for $5. Shipping was minimal since I bought several items from her at the time. I told her that I was buying them to give to one of the boys in the neighborhood.
I think that I knew in my heart that the skates were for Dominic - the 5th grader with the no-holds-barred attitude and booming voice who lives down the street. He's an amazing young man - smart, athletic and a true leader. He visits us often and dearly loves T, our chocolate Lab.
The skates were too big for him last year so I delayed giving them away. A few weeks ago, I noticed that Dominic had grown taller and brawnier. So, when he told me that his shoe size was around an 8, I knew it was time to give him the skates.
A timely decision on my part. Rumor has it that Dominic and those skates are inseparable.
My reward - a personally-delivered, hand-written invitation to Wednesday's ceremony that will mark his promotion from elementary to middle school. I plan to attend.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for rollerblades for Dominic.
Boy, n.: a noise with dirt on it. ~Not Your Average Dictionary
What is a home without children? Quiet. ~Henny Youngman
Last winter, I bought a pair of heavy duty Bauer hockey rollerblades from one of my favorite Ebay sellers. Although she paid over $250 for them, she used them infrequently on the Virginia Beach boardwalk. Since I was one of her "favorite" customers, she sold them to me for $5. Shipping was minimal since I bought several items from her at the time. I told her that I was buying them to give to one of the boys in the neighborhood.
I think that I knew in my heart that the skates were for Dominic - the 5th grader with the no-holds-barred attitude and booming voice who lives down the street. He's an amazing young man - smart, athletic and a true leader. He visits us often and dearly loves T, our chocolate Lab.
The skates were too big for him last year so I delayed giving them away. A few weeks ago, I noticed that Dominic had grown taller and brawnier. So, when he told me that his shoe size was around an 8, I knew it was time to give him the skates.
A timely decision on my part. Rumor has it that Dominic and those skates are inseparable.
My reward - a personally-delivered, hand-written invitation to Wednesday's ceremony that will mark his promotion from elementary to middle school. I plan to attend.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Sunday, 21 May 2006 - Another load of plants
Dear God
Today, I am thankful for another load of plants.
Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity. ~Lindley Karstens, noproblemgarden.com
I went overboard at the Horticultural Art Society's member's only plant sale. One of the expert gardeners helped me select dozens of shrubs, perennials and ground covers. So much for my short list. My botanic treasures now sit near the potting table, carefully watered and patiently awaiting my decision on their locations in my gardens.
After I receive the final two shipments from High Country Gardens, I will have enough plants to fill the bare spots in the front yard and begin landscaping the back. No impulse buys at the local garden shops this year.
Tonight, I'm praying for cool mornings and evenings and a strong back so I can finish the work before summer officially begins.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for another load of plants.
Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity. ~Lindley Karstens, noproblemgarden.com
I went overboard at the Horticultural Art Society's member's only plant sale. One of the expert gardeners helped me select dozens of shrubs, perennials and ground covers. So much for my short list. My botanic treasures now sit near the potting table, carefully watered and patiently awaiting my decision on their locations in my gardens.
After I receive the final two shipments from High Country Gardens, I will have enough plants to fill the bare spots in the front yard and begin landscaping the back. No impulse buys at the local garden shops this year.
Tonight, I'm praying for cool mornings and evenings and a strong back so I can finish the work before summer officially begins.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Saturday, 20 May 2006 - One out-of-place Columbine
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one out-of-place Columbine.
Pluck not the wayside flower;
It is the traveler's dower.
~William Allingham
Despite the gardener's best intentions, Nature will improvise. ~Michael P. Garafalo
Our neighbor, Hayden, noticed it first. A Columbine plant with two lovely blooms growing in the seam between the sidewalk and curb in front of Bill's house. We look for more but find only dandelions and wild violets.
Where in the world did it come from? Possible a seed that traveled from my backyard to the sidewalk since I grow Columbines in my garden. But, I thought they preferred shade and moisture!
We stand around the Columbine, admiring its beauty and praising its strength to grow in such an inhospitable spot.
As usual, there's a lesson here. Yes, the wind is singing to me, "Bloom where you are planted."
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Friday, 19 May 2006 - Bears in the neighborhood
Dear God
Today, I am thankful for bears in the neighborhood.
If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. ~Chief Seattle of the Suwamish Tribe, letter to President Franklin Pierce
One tried to climb our fence late last night and ended up tearing down the gate and one 5 foot section. Fortunately, T, our chocolate Labrador retriever, didn't see the damage this morning while I watered the plants. If he had, he would have escaped the yard and panicked his parents.
S and I propped up the fallen fence and tacked chicken wire along the opening (just in case). We'll install a new gate and rebuild the broken section. No harm, no foul. Dominic reported that a mother bear and her cub explored his family's trash bin last night.
The deer, coyotes, rabbits, raccoons, bears, foxes, mountain lions, owls, snakes and other wildlife that visit our neighborhood remind me that we live in the mountains and must tolerate their "trespasses." We humans, after all, are the real intruders.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for bears in the neighborhood.
If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. ~Chief Seattle of the Suwamish Tribe, letter to President Franklin Pierce
One tried to climb our fence late last night and ended up tearing down the gate and one 5 foot section. Fortunately, T, our chocolate Labrador retriever, didn't see the damage this morning while I watered the plants. If he had, he would have escaped the yard and panicked his parents.
S and I propped up the fallen fence and tacked chicken wire along the opening (just in case). We'll install a new gate and rebuild the broken section. No harm, no foul. Dominic reported that a mother bear and her cub explored his family's trash bin last night.
The deer, coyotes, rabbits, raccoons, bears, foxes, mountain lions, owls, snakes and other wildlife that visit our neighborhood remind me that we live in the mountains and must tolerate their "trespasses." We humans, after all, are the real intruders.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Thursday, 18 May 2006 - Neighbors, gardens and good conversation
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for neighbors, gardens and good conversation.
The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had. ~Author Unknown
When I work in the front yard garden, a neighbor or two will stop by to chat and pet T, our chocolate Labrador retriever. Early this evening, I caught up with Bill (our next door neighbor for over 19 years and just about the only person on the block who shares our liberal political beliefs) and Sherry (our newest neighbor who moved here from Portland, OR).
Everyone, it seems, is interested in my garden's health and success. After all, I am the "radical" who dug up her front lawn to plant a xeriscape garden. Fortunately, my plants are thriving and beginning to bloom.
Sherry reminds me that it's time to plan a Memorial Day block party (an activity that usually falls on my shoulders). My reputation as the party organizer remains intact.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for neighbors, gardens and good conversation.
The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had. ~Author Unknown
When I work in the front yard garden, a neighbor or two will stop by to chat and pet T, our chocolate Labrador retriever. Early this evening, I caught up with Bill (our next door neighbor for over 19 years and just about the only person on the block who shares our liberal political beliefs) and Sherry (our newest neighbor who moved here from Portland, OR).
Everyone, it seems, is interested in my garden's health and success. After all, I am the "radical" who dug up her front lawn to plant a xeriscape garden. Fortunately, my plants are thriving and beginning to bloom.
Sherry reminds me that it's time to plan a Memorial Day block party (an activity that usually falls on my shoulders). My reputation as the party organizer remains intact.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
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