Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for osmosis.
On this and other unseasonably warm late spring evenings, I fully understand and appreciate the principle of osmosis.
At day's end, the stuffy, inside air retains the heat while the outside air grows cool and refreshing. Dinner's aromas linger within the structure despite the open windows while fresh breezes sweep the front and backyard gardens.
After sundown, I imagine the steady exchange of air across the back door threshold that separates the outdoors from the in - cool atoms in, hot ones out - until the ambient temperature achieves a tolerable, even pleasant level. Cool enough for sleeping, reading or watching television; warm enough to ensure that the newly-planted tomatoes and peppers will survive yet another night.
os·mo·sis
Etymology: New Latin, short for endosmosis
1. movement of a solvent through a semipermeable membrane (as of a living cell) into a solution of higher solute concentration that tends to equalize the concentrations of solute on the two sides of the membrane
2. a process of absorption or diffusion suggestive of the flow of osmotic action; especially : a usually effortless often unconscious assimilation (learned a number of languages by osmosis ~ Roger Kimball)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday, 13 June 2008 - Tim Russert, 1950-2008
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for Tim Russert, 1950-2008.
I am saddened by Tim Russert's death. He was only 58 years old. Same age as S. Four years older than me. Too young by my standards.
I'm somewhat amused by headlines that proclaim the untimeliness of his passing. Untimely as in unexpected. As if we should know death's schedule like a bus or train timetable. If we know the end is coming today, in a few hours, in the next minute, then is the event deemed timely, expected, logical, sans surprise?
Perhaps Mr. Russert's death, however sad and tragic and alarming, is on schedule, "on the dot" as prescribed by the Book of Time that dictates all Universal events. The irony of it all. Despite his unequaled passion, boundless energy and voracious appetite for all things political, his lifeline ended abruptly, a few months shy of the historic 2008 Presidential election. For whatever reason.
A significant voice, a gifted journalist, an astute interviewer, silenced.
And we shall miss him. Like an old friend whose presence we've always taken for granted. Whose absence has left a gaping hole in the American political landscape.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for Tim Russert, 1950-2008.
I am saddened by Tim Russert's death. He was only 58 years old. Same age as S. Four years older than me. Too young by my standards.
I'm somewhat amused by headlines that proclaim the untimeliness of his passing. Untimely as in unexpected. As if we should know death's schedule like a bus or train timetable. If we know the end is coming today, in a few hours, in the next minute, then is the event deemed timely, expected, logical, sans surprise?
Perhaps Mr. Russert's death, however sad and tragic and alarming, is on schedule, "on the dot" as prescribed by the Book of Time that dictates all Universal events. The irony of it all. Despite his unequaled passion, boundless energy and voracious appetite for all things political, his lifeline ended abruptly, a few months shy of the historic 2008 Presidential election. For whatever reason.
A significant voice, a gifted journalist, an astute interviewer, silenced.
And we shall miss him. Like an old friend whose presence we've always taken for granted. Whose absence has left a gaping hole in the American political landscape.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Thursday, 12 June 2008 - A global prayer
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a global prayer.
The "experts" exhort me to think globally, live/shop/act locally and follow the golden rule. I believe we should also pray globally.
It's really easy - seven words to be exact, as written boldly on a bumper sticker:
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a global prayer.
The "experts" exhort me to think globally, live/shop/act locally and follow the golden rule. I believe we should also pray globally.
It's really easy - seven words to be exact, as written boldly on a bumper sticker:
"God bless the whole world ... no exceptions!"For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Wednesday, 11 June 2008 - Goji berry blossoms
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for goji berry blossoms.
Another garden first.
To my utter delight, I discovered a few purple blossoms on one of my six goji berry bushes. The bush is one of the original three I planted three years ago (I planted the others 2 years ago).
I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch, especially given my poor track record growing any berry variety. Still, I'm hopeful that I'll see a few fresh goji berries this year. Maybe I'll enjoy eating a few - if the birds don't beat me to them.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for goji berry blossoms.
Another garden first.
To my utter delight, I discovered a few purple blossoms on one of my six goji berry bushes. The bush is one of the original three I planted three years ago (I planted the others 2 years ago).
I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch, especially given my poor track record growing any berry variety. Still, I'm hopeful that I'll see a few fresh goji berries this year. Maybe I'll enjoy eating a few - if the birds don't beat me to them.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Tuesday, 10 June 2008 - A single rose
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a single rose.
I love roses in the garden. Think heirloom and modern varieties, pure eye candy in deep or pastel shades of pink, coral, red and yellow. Think fragrant blooms, the ones on which I rest my nose before inhaling deeply, capturing the heady perfume in memory.
So, when I chose plants for the backyard garden, I considered roses. Then, I spoke to other gardeners about growing roses along the Rocky Mountain foothills. After hearing too many "horror" stories, I stepped back, reconsidered my selections and and put roses on the "no" list.
In spring 2005, while studying the latest High Country Gardens catalog, I found a shrub rose whose low to moderate water needs made it suitable for my xeric garden.
I bought one and planted it in the north backyard garden, the dry side that gets full sun. The shrub thrived, surviving the seasons without complaint.
But, to my disappointment, it did not bloom. Until this month when I discovered a single yellow flower.
Now, this rose doesn't resemble the lovely ones that graced my father's garden. But, it's perfect for mine.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photo: rosa hugonis (AKA Father Hugo's rose, Golden Rose of China), registered/introduced in 1899
Today, I am thankful for a single rose.
I love roses in the garden. Think heirloom and modern varieties, pure eye candy in deep or pastel shades of pink, coral, red and yellow. Think fragrant blooms, the ones on which I rest my nose before inhaling deeply, capturing the heady perfume in memory.
So, when I chose plants for the backyard garden, I considered roses. Then, I spoke to other gardeners about growing roses along the Rocky Mountain foothills. After hearing too many "horror" stories, I stepped back, reconsidered my selections and and put roses on the "no" list.
In spring 2005, while studying the latest High Country Gardens catalog, I found a shrub rose whose low to moderate water needs made it suitable for my xeric garden.
I bought one and planted it in the north backyard garden, the dry side that gets full sun. The shrub thrived, surviving the seasons without complaint.
But, to my disappointment, it did not bloom. Until this month when I discovered a single yellow flower.
Now, this rose doesn't resemble the lovely ones that graced my father's garden. But, it's perfect for mine.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photo: rosa hugonis (AKA Father Hugo's rose, Golden Rose of China), registered/introduced in 1899
Monday, June 09, 2008
Monday, 09 May 2008 - Silence
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for silence.
The best answer to anger is silence. ~Author Unknown
There are times when silence has the loudest voice. ~Leroy Brownlow
Silence ... as in holding one's tongue or keeping one's mouth shut.
Often, silence is the best response when someone vents his/her anger. I know the person is not directing the spite directly at me, although it feels that way.
At tonight's Democratic Party meeting, several Hillary Clinton supporters voiced their intense displeasure over the media's misogynist comments during the recent Democratic primary season. Then, they openly accused the Obama campaign of complicity.
Their deep-seated bitterness and anger shocked me.
We, Obama supporters, kept our cool. When asked to respond, our spokesperson spoke calmly, agreeing that misogyny is an issue that the Party needs to address. He did not counter-punch, although we were all thinking about the racist comments aired in public.
Like our candidate, we controlled our emotions. Calm under fire, standing tall above the fray.
Yes we can. Yes we can.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for silence.
The best answer to anger is silence. ~Author Unknown
There are times when silence has the loudest voice. ~Leroy Brownlow
Silence ... as in holding one's tongue or keeping one's mouth shut.
Often, silence is the best response when someone vents his/her anger. I know the person is not directing the spite directly at me, although it feels that way.
At tonight's Democratic Party meeting, several Hillary Clinton supporters voiced their intense displeasure over the media's misogynist comments during the recent Democratic primary season. Then, they openly accused the Obama campaign of complicity.
Their deep-seated bitterness and anger shocked me.
We, Obama supporters, kept our cool. When asked to respond, our spokesperson spoke calmly, agreeing that misogyny is an issue that the Party needs to address. He did not counter-punch, although we were all thinking about the racist comments aired in public.
Like our candidate, we controlled our emotions. Calm under fire, standing tall above the fray.
Yes we can. Yes we can.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Sunday, 08 June 2008 - One photogenic canine
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one photogenic canine.
This afternoon, after planting the eggplant and peppers I bought yesterday, I photographed the backyard garden.
T was annoyed that I was taking so many plant pictures. So, after he reminded me that he was also in the yard, I asked him to sit so I could take his picture.
Ever the posing puppy, he readily sat in front of the edible garden and assumed his familiar "take my picture" posture. Quintessential T.
The result: definitely one of my all-time favorite portraits of the best dog ever.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for one photogenic canine.
This afternoon, after planting the eggplant and peppers I bought yesterday, I photographed the backyard garden.
T was annoyed that I was taking so many plant pictures. So, after he reminded me that he was also in the yard, I asked him to sit so I could take his picture.
Ever the posing puppy, he readily sat in front of the edible garden and assumed his familiar "take my picture" posture. Quintessential T.
The result: definitely one of my all-time favorite portraits of the best dog ever.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Saturday, 07 June 2008 - A little bit of luck
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a little bit of luck.
I did all right at this morning's members-only plant sale. Recall that I'm sticking with tried and true plants this year which means I won't even look at an exotic perennial, no matter how glorious the foliage or bloom.
I arrived early and was pleased with the diverse selection (all leftover plants from the May sale). My favorite finds: eggplant (Japanese and Italian), habanero peppers, bronze fennel (a perennial herb), Reiter's creeping thyme (to replace the "ugly" Kmart thyme patches in the front yard), and more brunnera.
When I spied the "tomato, pepper and eggplant" lady (aka Shirley) standing by herself near the cashier, I pounced on the opportunity to share my tomato-growing woes and solicit her advice. She listened patiently and suggested remedies for my age-old problems - I'm sure she's heard it all before. Best of all, she mercifully relieved some of my anxiety when she mentioned her own unexpected meager harvests and ongoing tomato growing pains. Even the experts struggle at times.
I'm beginning to believe that, when it comes to growing a bountiful edible garden, luck plays a larger role than I initially imagined. So much for experience, logic and data. I'm praying that the fates favor my garden this year.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a little bit of luck.
I did all right at this morning's members-only plant sale. Recall that I'm sticking with tried and true plants this year which means I won't even look at an exotic perennial, no matter how glorious the foliage or bloom.
I arrived early and was pleased with the diverse selection (all leftover plants from the May sale). My favorite finds: eggplant (Japanese and Italian), habanero peppers, bronze fennel (a perennial herb), Reiter's creeping thyme (to replace the "ugly" Kmart thyme patches in the front yard), and more brunnera.
When I spied the "tomato, pepper and eggplant" lady (aka Shirley) standing by herself near the cashier, I pounced on the opportunity to share my tomato-growing woes and solicit her advice. She listened patiently and suggested remedies for my age-old problems - I'm sure she's heard it all before. Best of all, she mercifully relieved some of my anxiety when she mentioned her own unexpected meager harvests and ongoing tomato growing pains. Even the experts struggle at times.
I'm beginning to believe that, when it comes to growing a bountiful edible garden, luck plays a larger role than I initially imagined. So much for experience, logic and data. I'm praying that the fates favor my garden this year.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Friday, 06 June 2008 - Knowing the basics
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for knowing the basics.
Like other sports, rock climbing has basic moves and skills that, once mastered, lead to competency (something that is very important to me). That's why I usually don't like an audience when I boulder.
I'm not that good - yet - and usually require several attempts just to stand on the rock. Fortunately, S doesn't mind my steep learning curve. He always makes sure I learn the basics of a given climb. And, sometimes, the first move is the hardest one.
This afternoon, while trying a V2 (5.11+) problem, a group of younger guys joins us along a shady rock wall in Ute Valley Park. I've tried this overhung problem during previous sessions. I can make the right hand moves to a key hold but have not yet made the left hand throw to the top or placed my feet properly below the overhang. At least I can get on the rock easily and make the initial moves smoothly.
Long story short, I reach the top rim of the climb (hands only) for the very first time (must be the adrenaline rush of performing in front of an unexpected audience). Not bad for a 54-year-old woman.
I still have to finish the climb - a difficult top-out over an overhung rim (yikes!). I'll try again next time.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for knowing the basics.
Like other sports, rock climbing has basic moves and skills that, once mastered, lead to competency (something that is very important to me). That's why I usually don't like an audience when I boulder.
I'm not that good - yet - and usually require several attempts just to stand on the rock. Fortunately, S doesn't mind my steep learning curve. He always makes sure I learn the basics of a given climb. And, sometimes, the first move is the hardest one.
This afternoon, while trying a V2 (5.11+) problem, a group of younger guys joins us along a shady rock wall in Ute Valley Park. I've tried this overhung problem during previous sessions. I can make the right hand moves to a key hold but have not yet made the left hand throw to the top or placed my feet properly below the overhang. At least I can get on the rock easily and make the initial moves smoothly.
Long story short, I reach the top rim of the climb (hands only) for the very first time (must be the adrenaline rush of performing in front of an unexpected audience). Not bad for a 54-year-old woman.
I still have to finish the climb - a difficult top-out over an overhung rim (yikes!). I'll try again next time.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Thursday, 05 June 2008 - A false weather alarm
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a false weather alarm.
Thunder.
Not a rumbling, rolling thunder but two loud, violent crashes.
Strange timing, too. Not late afternoon when we expect such storms. But 6:30 in the morning.
Imagine that. A 6:30 AM thunderstorm.
I have a 1:30 PM appointment across town and dislike driving in heavy downpours. I hope the deluge waits until I return home.
_______________
Fortunately, the predicted torrential rains and hail never arrive. I don't think my garden can withstand a rain and hail onslaught - not this early in the growing season. I'm satisfied with the brief rain shower - just enough moisture to soak the mulch.
Now I have to worry about the nighttime temperature.
The weather service predicts the low 40s in the city and about 10 degrees cooler in the foothills where we live. I fear a hard freeze.
So, just after sunset, I carefully drape the tomatoes, peppers and other "fragile" plants with old flannel sheets and pillow cases ... just in case.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photo: Dark storm clouds gather early this morning.
Today, I am thankful for a false weather alarm.
Thunder.
Not a rumbling, rolling thunder but two loud, violent crashes.
Strange timing, too. Not late afternoon when we expect such storms. But 6:30 in the morning.
Imagine that. A 6:30 AM thunderstorm.
I have a 1:30 PM appointment across town and dislike driving in heavy downpours. I hope the deluge waits until I return home.
_______________
Fortunately, the predicted torrential rains and hail never arrive. I don't think my garden can withstand a rain and hail onslaught - not this early in the growing season. I'm satisfied with the brief rain shower - just enough moisture to soak the mulch.
Now I have to worry about the nighttime temperature.
The weather service predicts the low 40s in the city and about 10 degrees cooler in the foothills where we live. I fear a hard freeze.
So, just after sunset, I carefully drape the tomatoes, peppers and other "fragile" plants with old flannel sheets and pillow cases ... just in case.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photo: Dark storm clouds gather early this morning.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Wednesday, 04 June 2008 - A photographer's luck
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a photographer's luck.
This morning, a rare event occurs. Luck, light and loveliness simultaneously favor me as I photograph the garden.
These delicate, soft-edged columbines remind me of heirloom roses, the ones that grace vintage chintz pillows and curtains.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photo: Columbine
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Tuesday, 03 June 2008 - One journey's end
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one journey's end, another journey's beginning.
Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning ... We mean to hold our own.
~Sir Winston Churchill, November 10, 1942
Tonight, one journey ends - that of securing Senator Barack Obama's nomination as the Democratic Party Presidential candidate.
And, a new journey begins, that of electing Senator Obama to the Presidency of the United States.
Despite the excruciatingly long primary season and way too many Hillary headaches, I am still fired up and ready to go. Yes we can!
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for one journey's end, another journey's beginning.
Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning ... We mean to hold our own.
~Sir Winston Churchill, November 10, 1942
Tonight, one journey ends - that of securing Senator Barack Obama's nomination as the Democratic Party Presidential candidate.
And, a new journey begins, that of electing Senator Obama to the Presidency of the United States.
Despite the excruciatingly long primary season and way too many Hillary headaches, I am still fired up and ready to go. Yes we can!
This party - the party of Jefferson and Jackson; of Roosevelt and Kennedy -- has always made the biggest difference in the lives of the American people when we led, not by polls, but by principle; not by calculation, but by conviction; when we summoned the entire nation to a common purpose -- a higher purpose. And I run for the Presidency of the United States of America because that's the party America needs us to be right now.For this blessing, I am grateful.
... That's why I'm asking you to stand with me, that's why I'm asking you to caucus for me, that's why I am asking you to stop settling for what the cynics say we have to accept. In this election -- in this moment -- let us reach for what we know is possible.
~Senator Barack Obama, November 2007
Amen.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Monday, 02 June 2008 - Planting weather
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for planting weather.
I check Google's 10-day weather forecast and am pleased to see that warm daytime and nighttime temperatures should prevail for the foreseeable future.
I decide to risk everything (including my gardening reputation) and transplant two tomato (1 fantastic, 1 brandywine) and four pepper plants (3 jalapeno, 1 mariachi) directly in the garden. I improvise raised beds, hoping that the nutrient rich potting soil will increase yields.
I'll plant the remaining vegetables - more peppers, sun gold cherry tomatoes, baby romaine lettuce - in pots or the old galvanized steel tub (S promises to drill drainage holes in the warped bottom). I started these plants from seed so they're not yet ready for transplantation. Maybe in a few weeks.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photo: Pepper plants
Today, I am thankful for planting weather.
I check Google's 10-day weather forecast and am pleased to see that warm daytime and nighttime temperatures should prevail for the foreseeable future.
I decide to risk everything (including my gardening reputation) and transplant two tomato (1 fantastic, 1 brandywine) and four pepper plants (3 jalapeno, 1 mariachi) directly in the garden. I improvise raised beds, hoping that the nutrient rich potting soil will increase yields.
I'll plant the remaining vegetables - more peppers, sun gold cherry tomatoes, baby romaine lettuce - in pots or the old galvanized steel tub (S promises to drill drainage holes in the warped bottom). I started these plants from seed so they're not yet ready for transplantation. Maybe in a few weeks.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photo: Pepper plants
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Sunday, 01 June 2008 - One happy plant
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one happy plant.
Last summer, I planted one glaucium grandiflorum in the backyard garden. It didn't bloom.
This year, after our bitter cold winter, it is flourishing.
At the recent plant sale, a master gardener told me that this plant, if happy, will delight the world with many gorgeous, poppy-like blooms. I proudly admitted that I have one very happy plant sporting a score or more of buds.
This morning, I noticed the first bloom. And, yes, it's gorgeous.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
