There is an analogy that the depth of who we are is like peeling away the layers of an onion.  Endless.  In other words, just when we think we have it figured out, a new layer appears and we realize there is more to who we are than we realize.  It is true for ourselves.  It is … [Read more...]

If you are waiting for inspiration to push you towards your next creation, don't.  Interestingly enough, inspiration comes when you get into action.  Spring has arrived in Merlin's Garden and along with it a long list of possibilities to consider.  Let the fun begin.   … [Read more...]

Frank Cabot, founder of the Nature Conservancy, is a self-taught plantsman.  Recently featured on Fine Gardening's Web site, he shared some tips on making your garden memorable. 1. Listen to your site, and let it inspire you. 2. Immerse yourself in plants, and get to know how … [Read more...]

We have a ground squirrel that pops his head from time to time from the interior of one of my garden beds.  I call him Harry.   On occasion, he sits on the ledge of the bed surveying his surroundings until something stirs and scares him and he goes down under in speedy haste to … [Read more...]

Serendipity is a propensity for making fortunate discoveries while looking for something unrelated. Today, as I walked with friends along a strip of beach to share comradry and introspection of varying degrees, we came upon a gate in which the word serendipity had been carved.  … [Read more...]

Gratitude is the heart's memory-- French Proverb We can go through life quite quickly without really realizing how much we have.  Despite our failures in recognizing our blessings, life often gives us several chances to make things right.    Thanksgiving comes once a year, but … [Read more...]

We all die.  The goal isn't to live forever.  The goal is to create something that will. -- Chuck Palahniuk The other day I was speaking to my friend Rose who lost a kidney recently.  She is fine now, but the experience did change her.  Not surprisingly, Rose told me that the … [Read more...]

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall -- Confucius In the matter of our lives, we fall a great deal, but we are distinguished by our ability to rise again.  Ask Confucious.  Daily the garden speaks to this.  Today I did my share of pruning … [Read more...]