I woke up early today to the sound of mist barely discernible to the human ear.  It would turn to rain when I took to a path with a friend for a morning walk.    Merlin was in tow or rather I was being towed by Merlin.  He loves this time as do I.  He insists on coming, slamming … [Read more...]

Today a male monarch butterfly flew down to my patio and made the slow journey to death.  It lay upon the patio flooring and was soon joined by a female monarch who laid her wing upon her friend.   I was awed by this action wondering what silent communication might exist between … [Read more...]

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. -- Oscar Wilde I am still practicing being myself.  After years of aspiring to something other than me, time is slowly giving me the wisdom to consider that I am not so bad afterall.  Thank God.  We can waste a lot of years -- and … [Read more...]

Nature is testimony to second chances.  Today reminded me of this in so many ways.  Fall is definitely in the air and there is the ardent task of cleaning up the landscape as leaves drops and plants begin to incubate for the winter not too far away.  Seasons don't stand out so … [Read more...]

Express yourself completely. Then keep quiet. Be like the forces of nature; When it blows, there is only wind; When it rains, there is only rain; When the clouds pass, the sun shines through. -Tao te Ching Today hit 100 degrees so there was no gardening to be done outside.  … [Read more...]

We have several names for him -- Tucker Boy, Big Boy, Big Man, Mr.Black.  But no matter how you slice it, he's our Tucker.  130 pounds give or take a few and about to turn ten this December.  When my husband Jim and I started dating, he met Tucker with an oh, my God.  It was … [Read more...]

In Jewish tradition, Shabbat is a time for pausing from daily strife, to break bread, to give thanks, to appreciate the gifts we have been given.  Come sunset on Friday to sundown on Saturday, we are offered precious time with ourselves, with one another, with the magic of a … [Read more...]

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.  -- Marcel Proust Let me tell you about Heather.  She entered  my life in 2006.  Her arrival was unexpected actually, like all events for which we never plan, but which … [Read more...]

I get a little crazy by the term "reinventing oneself" but truly there is no better term for our need to step up and out and be willing to take chances.   Complacency kills spontaneity, even vision.  If we are not mindful, our passions for something greater will fall victim to … [Read more...]