June 10, 2012
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Notes from the Garden
As the endless busy of a crazy week surrounded me, I found the calming. Succulent Gardens. Who knew? There I was moving quickly..dirt blending with sand, some shiny rocks, shells and driftwood representing nature's bling. I was building...seems the wrong word...yes, creating...succulent gardens for women I hardly knew.
Strange how we drift into a group for a short time as our children spend their time getting to know the future community if they decide to stay. This group was women who stepped up many times to offer a hand, sort out or organize a school function or project. Woman like these are the silent backbone of a school. They come in and 7 years later they take their child and go to move on and add their helping hands to "what's next". If you're part of the committee or your child is in the same class, you get a glimpse of the parent. You might have a short conversation at the "family picnic" day, or open house or the talent show. Anyway...for some who I've seen volunteering year after year with no thanks, I decided to thank them with nature. They had nutured a school, so why not something live that when nurtured will also become more.
So there I was using baskets and pottery and terra cotta containers, adding succulents, and letting the plants guide the way. I knew that I wanted them all to be different, so I'd step back and then add a rock or driftwood piece, then maybe an abalone shell for color. That's when it happened. I found myself slowing down, and letting the work be the grounding. The project became the perfect recipe for letting the week go. The creating gave me comfort in all my other projects yet to be completed, as I let the garden no matter how small, be a peaceful moment. Peace can be found in a container garden. It's an opening.
I brought them all in to the school and gave the women cards that thanked them for their care and support for our school, and instructed them to pick up their garden in the main office. I put no names on the gardens, just let them pick out the one they fancied. Women I thought I didn't know yet they each picked the one I created with them in mind. There were 12 in all and one at a time they came in and looked and looked, then picked the one I had whispered a name as I let nature guide my hand. Ah yes..Life is Good!
Comments (42)
You are a beautiful soul, and I'm always glad when you are here to share your thoughts. Always enriching, always nourishing.
@songoftheheart - Hey Jo! Happy Sunday!
that's amazing that they picked the one you made for them. and i love the look of the pot.
pretty -rock gardens here attract snakes.
@Babyboomerjill - I didn't make any for the snaky parents. :)
@promisesunshine - I thought that was so cool too! I must be living in the flow right now, because things like that are happening a lot!
@Jaynebug - this year the sankes are really out-I usually don't see them but i've been seeing them everyday here.
@Jaynebug - i love that feeling. the connection.
This is so lovely and so meaningful... It's very significant they chose the pot that was meant for them. I understand about letting the creating take over - losing stress and letting go. You are so kind and lovely yourself. peace & hugs
What a nice end-of-year gift, Lyne! I love that they all picked the container you made with them in mind -- but you do have a unique appreciation for the sensibility of people ~ ~ ~
How unique and thoughtful. Where did you get all those great rocks? I collect them and then can't bear to give them away hahahah. A part of me is hoarding for certain. (thanks for the great idea)
This post touched me so much, Lyne. Care givers rarely, if ever, get recognized for all their hard work, and, well - sacrifice. A labor of love for a labor of love. Doesn't get any better than that. Thanks for sharing this with us. You absolutely made my day.
MUAH.
@promisesunshine - Yes!
@peacenow - Thank you. That's what I want to give them...lovely and meaningful. There's that invisable line that is always available to connect us.
@slmret - Thanks Janet! I know that I'm living in the middle of my life now and maybe it's all in the knowing that allows us to see.
@slinky - That's what I was thinking as I started giving my rocks and shells away to these gifts. It was time to move them on and make room for something else. A clearing in many ways. Although I still have many stones unturned. :)
@SandraErickson - What a day to be made! It's gorgeous in my corner of the Central Coast, Thanks for the love S. I feel the same way and if not us..then who will?
@Babyboomerjill - Here's my snake knowledge. Stop! Take three steps back. Turn around and get going the other way.
@slinky - @Jaynebug - I finally broke down and watched "The Secret" and one wonderful idea that was suggested was to put a small stone representing everything you are grateful for into your pocket, so that whenever you put your hand into your pocket, you would be reminded of your good fortune and wonderful life. I am thinking of making pottery "stones" to gift away for just that purpose.
@SandraErickson - Nice idea! I use the heart I wear for the same purpose. We all need reminders that bring us home to our hearts. I can hear your creative mind ticking away from here. :)
@Jaynebug - Here, too. 72, sunny and breezy. I am at work, but the woman I care give for has gone out with a friend for a few hours, leaving me to enjoy her music and splendid mountain view from the patio garden. Life is VERY good. BIG hugs, Lyne.
@Jaynebug - OH! I actually already make little ceramic hearts for use as bookmarks. What a splendid idea to turn them into gratitude pendants. Thanks for suc h a GREAT idea.
@SandraErickson - Beautiful mountain view and space to let your creative flow. Enjoy!
GREAT POST
@missprettyangeleyes - Thank you.
That is amazing. They were blessed and so were you.
@ata_grandma - Yes indeedy!
The zen we find is equal to the zen we create... I'm always amazed that there is so much magnetic pull when a thing made with a person in mind. I see it with my orbs and other things. Yes it is all good!
@murisopsis - It has been a fantastic year in this respect. It wasn't a happy accident though. I have be very aware of being in touch with "right now". It's almost an assumed mantra for me. I love this experience.
Your heart went into the gardens as you worked on them, and each women sensed it, and picked the one you created with them in mind. Isn't it wonderful how that works? Big Hugs!
@WakeUpLaughing - It's a beautiful "thang"
I felt good at the end of a busy, long year that these ladies weren't walking away without some love to take along. Hugs back!
You are the epitome of generosity and grace. Beautiful post.
@Jaynebug - lol snakes aren't my favorite animal.
@ZSA_MD - Thank you Z. Seems to be the way and the light. (pats heart)
I think you created miniature Zen succulent gardens, it must be a Zen thing for sure. Neato!
@Iamsurrounded - It was an excellent experience. I'm open to the postive change. Nature bats last and saves many to come back again and again. Flowers for everyone!
These are full of calming energy.
I wish I could put succulents together in a nice display.
Lyne, your peaceful nature always astounds me! I love that about you and that you chose such a beautiful, thoughtful way to acknowledge those women!
@Grannys_Place - Mini garden of harmony or balance. Can we create a vortex of calm? Hmmmmm?
@Lovegrove - It was a learn as you go experience as each container was different, but that's what made it fun. I just put all my choices around me and let each plant or rock placement lead the way.
@heart_beep - Hi Jill! Glad to see your profile smiling at me this morning. What's happening in your corner of the planet? I slip over and visit your space. HUGS! A peaceful nature offers others a path. (pats heart, and points to you)
@Jaynebug - Thanks Lyne! Your peace settles on my heart so easily!
Ah, life is good. Even better now that you're back! xoxo