Category Archives: View from the Garden

I’ve always dreamed of owning a secret garden, with a wooden gate, flowering vines, and a hidden bench. Since I don’t have access to a master gardener, I try to make do with beautiful maple and crabapple trees, hydrangeas, peonies, clematis, cheery little flower pots, and (one of my favorites) bright orange pumpkins in season. I’ve found that small touches outdoors help keep me in tune with nature; something that’s sorely needed in this busy world.

Trees, please.

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My favorite trail.

Today I felt a distinct pull toward nature. Not only because fall is fleeting and I don’t want to miss it, but because I just needed it. 

It was so good to be among the trees, with rain drip dropping from the leaves, and birds chirping softly above.

I come alive when the weather is crisp. I love the contrast of bright leaves against dark tree bark, crunchy twigs underfoot, and the strong, peppery scent of the woods in autumn.

This little neck of the woods is a favorite of mine. It always reminds me of “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. But I’ve taken this path hundreds of times over the years, and it never fails to bring me peace.

I hope you have a chance to enjoy the fall season; especially this year, when every experience is precious!

– Debra

Crabapple.

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The title actually refers to me, not the lovely crabapple trees in my backyard.

It’s hard to remain upbeat during these uncertain times, and I have been experiencing some uncharacteristic emotions. However, it’s a good opportunity to reflect and to realize that we take so much for granted.

Last year, when I took this picture, I probably sighed over the beautiful blooms and barely looked at the trees again until the blooms were gone.

I don’t want to do that anymore.

I need to think of new ways to immerse myself in nature. Perhaps a bench close to the house that I can easily access  . . . an irresistible pull on a cool, crisp morning or bright, sunny afternoon.

I don’t want to miss out on the beauty that surrounds me simply because I haven’t taken the time to see and absorb it. We shouldn’t have to trick ourselves into doing something that is so good for us, should we?

I’m going to work on that.

What things will you do differently when life returns to normal?

— Debra

Sunshine and Flowers

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Sometimes life can be a little much. My life has been A LOT much in recent months!

I’m pretty resilient, but when you have to pick yourself up and dust yourself off a couple of times a day for months on end, it can really affect your good nature.

I finally worked myself out of it, and feel like posting again, especially now that it’s spring; the perfect time to refocus and renew.

And speaking of renewal, I’ve been doing a lot of that around the house lately. I just felt like some of my rooms needed a little refreshing after such a long winter. I wanted to brighten things up and let in the sunshine!

But more on that later . . . This weekend was BEAUTIFUL, so I spent most of it outside; shopping for flowers, buying flowers, and planting flowers. Just like inside, I wanted to do something a little different this year.

A friend of mine has been talking about decorating his balcony, and after seeing some of the most darling balconies online, I thought, “I want to decorate a balcony, too!”

The fact that I don’t actually have a balcony posed a bit of a problem, but where there’s a will, there’s a way (as they say). So . . .

TA-DAAA!!!

balcony

My new balcony!

(Just between you and me . . . It’s actually my side entryway.) However, I rarely use it, so why not make it into something great. With a little imagination, anything is possible!

See you soon.

– Debra

 

 

 

“I think that I shall never see . . . “

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” . . . a poem as lovely as a tree.” – Joyce Kilmer

harriet

My neighbors were probably wondering why I was lying in the middle of the yard this afternoon. It’s not something I normally do, but it’s a beautiful day, and I wanted to spend some time with my tree.

I bought my Autumn Blaze maple, better known as “Harriet,” seven years ago as a birthday present to myself. Why Harriet, you ask? I have no idea! It just came to me one day, and it stuck.

I looked it up, and the name Harriet means “ruler of the home.” Isn’t that fitting for a tree? My name, however, means “bee.” So Harriet gets to be queen and I’m just a little worker bee? Hey, who pays the bills around here anyway?!

Ok, so back to my point . . . I think it’s important that we afford ourselves the luxury of a few simple pleasures now and then. How many times as a child did you stare up at the blue, blue sky and let your imagination run wild? Why do we stop doing that? It’s fun!

I pledge to enjoy “the little things” in life more often, and I hope you will too. I really think it’s when we’re at our happiest.

So, go outside and hug a tree.

Oh, and don’t tell Queen Harriet, but she could use a trim!

– Debra

Harriet2

Late bloomer.

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What a nice surprise to find this pretty clematis flower happily blooming on the corner of the garage.

flower

After an unfortunate lawnmower incident (don’t look at me!), I didn’t expect to see flowers until next spring . . .

But that’s the thing about late bloomers, they often exceed our expectations.

A simple reminder to sit back, relax, and take your own sweet time.