Gardening and reading — or listening to good books — occupy my imagination and keep me steady. Heaven knows they are better topics to engage than most today! 

As Mother’s Day passed, when I knew I might safely plant, I stuck some seeds and and bulbs in the freshly mulched  beds.

I thought I would remember where I put them; I didn’t.  That’s why they make those cute little garden name tags, right? 

Subsequently, I’ve weeded what I could, then planted marigolds and zinnias amongst plants that will either complement them, or consume them.  

                                                                 What Was I Thinking?

This little patch so looks like what I feel — I have crazy stuff going on in my spirit; is it new growth, or the same old weeds?

2020 and now 2021 are still reconstructing my Autumn’s Garden — more than any of the things that shaped this blog, this time is remaking me. (UPROOTED)

Solace in Audio Books

My solo audio tutorials have been many and varied while I painted. They have been like trowels and spades; like seeds, sunshine and water!

I am listening to American history, church history, biographies, novels and kids’ books, from the library. Some books I didn’t finish — though I may later; I did not list them. I tried to choose what would edify.

For now, here’s a list of my companions; some I’ve known for others, others were new friends. 

Alice in Wonderland
The Jungle Book
The Color of Compromise
Talking to Strangers
David and Goliath
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
1776
My Antonio
Deacon King Kong
You Never Forget Your First
The Department of Sensitive Crimes
A Gentleman in Moscow
Rules of Civility
Elizabeth the Queen
The Bishop’s Wife
In the Garden of Beast
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Prairie Fires
Hallelujah Anyway
Stitches
Out of the Silent Planet
Lila
Epic
Deacon King Kong
Leadership
Hamilton — How the play made it to Broadway
The World-Ending Fire
Home
Gilead
A Wrinkle in Time
The Hundred Dresses
Bring Back Our Girls
These Truths
The Library Book
The Sunday Philosophy Club
Brave Companions
How to Think

from the Garden of Bright Images

How to Cultivate What I Planted

I am still digesting all the wonderful way writers have with their words. Language is a grand gift, like food and spices in the hands of master chefs . . . or it can be like junk food — filling us with ideas we will come to regret.

Good writing is a like bevy of blessed seeds and bulbs in a garden always in need of  weeding and pruning. 

Perhaps today I will address some of the weeds outside my window. But maybe not.

You see, the other day I started Truman by David McCullough and with so many empty canvases begging to be dressed, I must choose wisely.

Who knew a President could teach me to pray — Mr. Truman is helping me navigate the indigestible angry words  upon which too many feed. (What Drives Conspiracism)

“Oh! Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator of Heaven, Earth and the Universe: Help me to be, to think, to act what is right, because it is right; make me truthful, honest and honorable in all things; make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me. Give me the ability to be charitable, forgiving and patient with my fellowmen—help me to understand their motives and their shortcomings—even as Thou understandest mine! Amen, Amen, Amen. Say” 

and

“Lord, grant that I may always be right, for Thou knowest I am hard to turn,”
― David McCullough, Truman

PS: Here is a link to 12 minute talk on Christians and Critical Race Theory — It is a cup of cold water in parched times:Lies That Serve Us.  I would love to hear your thoughts!