I wouldn’t necessarily say my mom’s mom had much of a green thumb…at least not with house plants. I don’t think it ever occurred to her, as a farm woman, to have plants indoors. She would have seen it as frivolous and a complete waste of time, space, and resources. She did enjoy the occasional bouquet of posies on the dining room table but that was it. Grandma had a really good eye for planting outdoors though. She managed to plant flowers that bloomed in succession so there was always color around the yard. And her vegetable garden was always remarkable.

I tried having gardens. From little beds of tomatoes to square foot gardening to a massive 4000 square foot garden that served merely to feed the prolific deer in the area. I pretty much came to the conclusion farmers markets are there for a reason. I used to can and preserve a lot. Jams, jellies, pickles, green beans, tomatoes, applesauce and peaches were my staples. I love canning, but no longer have the room for prepping, cooking, or storage. It’s one of the things I let go for this new life I’ve created.

I have become a sort of life architect. I first had to give thought to what I want my life to look like, then I had to ask God to bring the building blocks, and now I’m fitting them this way and that to see what fits where. After the initial heartache of having the need to do this, I have discovered the joys of creating the beautiful life I want to live. Sometimes I try to fit something in that really wasn’t meant for me. Then I have to back up and dismantle a little and start again. Such is the nature of life in general, but after great loss, it’s more poignant…more intentional. At least it has been for me.

As I prepared to photograph grandma’s rhododendron, this lovely swallowtail butterfly came and lit right in front of me. Another God moment. Another moment with Mr. Virgo.

❤️

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

Psalm 23:2-3 NIV