Together means 2 folks working for a common purpose, friends gathering to break bread, or a family just being … I have a few photos to share about what I said “family just being.” No plans, you know, just simply being in the same room or tent, drinking from the same cup, cooking a meal in the kitchen or campfire, discovering baby chicks … featuring my 5 grandchildren, Hannah, Libby, Ella, Brendan, & Eli.
The first electronic introduction … that first date … the fireworks shooting with the first kiss … discovering antiques, books, photos, music, food, church, and children together … long distance testing of the relationship … the “what-ifs” if we marry … sharing hearts … love … the proposal … wedding plans developed …wedding vows shared … marriage for our lifetime … sharing a home … sharing our families and friends … making life together … ebbs and flows like a lake shoreline … likes and dislikes … all a part of the journey. So happy I am on this journey with my husband, Dean Gall.
This spring morning was crisp, you know a hot cup of coffee, mocha, or tea morning! We had not had one of those mornings for a few days as we have been experiencing early summer weather instead of early spring weather. Not that I am complaining! Someone on FB captured an unusal shape in their cup of mocha this morning. “Mocha Love ” I call it … Gratitude and love filled my first thoughts this morning. I am so thankful for a loving husband and family. I spent last evening with my elderly grandfather. He lay on the hospital bed after having his middle right toe removed that morning due to a chronic infection as well as a stint put in his leg to aid with circulation. Yet he talked and laughed hour after hour of childhood memories, my father’s and uncle’s childhood stories, and the present day events. I have missed out on so much, busy about my own life, parenthood, grandparenthood, working, and now the greenhouse adventures. Yet I left late in the evening from the hospital with such a warm heart … “Mocha love”, I call it. It carried to my morning and throughout this day.
I watch the weather like a farmer. I grew up with this ritual, and continue. Spring seems to bring the storm fronts, but its started early this year. Above normal warm one day, and then comes that front bringing clouds and rain followed by cooler air. This cycle continues. St. Louis’ record high for today is 84 degrees set in 1990, and record low is 1 degree in 1948. The norms are 54 and 35, yet today we are currently at a sunny, clear sky 71 degrees. It is gorgeous! I took a stroll around the block during my lunch break. The crab apple and bradford pear blossoms are busting out today! A walk to the indoor pool after work will be refreshing, though still too cool for an outdoor pool! The next front is due in on Wednesday. This contrasting weather creates a beautiful palette for us to behold. Clouds, storms, rains, sunshine, and rainbows … Is not this a picture of life?
The brain can distort your thoughts if you have an acute infection, fever, tumor, Alzheimer’s, lacking certain vitamins and minerals, or severely dehydrated. Non-prescription and prescription drugs and anesthesia can distort things in the brain as well. I have a colorful picture of the brain I found on Photobucket, a bit of art if you will in hopes for brighter days to come. Yet life is not too colorful these days, a gray palette. My father has a brain tumor, and underwent surgery this past Friday. His thoughts are distorted right now. Words come out wrong or no words at all. Previously, we know his distortion has been caused by the tumor, but now we are not sure if it is post-surgerical swelling that is causing the distortions, or other things now. Prayers are requested for my father’s full recovery, and strength for my mother and family.
“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”
– Charles Dickens
March has such turbulent weather conditions, storms, tornados, and floods. Yet there is a knowing of what is to come after the ruckus. Baby birds chirping, wild violets showing purple, green grass glowing after the rains, and a rainbow’s promise of that pot of gold. For me the pot of gold is garden growth, showy dogwood blooms, the birth of a new thought, the memories of my child laughing in a swing, capturing a walk in the middle of my day … “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” – Hal Borland . March into spring …
Ready to Eat?!
~Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all.~ Emily Dickinson
Birds even sing in the winter season…so my hope will be during this time.
Missouri is experiencing a winter blast on this New Year’s Day. Daydreaming about sunny days at Hilton Head Island (October 2010) and Valhalla on Island Lake in Minnesota (July 2011) … wishing to be in warmth and sunshine … I reflect where 2011 went and where 2012 is going like the sunrise and sunset …
Sunrise at the Cabana
Valhalla Sunset
For 9 months in 2011 Dean and I were apprentices for an organic farm called EarthDance Farms in Ferguson, Missouri. We enjoyed it so much that will do more than same as “sophomore farmies”. We purchased our very own greenhouse so we can play in the dirt even more. Here is a photo of Dean & I as Santa & Mrs. Claus for Ferguson’s 4th of July Parade themed “Christmas in July”. We celebrated our nation’s freedom with our EarthDance friends before the Minnesota vacation to Valhalla to see old friends. My 33 & 1/3 high school reunion came in September, and Rainer’s homecoming court in October.
“A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the friends he chooses.” Proverbs 21:19
So glad my husband is my best friend, and together we choose good company.
Christmas brunch awaits;
Lavender cream scones, ham quiche,
with cranberry juice red.
Happy Haiku Day!
Haiku is a form of Japanese Poetry. In English, it consists of 3 lines. Each line has:
5 syllables
7 syllables
5 syllables
It often includes references to nature, especially the season and your experience of it. Post a haiku today!
Deanna Greens and Garden Art 