Garden As May Arrives

Mushroom hunters arrived looking for Morel's Still too early for this harvest I am still not comfortable preparing and eating a part of their valuable harvest Wild phlox that were transplanted from the edge of a creek on my country road are blooming Poison ivy shot yesterday, seems this medication along with the pills keeps me awake at night. If I had it only on my waist I would think "shingles".

JUST RETURNED FROM DOCTOR - I HAVE SHINGLES - HAVE BEEN TREATING MYSELF FOR POISON IVY FOR TWO WEEKS.

When we look around us, we can see that nothing exists in isolation, which is another way of saying that everything is interdependent. For instance how could separate a flower from the many causes and conditions that produce it - water, soil, sun, air, seed, and so forth. Can we find a flower that exists independently from these causes and conditions.

AsI read this quote a moment ago it made me think of myself as an individual....

Early Morning Thought

My poison ivy is still bothering me tremendously. Did not get a shot this time - was hoping just the pills would take care of it. Do not like taking medication of this kind. Never feel quite normal when on it and am very well aware that it is not good for your bones. Will make a decision this morning of what to do.

A cool and rainy morning. At daybreak will be able to see if the pipe put under deck helps with the drainage of water in that area.

There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth...

not starting and not going all the way ~Buddha~

March Ending

New umbrella

Hint of green on the trees

Mayapples emerging in the woods

There is the Heaven we enter through institutional grace and there are the yellow finches bathing and singing in the lovely puddle ~~ Mary Oliver

Simple Lifestyle Weekly News

Japanese Cherry tree planted last Spring is my new header. A tick discovered on youngest granddaughter. Tick also on grandma she is also battling poison ivy on Zpack and finally starting to heal Usually have to get shot also a yearly occurrence for over 30 years hoping to heal without shot. Small snake discovered in flower bed.

Hanging sheets on line for the first time thought Spring had arrived but in the 30s at the moment 100 buttercup bulbs planted are blooming Almond bush blooming Lilac bush full of buds ready to open oh how I love their fragrance this bush just grows so slow. Trees are showing a hint of green Amazed at how fast lettuce, radishes and potatoes are growing guess. I look at them daily. Turnip greens planted last August are thriving I never pull them out of the ground - cut the tops with a sliced boiled egg and crumbled crisp bacon on top they are so good. Since my little girls visited I cannot find a pair of sunglasses but one small sock found under guest bed.

Early Sunday morning visited local small church where my children and I were baptised 35 years ago and where I once taught and did much outreach work Many smiles and hugs I sat in the quiet sanctuary and listened to old hymns, sermon. A restless night. So many memories of those earlier years at that church. Memories of those who were so good to me and no longer on this earth. A night that was once more a confirmation of I am no longer that person of years ago. There would probably be very few in that building today that would understand where I am and it does not matter because I did feel loved and so welcome. On this day it was a continued confirmation of much.... "the more you know who you are and what you want, the less you let things upset you"

Thought and Sunset Through My Japanese Cherry Tree

Be Fearless, Be Brave

There's a sacredness to every one's life. In order to relate to it, you have to build confidence.

Because of this need to build confidence, we speak of "warriorship." There's a tremendous amount of fear in people's lives. I think it's based on not wanting to reveal oneself. You're always protecting yourself. So the journey of meditation - one has to be brave. One must break out of the world which is comfort - oriented."

Some words read this early morning from Tricycle Daily Dharma

To One Son Over The Ocean

I wanted you to get an idea of the progress that is taking place at Woodhaven in less then a year.

These pictures will give you some idea of the continual clearing by hand and today was a day that Chris who went to high school with your sister - arrived with saw in hand. A lot of branches and scrub trees were to big for me to pick up. The pile of branches represent one of many throughout the woods.

These images do not do justice to all the clearing and piles of branches.

He also spread a truck load of mulch and brought a ladder to reach some inside high cabinets for me.

I know longer feel safe on a ladder. Especially since a bad fall at the old farm house. To think I never thought twice about being on a ladder and even on the roof of our home. Time took care of that... Chris has helped me over the last 10 years and I am so very thankful for him making time for me when I need special help.l

In a couple of weeks or less I will not venture off the paths created in the woods.

With 40 to 50 feet cleared on either side and the back of the cottage - I am pleased. Opens up the woods where I have a good view and also as I make trips on my tractor I am blowing a lot of leaves further into the woods. May apples and several varieties of wild flowers starting to emerge.

I know you have repeatedlty told me not to clear the woods. You are well aware that I have a problem pacing myself. With the paths that have been made I can enjoy the woods year round. I am happiest when creating and have some thoughts for the future of this special property.

It was a long and cold winter, now that Spring is arriving it seems like I am coming alive.

When I kept having recurring thoughts of returning home and would visit this property it was if my spirit came alive.

Looking forward to your trip home and in my mind I can see you walking these paths in the woods.

Not clearing all the woods - just surrounding area......

Sent with love....

Weekend In March

My two youngest granddaughters and Miss Callie

Oldest granddaughter with someone special in Jamaica

Storm is gone

Sky clear:

River reflecting a tranquil moon.

What hour of night is it?

~ Tran Thai Tong ~

Poem arrived from over the ocean

One daughter arriving home from New Orleans

One daughter driving home with little one and my patio umbrella

One daughter lost her cell phone

Special letter and pictures from Jamaica

A welcome call from granddaughter in New York

One woman's head has been filled with issues that she thought she had overcome.

Reminding her once again that it is a journey.

She may never arrive.

Rest, compassion for others and herself - a continual practice that must never stop.

This early morning - all is well

Just sometimes wish this journey was not going at such a rapid pace

Difficult to just "be" when there is so much that is unfinished

So much yet to learn.....

Busy Weekend

Was not going to write this weekend - and here I am.

I wanted to answer Mary's question about the last image that I posted.

It is Vinca - a ground cover.

My radishes, lettuce and potatoes are breaking ground :) Could not get an image of potatoes.

I copied the radish picture twice and am so weary could not remember how to delete the image without deleting what I have written :) They need to be thinned.

Turnip greens planted last fall are flourishing. Will have some for dinner this evening.

Sunny and cool today and rain tomorrow.

Beautiful Spring

Yesterday was a beautiful and sunny day. A helper arrived and we continued to clean the edge of the woods surrounding my cottage. My garden is coming alive with plants that are emerging.

An area was cleaned where wild flower seeds will be scattered.

Even the lettuce and radish seeds planted a week ago are emerging. All of the trees are showing signs of buds. Ever aware that this being the middle of March that a cold snap will visit again.

This preview of Spring is being enjoyed and is so welcome.

So thankful for this new helper that was found. In the past little help was needed but time has taken care of the fact that there are chores that are too difficult for me. We took a trip to Lowes for material to reroute water from downspouts. Why did the builder not do this ? When you build you think you have covered every item but over the following year you discover some things that should have been done. A lilac bush will have a new home.

With a number of homes being built in my past - I always smile at the fact that when the builder is through with his task and asks for a punch list (items you see that need to be done)

you really never know some of these items until you have lived in your new home for a while.

The builder then is usually unavailable or it is difficult to get them to return.

Enjoyed riding the tractor through the woods and opening up the walking path. It continues to grow :)

Anyone that walks the path - must pick up limbs along the way....

My youngest granddaughter's will arrive and spend a few days with me. They are so happy and full of life and make me feel so loved.

Forecast for 5 sunny and warm days is putting a continual smile on this One Woman's face.

Hope all is well in your area and wishes of Happiness, Health, Safety and Peace are sent to you from One Woman in Northern Tennessee.

What wonderful things a garden can do all by itself and what endless

pleasure it gives as it makes all of the changes!

~Elizabeth Sheldon~ in "The Meditative Gardener" by Cheryl Wilfong

The Bleeding Heart

I know a bleeding heart plant that has thrived
for over sixty years if not more, and has never
missed a spring without rising and spreading
itself into a glossy bush, with many red
hearts dangling. Don't you think that deserves
a little thought? The woman who planted it
has been gone for a long time, and everyone
who saw it in that time has also died or moved
away and so, like so many stories, this one can't
get finished properly. More delicious, anyway, is to
remember my grandmother's pleasure when
the dissolve of winter was over and the green
knobs appeared and began rise, and create
their many hearts.

One would say she was a simple woman, made
happy by simple things. I think this was true.
And more than once, in my long life,
I have wished to be her.

~~Mary Oliver~~


This One Woman could write something very similar about plants and her grandmother's.....

Psalms 23

Overcome with joy, happiness,
and thankfulness

Times of fear and deep sadness

Looking for direction and peace

The night when sleep will not come

This prayer has been repeated
many thousands of times
in my lifetime

It has never failed


The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
and leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul and leads me in the paths
of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil for thy rod and staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of mine enemies,
thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the day
of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

One Of Those Inside Days

Cold and howling winds for two days.

Spring you keep giving me a sneak preview.

Wish you would hang around longer.

What would I do without my constant companion

the computer?

Keeps me continually in touch with this

family that is near, far and traveling

Images received

Granddaughter, grandson and soninlaw - skiing

in Vail, Colorado

sure looks cold - but look at that blue sky

Grandson visiting his parents in Florida

My little one practicing her dancing

I just know that part of her future is Yoga

like her uncle.

Little one, tomorrow is your birthday

Seems like yesterday you were born...

Family pictures along with phone calls

and visits

Make me smile....

especially on inside days

Today the sun is suppose to shine - good

Urgency

Recently received "Elderwoman Newsletter" written by Marian Van Eyk
http://www.elderwoman.org/feb11news.html

An article written by Louise LeBrun, especially hit home and spoke to my heart.
Have felt what Louise describes for quite some time - but - she gave me the word "urgency."

I wrote some her words and my thoughts in my journal.......

I feel this so strong in my life, time seems to be going by at an accelerated speed. I am ever aware of the increasing speed in the passage of time.

Feel an urgency to be mindful - ever present, too live, to breathe, relax and let go. Continually working on these traits, have never arrived, and wonder if I ever will - in this lifetime.

Urgency to speak what is on my mind, in the moment that it moves. and not seek to wait for the
"right" time or the best time. (seems I do this quite a lot)

So aware of this escalated passage of time in my life. I want to choose to live fully right here/now, rather than waiting to do so.

As I grow older I feel more alive and sensitive to everything then in the past - I wonder if other's sense this strong urgency...... I think it is a part of aging as 5 or 10 years ago I did not feel like this. On second thought, I think this is part of being in my 3 score and 10 years.

To be mindful, ever present, to live, to breathe, relax, let go...

This urgency might also be responsible for my busy days - like over the last week of gardening not at a slow pace.

Also this urgency is what I feel when I plan a day of not writing - then I have a thought and I am at the computer typing away before daybreak. The thought that I must share - so those that love me ---- know the real me.

Some thoughts from One Woman who lives at the edge of the woods.

Busy Morning In The Woods

Phone was ringing at 6:00 this morning. A welcome call from over the ocean. A wonderful way to begin the day.

Bird feeders filled, suet cake replaced (it is brought in every evening so whatever is opening the container and taking will not be tempted). 40 lbs of fertilizer spread on small grass area and flower beds. Earlier in week spread lime and last week grass seed.

I am so pleased when I view over 50 plants in back of my cottage garden emerging out of the soil. Many more as you approach the side of cottage. Small buds can be seen on the trees.

Looks like my pear tree that was recently planted likes it new home.

Spread some mulch and it was time for breakfast.

Since I had not cleaned up - headed back outside. Ground is damp but still planted a small row of lettuce, radishes and potatoes.

This is not the ideal day for what is being accomplised. Cool, cloudy, damp ground - but I could not stay inside. Suppose to rain again tomorrow and then sun. My little seeds may surface next week in the sunshine.

One very tired lady stopped her gardening and headed inside to clean up.

Vegetables chopped for chili that is simmering.

Not all those who wander are lost,
the old that is strong does not wither,
deep roots are not reached by the frost.
~J.R. Tolkien~

The Very Old Tree

When driving on a
country road
a few days ago

I saw this old tree
stopped my truck

I could
hardly take my eyes
off of you

You are beautiful

But the striking part to me
is your massive trunk

Special tree

Wonder how old you are

If you could speak
wonder what wonderful
stories you could tell

Of a different time
a slower time
maybe a time of happiness
a time of sadness

I wanted to hug you
But no way I could get
my arms around you....

I never saw a discontented tree. They grip the ground as though they liked it,
and though fast rooted they travel about as we do. They go wandering forth
in all directions with every wind, going and coming like ourselves, traveling with us around the sun two million miles a day, and through space - heaven knows how fast and far. ~~John Muir~~

Angkor Wat

My son is visiting Angkor, Cambodia
This is in Southeast Asia
Bordering Gulf of Thailand
Between Thailand, Vietnam and Laos
A country of between 13.8 million people

Sharing about a brief visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Many ancient temple ruins such as Angkor Wat are in this area.

This is all the information I will share on this post. If you are interested in this most
ancient temple - you can look it up online.

So much information and so fascinating that I could hardly take it all in.

At this time of life it is all I can do to learn a portion of what is now my life at the edge of the woods in northern Tennessee.

I know I repeat myself many times - but I still find it amazing that a son who I raised in the South has such a love for a land far over the ocean. Oh - I wish I could visit him one time.

He has introduced me to new lands, a new culture and way of life. He is determined to learn to speak conversational Thai.

In one of our last conversations I asked what transportation he used? His answer "On every corner there are motorcycle taxis that I use on occasion because the cars are often stuck in traffic and motorcycles fly right through - though they are not very safe. But my main mode of transportation is my feet - I love walking - whatever country I may be in."

To end my post some random quotes....

There can be mindfulness in anything you do. While you are drinking a cup of water
~~Thich Nhat Hanh~~

People are so busy they don't hear the birds singing. They don't know how to appreciate the birds singing ~~Sayaaw U Jotika~~

It seems an almost winter day has returned to my woods. 32 degrees and the wind is howling.

Loving Kindness (metta) is sent to you this day....

Discipline

Discipline - one of the meanings in my Large Print Dictionary is "self control."

At this time of life I seem to lack self control when it comes to purchasing books, plants, anything that has to do with gardening and nature. Also lack this quality when it comes to my camera and computer.

Guess this is better then what was - years ago.

Not quite as disciplined in some areas. When in the corporate world I loved pretty clothes,

shoes, wonderful cosmetics. These seemed to have been replaced by my old garden clothes,

sturdy shoes, and makeup you are long gone. Late life freedom is wonderful!!!!

Also not to disciplined when I entered the dating world. This was a new experience at age 42.

I made a trip to garden center yesterday. Purchased lime, fertilizer, mulch, potting soil, gravel and several ferns for screen porch. Unloaded when I returned home, trying to be so careful not to hurt myself. I want to return and buy a Red Twig Dogwood that I spotted. Yesterday did not want to spend the money - but I want it.

I was so tired last night with a slight back ache and vowed that today I would do inside chores and rest.

Still up before day light and light rain all night - I just came inside from spreading 40 lbs of lime. It is a good time with the light rain predicted all day. Next rain I can fertilize

Put on my old jacket, jeans and the plastic rain hat that was my mother's. In years past I thought this rain hat looked ridiculous. Have now changed my mind - I like it and really do not care what it looks like.

Returning home I spotted the first buttercups on the side of the road and the stream I pass over looked calmer after all the rains last week. Also passed about 50 turkeys that were grazing but I could not stop and get camera out fast enough to capture a picture.

Wherever you are have a wonderful weekend.

My special girl, enjoy Jamaica, son enjoy the time in Cambodia. This one will be in the woods!!!

Bailey - We Will Miss You .....

http://blondemomblog.com/2011/03/03/good-night-sweet-girl-not-goodbye

My daughter's entry
This evening

Touches my heart

I wanted to share

The Old Desk

This old desk has been a favorite for over 45 years
Always sitting in my bedroom

When purchased it
was over 100 years old

An old friend

Much planned and contemplated

sitting at this chair

over the years.

Now in a different home

Think it is happiest ever

The view of the fields and bird feeders

is peaceful

Wherever you are

family and friends

Wishing you a day filled with

Happiness

Health

Safety and

Peace

Rows Of Wheat

Viewing wheat this early morning
sure looks like Spring

The rows are so neat and orderly
just the way One Woman likes
her life

Some days and years it happened and
other times it did not

A warm March day
with plans on working outside

Vegetable soup is simmering
lunch and evening meal will
be no problem

Instead of working
I may just walk in the woods
and sit in the sun....

Trying to be mindful
and live in the moment
is not easy

Thoughts of family
they are so busy

One leaving for Jamaica
One in New York
One in Florida
One in Michigan
One in Thailand
One working at hospital
One busy writing, traveling and
transporting children continually

So...
I really am thankful for
life in these 70 plus years

It has all been done
and really another life
could be happening -
but I sometimes wonder

Is this the way it is
suppose to be ?

Another First Day Of March

As this first day of March ends - look at this sunset. Almost every evening from my cottage window the sky looks like a painting. I am continually in awe of this beauty. This image hardly does it justice.

The fields are still filled with water from the torrential rains on Sunday. Returning from errands I drive over a small bridge and the customary peaceful water is flowing like the rapids.

A small stream flows into that creek. At this time of year I have always noticed the bright green plants floating in the water and watercress always came to mind.

Just did some investigation and found out so much I did not know. It has some wonderful medicinal qualities. It always warns against picking the watercress and eating from streams that might be polluted. So even though it is beautiful I do not think I will pick some and eat it.

I have been tempted.....

Wherever I am, the world comes after me.

It offers me its busyness. It does not believe

that I do not want it. Now I understand

why the old poets of China went so far and high

into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist.

~The Old Poets of China~ Mary Oliver