Mother's Day 2021

Song -Tell Mama - Cover by Sierra Eagleson

This was the first year without celebrating Mother's Day with my mom.  I felt my sadness for weeks so I told myself that it was just a Hallmark day on the calendar......but my body & heart didn't listen.....  I could feel myself getting into a funk so I talked with my boys and let them know that I was spending the day in the garden - no fuss, no muss - just a call would do nicely..... thank you very much!

Henry didn't listen.... 

My two year old grandson knows how much I like birds and hand painted two miniature bird houses for me and painted a heart shape stepping stone for the veggie garden that he absolutely decided could NOT be stepped on by anyone!  So it is now leaning against the stone wall in the garden for all to admire!

 

 Of course it is a purple heart because that is his favorite color right now!!!

So just what did I do on Mother's Day.....

....I watched a Clematis unfurl......

                                                                                               .....I pinched back my Sweet Basil.....

I set up my grandmother's ravioli table as a potting table and a old wicker chair from my mom to sit and relax in the shade.

 

 ....I watched a Spotted Towhee trying to hide in the oak tree.....

 

 and I listened to the water flowing from our fountain that Mr. B had just cleaned out the day before.

I thought about dead heading some roses but they were all in the sun and it was 92 degrees!

I planted a Hosta and some Impatiens in the shade and added a water saucer for the birds.....

 

 

 Henry and I had planted some strawberries the week before so I watered them for him....

....I gave two of my large ball box woods a much needed trim.....

.......and Mr. B helped me dig up some volunteer Japanese Maple seedlings and I potted them up on my new table!

 

And as the warm day began to cool down a bit Mr. B brought us both down Gin & Tonic's to sip by the pool......the first since last summer....

 

 I watched a Black Phoebe capture a Damselfly and then he pondered what to do next....

As the day finally drew to an end I thanked my mom for all she has done for me and continues to bring to me daily - especially the joy of a garden.  Thank you mom.....

 

 "We are born of love; love is our mother."

--Rumi

 

 

Missing You

 Song - Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman

 

I have been waiting for the day to share with you about what has been going on in my life lately.....beside Covid.....beside California wildfires.....and smoke.....beside 100+ degree weather.

 

My last post was July 1st. 

 

The very next day we got the unexpected news that my mom Betty was very ill and in just three short weeks she passed away. 

 

A few days ago her home and the house that my family have lived in since 1956 sold. For the last few weeks my brother and I have gone through our family belongings.  Nothing of real monetary value, mostly fond memories.......the best.  

 

It brought us closer working through the grief, remembering fun times, giving items to family members and getting rid of the rest, laughing and crying. Her faithful little dog Buddy was re-homed to a loving family in Sacramento and they are all so happy to be together.  

 

The birds that mom fed have missed her as well as they keep coming to the feeders and the windows wondering where she is.  

I struggled with posting about this as it felt to dear to me and I was still too tender.  

 

I trusted myself to wait until the right time came.  I even thought about just starting up again with a happy post about a flower and act like nothing had happened.  But in the last few days it came to me.....YOU know exactly how this place feels.  You have been here at some point in your life so you know. And that is why I needed to share with you so that you know you are not alone.

 

 

"The reality is that you will grieve forever.  

You will not 'get over' the loss of a loved one; 

you will learn to live with it. 

You will heal and you will rebuild yourself 

around the loss you have suffered.  

You will be whole again 

but you will never be the same.  

Nor should you be the same 

nor should you want to."

                                            --Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Becoming.....

The world is always changing, evolving....becoming.

Song - Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin 

Becoming Zen

Most people, especially me, are uncomfortable with the word "change".  


It feels abrupt and unknown as to what may occur. 

Becoming a fig

But "becoming" feels different, like a slow natural evolution.

Becoming an olive tree -  (a sweet gift from Andy & Ashley for Mother's Day!)

I just got my "good" camera back from the shop yesterday.  It was turning itself on, while in the "off" position.  Not too good for the battery or my sanity!

Becoming seed pods that stick to the dogs

Becoming trouble!

So this morning, I took a walk around the garden with my two Westie's, Mika & Max.

Becoming.....

...an apple

Becoming........grapes

Becoming.....

....a lemon

Becoming.....a strawberry

Becoming.....a mother!  (this was not in my garden this morning but at Camp Richardson General Store)

Becoming......honey

Becoming.....sweet, red, delicious cherries

Becoming.....happy

Becoming....herbs to cook with

Becoming......so happy that you have to lick your nose!

"Remember for just one minute of the day, it would be best to try looking upon yourself more as God does, for She knows your true royal nature."  - Hafiz

Happy Mothers Day

"A Mother holds her children's hands for a while...their hearts forever"