A little on the Topic of gardening, perfection, and waste...

Has anyone heard of Ruth Stout and her garden? Google it...please.

The lady in the film must be close to 85 years. She was still gardening...her way...when this film was made. It made me cringe with shame to hear that she hadn't shopped in a grocery store in years....and with that....I went out to my garden and threw a few potatoes that were destined for the compost or garbage....into the ground.

When we first bought our home, hubby's first purchase was a rototiller. He chopped up a thousand weeds which became a thousand more, and I seriously considered never gardening again. That thought lasted until I read an article about lasagna gardening. I layered cardboard on that messy plot and was pleased that I had few weeds last year. The garden did well too!

This year I ordered Triple Mix and paid a pretty penny for it. The weeds are back, and the garden needs a tonic.

Enter Ruth Stout and her garden. She has stopped plowing.. She mulches. She produces enough food to feed two people all year long...and she uses no chemicals.

For the past several weeks I have pleaded for a potato tower. After watching her film, I went out to my garden...dug a trench...and Ruth and I planted all the potatoes. If I get a handfull of healthy, chemical free spuds this year, I will be one happy gal.

I will be mulching with gusto this year. Thanks, Ruth, you are an inspiration!

What's Happening?

I haven't blogged in such a long time... We have been busy!

We welcomed another grandchild into the world yesterday. He weighed in at a hefty 9 pounds and 12 ounces! So far his mommy and daddy have not decided on a name, but we expect to hear soon!

We now have an orchard! Hubby planted two apple trees, two pear trees, and three peach trees! I am so excited! Can you tell!?

Our gardens are planted and I am...literally...watching them grow.

In the pictures below, you will see garlic which was planted last fall, and successfully sprouted this spring.

The little garden on the table has been planted by hubby. It is our kitchen garden.

In the the other brick garden there are marigolds and poppies visible, but hidden behind are carrots...and...Glass Gem corn! This corn is just too pretty to eat, but its kernels can be popped, or ground for flour.

The two largest gardens have been planted with kale, celery, strawberries, peppers, tomatoes, squash, melons, and the "world's biggest pumpkin!"

So...my garden and my family have been my priority. I still visit your blogs, and will blog as often as time allows...but I confess, I just need some time to get things done.

Will hopefully be back soon...but until then...take care!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom...

Oh how I miss you.... You were my artistic inspiration....my cheerleader...my hero. You were my Port in any storm...my soft place to land when I needed it the most.

I dream of you often. You are running on two legs...young...happy.

Your grandchildren remind me of you....your brown eyes....your lovely skin...your sense of humour...

Dad is doing a great job of being there for my brother and I so you can rest peacefully. I know you aren't far...

Love you "big lots....."

T. H. I. N. K.

Before you speak...THINK.

T- is it TRUE?

H- is it HELPFUL?

I- is it INSPIRING?

N- is it NECESSARY?

K- is it KIND?

In this not-so-kind world, it is imperative that we practice kindness...kindness toward our neighbor...toward our work associates...toward strangers...toward friends. More than anything, we need to practice kindness at home, and we need to practice it on our family members.

"Home"...whether it be a physical structure, or the feeling that you get when you are near a loved one, should be a safe haven...a place where you and your loved ones retreat to peace, and security...and the confidence of knowing that they are appreciated and loved and valued.

It should be that place where their integrity is never questioned.

As defined by Dictionary.com..

A microcosm is...
1.
a little world; a world in miniature ( opposed to macrocosm ).
2.
anything that is regarded as a world in miniature.
3.
human beings, humanity, society, or the like, viewed as an epitome or miniature of the world or universe.

A family unit can be defined as a microcosm. There are many different personalities who reside in a family. Often dealing with these personalities can present challenges, and concerns.

So...be kind. Think the best of your family member. T.H.I.N.K. Behave in such a manner that you have no regrets.

Life is fragile. Be kind.

I

"The Launch"

I have entered this painting into the non juried 2013 Women's Art Show in Orillia. The theme of this year's show is "Reflections."

Halen and I spent a day together at the beach last summer. I took his photograph, and was drawn to his expression... He was so deep in thought.

Watching him play in the sand at the water's edge reminded me of summers spent at Grimsby Beach, and in this scene, I saw the reflection of myself as young child, playing at the water's edge under the careful supervision of MY nana.

Meet our neighbor!

Do Llamas hibernate? I haven't seen this fellow all winter! Isn't he a fine specimen? He has one character flaw... He spits! (Or so I'm told... I don't have to be told twice!)

Have I told you how much I love this time so year?? I've just ordered Triple mix for my garden, and my two beds have been prepared for its arrival.

I had had great luck with the "lasagna method" of gardening. I layer cardboard, leaves, soil, veggie mix (sometimes) and now...Triple mix! The weeds are few, and both gardens produce well.

Every year I dream of a bigger garden, but really, I am fortunate to have the gardens I have. I just need to learn to focus on what I need to grow, and what I will use. We have added four trees to our property...two pears...and two apple.

I haven't painted in a while. I guess you'd say I am in a slump of sorts. I'm keeping busy though, using up wool, making dishcloths, and ...yes...working.

So say hello to our nameless neighbor. Don't get too close though! He spits!

Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting."

Today has been one of those "absolutely fabulous" days that our friend, Doreen, often spoke of. I went for a bike ride and remembered, after this long and difficult winter, and a long and difficult week, what beauty there is in this world.

Witness for yourself what lies within reach...