Seeking simplicity and finding it

I was sitting here pondering a blog and thinking I am seeking simplicity in life and realized that I am finding it. I have been enjoying my garden and the simple beauty of watching the bees and the birds enjoy it too. I have been walking 3 miles to stay healthy and the simple path I take in my neighbourhood. I have been making small baby quilts for friends' new babies and enjoy my sewing room/guest room/warmest room in the house and find that quiet place to be simply heavenly. I have been walking to town to post mail (I love that term, so old fashioned), to grocery shop with my homemade green bag which is actually beige and to do my banking, with the teller I still love people versus ATM machines. I am finding time for my family talking on the phone to mom and dad, seeing my brothers, sisters and their families as opportunities arise and recently enjoyed Easter Saturday with JP, Jonna and the boys and Easter Sunday dinner with Bridget, Amy, Chris, Joe, Kathy, Liza, Donna, Greg, and Lisa. Life can be simple when we slow down, smell the lilacs and roses in the garden and see God in one another and creation.

Lilacs from Sheila

Several years ago my friend Sheila Cerna gave me a lilac clipping from her garden. I took this roughly 8 inch clipping and planted it in my front yard and every year it grows taller and blooms more fully. The beauty of this gift is not only the flower but a fond recollection of the giver, Sheila. I think of Sheila, even in early spring as small buds appear. The garden is a place of peace and new growth. I keep evolving my garden with the help of my gardener, my friends and the time I spend nurturing it with fertilizers, and with love. My garden is a safe haven and this year I dubbed it a healing garden following the death of my cousin Lloyd Lee Lott who I love and miss. I went to his funeral and our mutual cousin Cathy Lott gave me some seeds which I planted in his memory. These seeds she and her children help me obtain from the plant that had come from my grandma Lott. She had given a small plant to Cathy some many years ago. My garden also has 3 statues: 1 St Francis a gift from Sheila's dad Bill, one small Buddha I found in a second hand store and 1 monk I got while travelling with Joe in Austin, TX. My garden has history, and for me it has a heart and I always feel better after being in my garden. All are welcome.

Mardona

Mardona inspired me to write something in my blog this morning. She wrote a Facebook note and said more scratchy notes. So here's to you Mardona. I met Mardona in high school and we became friends and she even shared her clothes with me. I recall a pretty dress she gave to me. Mardona had style and attitude. If someone as Mardona befriended me, well that was cool. Perhaps unbeknownst until this moment of sharing, Mardona made me feel cool, built in me some confidence of coolness and enhanced my high school life. After 30 years we have reconnected via Facebook. Mardona's mystery still intrigues me. On Facebook, Mardona has unusual photos enhanced with artistic flair. Mardona stays connected to many of our other high school friends and through her I have connected to other friends from high school. As I reflect on life and look both in the past and into today, I am blessed to know Mardona and to have her inspire me to put my fingers to the keys.