Creativity is the calling of the soul

I’m back…sort of

Sunday, 8 August 2021

six sunflowers, within a fenced-in garden, tower over a row of green tomato plants, broccoli and cauliflower plants with a bumbling water feature in the front of the image — My garden is a place of joy, happiness, and healing.

The last time I posted was May 20 when I wrote that I was taking a break from electronics. It was the long weekend in May and I put my phone away for the entire weekend. It was liberating! But frustrating too. I didn’t realize how often I pull my phone out to take photos and videos. Or to send a text to a family member. I used my Canon DSLR for photos and videos – it was a little cumbersome and got in the way and I connected with my family through my Mom, who was great at relaying messages.

I can’t tell you how happy I was to pull my phone out of hiding that Monday evening. But, for some reason, writing my blog didn’t resume. A daily habit that began with my 365 Creativity Project in 2019. Again, I felt liberated not having to think of something to write every day. And yet, I missed reading the daily entries. They were a journal of how I spent my time, what I was feeling, where I was going, what I was doing. Looking back, there is this two month gap in my life that I don’t really remember what happened and I miss that. I’ll miss it more next year when I look back to see what the temperature was, how I spent the day, what my garden looked like.

At the time, I knew I would come back to blogging. I just wasn’t sure when or in what way.

I still don’t have the whole picture of what’s next. But I have the next step and really, that’s all that matters. It’s like following the GPS commands: “turn left…stay right at the fork…”. I prefer to know exactly where I’m going and how I’m getting there but, if there’s one thing I have learned on this crazy journey of life, it’s knowing how rare of a gift it is to know the entire plan.

So, I’m following the steps. Baby steps and gigantic leaps. I don’t know where it’s heading, although I have a rough idea. When I look back to the beginning of this year and the things I’ve done, the whispers I heard, trusted and followed, I am in awe of where it has led me, of what it has taught me, of how closer I have moved towards my dream.

A male pumpkin flower is centered in this photo. The flower is star shaped with five large petals. The flower is about 6-8 inches in diameter. Large green leaves surround the flower. A single stem, known as a stamen, rises from the centre of the flower. — A male pumpkin flower.

A dream that I put aside as foolish and unattainable and moved away from, instead looking for something else, wondering what I should be doing with my life, living with an emptiness in my heart and soul, feeling that something is missing.

It was never missing. It was always right there, in front of me. Just waiting for me to wake up and go.

Garden update and taking a break from electronics.

Thursday, 20 May 2021

Happy early birthday Joe!

I’ll start with some happy news: I’ve finished the shingles acupuncture/chiro treatment! I’m symptom free and feeling good. There is still a small rash on my back that is quickly fading, but no pain, no itching anywhere! I feel so good that I’ve rebooked my Covid vaccine for next week – so psyched!

It’s been four weeks yesterday since I started on this crazy shingles journey. During my appointment on Tuesday, my Chiropractor and I were discussing my healing progression. She remarked how quickly I healed and was impressed by all the tools I used to help it along, like making a healing cream. Not having anything to compare it to, I wasn’t sure if it was quick or not but she had clients come to her for help after they’ve had it for six to eight weeks! I’m so grateful I went the natural route and it healed as quickly as it did. Once I’m vaccinated for Covid, the singles vaccine is next on my list…don’t want to go down this road again. 😉

On the garden front, I sowed some seeds in my raised bed during my lunch break. I don’t think there’s a finer way to spend a hot spring day, than out in nature, planting seeds for future salads and smoothies! Lettuce, spinach and parsley are in the ground. I wanted to plant kale but for the life of me, couldn’t find the seeds. I’m sure I had a packet. But apparently I don’t.

Planting the garden. More raised beds to come this weekend!

After my chiro appointment this evening, I stopped at Home Depot to buy a 100′ garden hose. If only that was all… I’m now the proud owner of more seeds (hello kale!), more flowers (welcome home pansies!), and other things! While waiting in the check out line, I asked Mom – more liked begged – please, this is the last time I am allowed to go in or near a garden centre…except for fertilizer. That’s it. She laughed.

I love seeing a plowed field, especially our old field. My parents, grandparents and great-grandparents farmed this land.

And the last bit of news for today. I need a break. A real break. I’ve decided to take advantage of this three-day weekend by making it an oasis – spiritual, emotional, mental and physical. I don’t have an off-grid place to go, so I’m making my home that place. I’m turning off my electronics, which means my phone. My phone that I use as a camera, that is glued to my hand and goes EVERYWHERE with me. I’m putting it in a desk drawer and will see it Tuesday morning. If I feel the need to take pictures, that’s what my camera is for. I intend to spend as much time as I can outside, enjoying the garden – but not overdoing it. Maybe I’ll pitch the tent down by the river and sleep there a couple of nights. Maybe I’ll do a little night photography…maybe a bonfire…

So, until Tuesday, have a great rest of the week and weekend!

Blessings,

Wanda

Let the planting begin!

Wednesday, 19 May 2021

Momma and poppa goose dropped by for a visit with their babies. So much cuteness!

This evening found me building a raised garden bed. The first of many to come. I could hear my dear cousin’s voice in my head while I filled the wheelbarrow with earth…take it easy cuz…it helped me to stop at one bed! Thanks Ger!

This is where the lettuce, spinach and kale will go.

Someone’s ready to climb! Birdhouse gourds. It always amazes me that this grew from a seed put in soil.

Was anyone else tired today? Maybe it’s the heat, but mom and I were both very tired this afternoon. I went for a walk around the house hoping to get some energy. I stopped to smell the lilacs…so awesome! Then picked a handful of dandelions for a tea. I threw in some lemon balm for extra flavour. It didn’t pick up my energy but it sure tasted good!

A beautiful Tuesday

Tuesday, 18 May 2021

A beautiful day, warm and sunny, just how I like it. Some geese came up for a visit. They seemed to enjoy the dandelions. I caught one goose nibbling on one of my tulips. It stopped when I stepped outside with my camera to capture the moment.