Living with Joy

Years ago I maintained a very large garden, growing vegetables, fruit, flowers, and herbs. It was during a time in my life when I was a SAHM and had begun building the business, making, at the time, primarily useful items and some dolls. In the intervening years, I went back to get my degrees and ended up working full time until I retired. Also, during those years, my allergies got so bad that I could no longer work the garden. There are some leftovers of my gardening years, however, and yesterday evening I took the chance of an allergic reaction and went out to take pictures.

 

 

apple blossoms

 

lilac bushes

 

hosta

 

 

rose bush

 

 

lilac close up

 

 

even closer

 

 

When I graduated with my MA, my brother and his wife gifted us with two beautiful bushes. One of them has done well, since it gets full sun. The other sits unhappily in the shade of the fruit trees (pictured below). I want to have it replanted elsewhere, but do not remember what it is or know when the best time is to uproot it. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

 

 

One of the reasons I decided to go out to take the photos is that I lost a cousin, suddenly, last month. She and I were born in the same year, and so far as anyone knew, she not only did not have any health issues, but was doing everything right to stay healthy. I had expected she would outlive me by many years. While my first reaction, after concern for her family, was to dwell on the probability of death, it finally hit me that what I really need to do is live with joy. None of us knows how much time we have, but we need to make the most of whatever there is.

 

That spurred me to make some decisions about my creative work. I have several things in process, now, and hope to share them, soon. One is a new art doll prototype. I have also been designing some prayer flags. Perhaps of more significance are the decisions I have been making about priorities and incorporating more time for items I have started or have materials to make for family members. At any rate, it has had the result of kick-starting my creativity, again.

 

I hope that you will find ways to live with joy.

 

Until next time, I wish you peace.

 

Book Review

I recently read an interesting new book called Overheated: The Human Costs of Climate Change by Andrew Guzman ©2013 (Oxford University Press). I have no stake in the book, financial or otherwise, but feel it is important enough to be worth writing about.

Rather than describe the science, Guzman looks at the results that would occur (and in some cases are already happening) if a conservative estimate of global warming proves true. He uses analogies throughout the book that are quite effective in describing a variety of the basic issues. In addition, he provides clear examples of the various scenarios that are possible. Guzman also gives an account of the support for claims on both sides of the issue so that the average person has a better understanding of who is on each side. One point that he makes is an answer to those who feel we should wait to respond or that there is significant time to make changes. His response is to question whether the person is saving for a child’s college education or for retirement because many of the changes that are projected will likely occur within the next two to thirty-five years.

While I would have liked to have seen more prescriptions for ways in which individuals can impact the situation, Guzman keeps the book short enough to be readable while covering a significant amount of material.

I heartily recommend reading the book whatever side of the issue you are on. While he certainly takes the position that the climate is changing, the ramifications in terms of its impact are spelled out clearly and may surprise you.

As always, I wish you peace and all good.