Does Everything Grow Better in My Neighbor's Yard?

Monday, January 5, 2009

2nd family celebration

Complete with puppet theater!
click on photo to enjoy. :-)

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Summer 2008 Inspiration - January Posting!

Star Light,
Star Bright,

First Star I see tonight
I Wish I May,
I Wish I Might...

The following is part of what I have added to my

"Wish List for 2009"

I know I've left a lot of my favorite bloggers out (Most of you are on my sidebar,
but I just can't list you all!)

Please Forgive Me!
But... even if I've left you out of the following list, please visit these peoples' blogs.
It's Worth It! :-)

I haven't provided links here, but check out my right sidebar under "gardening links!"

From Deb at GardenAuthor, I put anti-dessicant spray,
and the liberty of taking time for a poetic diversion (both in reading and creating!).
(She's so good at doing all those things, from taking care of her plants to having fun!)
and a sweater for Sidney (our dog)! ;-)

from Gail at Clay and Limestone, I'd love to have
Black and Blue Salvia (although I don't really have enough sun),
and 'Tojen' tricyrtis.

from Iowa Boy, at An Iowa Garden,
I put a couple more primroses,
(this is my only surviving from 2008)

one of several Japanese Maples,
and many other items he has described
and encouraged me to explore.

From IVG, at Urban Oasis, I've listed
'Kopper King' Hibiscus (yet to determined if it's practical)
and be "diverse."

from Kate, at Kate's Smudges in Earth, Paint and Life, I added
"Check out 'Clematis tangutica!'
and "remember to write about what's most important to me..."

from Kylee at Our Little Acre, I put
"More Butterfly Plants"
and "take more time to travel for inspiration!"
(Note to self: I will not be entering any marathons.) ;-)

From MMD at Mr. McGregor's Daughter, I've added
'Rozanne' Hardy Geranium.
'Tojen' tricyrtis received an additional tally mark here!

from Mr. Brown Thumb, I've put
"be careful, generous and note the details"

from Nan at Hayefield, I noted,
"visit more often and read carefully!"
:-)

from our friend at Northern Shade Gardening, I put
Chionodoxa and Puschkinia
as well as "Pay closer attention HER shady details!"

from Ralph at Homespun Headlines, I've put
"look for the humorous and share it with others!"

from Troutbirder, I added
"Make memories and tell the tales!"

from Gardening Gone Wild, I added
the note to participate in their inspiring
memes on garden features, etc.

from Kathleen, at Kasey's Korner, I wrote again
"take a closer look at details, get creative, and
assemble and add a few more
deliciously beautiful (shall I copy?) potted collections!"

from Cameron, at Defining Your Home Garden,
I've noted that I should print some of her posts!! ;-)
Somehow she speaks to the needs at hand
(Thanks Cameron!).

from Carolyn Gail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago,
I noted "Generosity and an artistic eye."

from Kathryn, at Plant Whatever Brings You Joy,
I put "humility."

from Frances, at Fairegarden, I put
"be generous and helpful."

from Rosemary, at Rosemary's Blog Spot, I put
"share your cooking talents, too!"

From Lisa at Greenbow (and MMD and Carol)
"Journal! and there's no better time to begin than now!"

from Monica at Garden Fairie's Musings
remind me to use a sense of humor!

from Jan at Thanks for 2 Day
I added "Be Thankful!" and "share more!"

from Nan at As the Garden Grows
and
from Chad and Brandy at Our Backyard Life
"Don't forget the camera!"
(Actually, most of you inspire me with this one!!)
:-)

from Patsy at Garden Endeavors
I put "generosity and enthusiasm."

from Joey at The Village Voice, I noted
"Versatility with a capital 'V'!"

from Dirty Fingernails at Green Thumb Chronicles,
"take a break when I need to!"

for The Illustrated Garden, I wrote
"Note to self: Visit more often!"

from Carol at May Dreams Gardens, I added
"use that hoe more often!" ;-)

from Nancy Bond at Soliloquy
"Seek that calm Spirit"

This wish list turned into more than just plants and gardening, didn't it? But then... isn't gardening just one (important) part of life? And aren't all facets of our lives intermingled and interwoven within who we are? So... I know it's all applicable. And I thank you for your Inspiration in 2008 as we enter 2009!!!

Best Wishes, SG :-)

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Garden Blogger's Muse Day, January 1, 2009

2009?

(taken in January 2008)

January
by John Updike

The days are short,
The sun a spark
Hung thin between
The dark and dark.

Fat snowy footsteps
Track the floor.
Milk bottles burst
Outside the door.

The river is
A frozen place
Held still beneath
The trees of lace.

The sky is low.
The wind is gray.
The radiator
Purrs all day.

January does contain its excitement! :-)
And to see other Muse Day posts, visit Carolyn Gail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Just a Quick Little Note...

Does this make you curious?
Click on the photo to see what I made for each
of our two families for Christmas!
:-)

Nothing Shady here! ;-)
Christmas Celebration #1
Christmas Celebration #2

Sunday, December 28, 2008

ABC Reflections on Christmas 2008

My ABC "list poem."
The first things that came to mind...

Adoration
Beauty
Contentment
Determination
Ease
Faithfulness
(friendship - the above ornaments were given by a new friend!)
Gratitude
Humility
Intrepid (see "W")
Joy
Kindness
Latitude
(loquacious - a happy friendship memory)
Memories
Nestle
Opportunity
Plenty
Quiet
Response
Satisfaction
Thankfulness
Ubiquity
(Ubiquitous - have you ever wished you could be?)
Visits
Weather (we were "intrepid" travelers!) ;-)
eXcitement
Yearning
Zeal

Friday, December 19, 2008

Wishing You a Merry Christmas

Best wishes for a Wonderful (restful!) Christmas celebration and holiday season. May you be blessed with safe travel and the making of memories to warm the heart during the rest of this Winter season. :-)

from "Shady Gardener."

Gladsome Be?

The driving snow is like a mist,

I cannot see but quite –

The trees across the backyard,

Are finely dressed in white.

December’s gift, sight to behold,

I cannot get it right –

Am I gladsome, am I not?

As gusts whisk flakes in flight…

I then inspect from inside out,

My heart has reached its height –

The beauty-gift I love the most -

The arms of friends held tight.

So then I utter “Thank you”

To the One who offers bright;

Truth and beauty to absorb

And Self throughout the night.

by me ("Shady G")

December 9, 2008

Merry Christmas.
Looking forward to 2009. :-)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Christmas Angels

I invited friends here for our second Christmas Ornament making, pre-Christmas get together. The following is the result of two sessions: An evening session for gainfully employed friends (or those that couldn't come to the second gathering), and a day-time session for the others that could make it.

We had nice "sessions," even though the weather found a way to interfere! The purpose is not so much to make the ornament (although it's a fond reminder), as much as to have a fun time with friends.

Yes, Virginia, I have angels for friends! ;-)
(click on any photo to enlarge)

Friends are Angels

(Author Unknown)

Our friends are like angels
Who brighten our days
In all kinds of wonderful
Magical ways

Their thoughtfulness comes
As a gift from above
And we feel we're surrounded
By warm, caring love

Like upside-down rainbows
Their smiles bring the sun
And they fill ho-hum moments
With laughter and fun

Friends are like angels
Without any wings
Blessing our lives
With the most precious things.

More angels!

Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have heard on high,
Singing sweetly through the night,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their brave delight.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.