Eric's Garden

Back in 2002 when I moved to Los Angeles, I secretly hoped I would make friends with movie stars, writers, directors - you know, the movie folk, - thinking they were the most interesting people in the world.  LA taught me many, many things and one of the most important was that movie stars (generally speaking) aren't necessarily very,  well, interesting or kind or .... you name it.  I learned soon enough that some of the most fabulous people you'll ever meet are right under your nose.   I say this about my colleague and friend Eric.  We worked together for a shoe company for several years.  I really liked my job, but I think so much of that had to do with him.  Be it a sales meeting, a buyer meeting, training or traveling together to work the shoe floors, working with Eric was a BLAST.  And yes, we got our work done and done well.  And, people in his Northern California shoe world love him.  He had and still has an excellent reputation with all his accounts and he makes people glow.  Yep, I've seen many a person glow when he was around.   

All this to say, I was pleased as punch when he asked me to paint his garden for him.  He loves gardening probably more than I do.  And this painting is just a small tiny corner of his masterpiece garden.  Makes you want to go on the ERIC GARDEN TOUR.  I hope to someday get to see it in person myself. 

The Chair

This is my mother's chair.  Much like my mother herself - classy, elegant and pretty.  The best thing about this chair and the others in her house is that you absolutely can sit on them.  She keeps her home pristine, but she also uses everything.  All her things are nice things, so every day is a special occasion.   

I think that's the best way to live.  I'm still trying to make everyday a special occasion.   But it can be a little hard with a one year old running around.  These little one year old people can really ransack a room quickly.  So if today only allows me to enjoy a pretty vase and garden flowers, well that will have to do.  I'm in the mindset of trying to do what I reasonably can.  That's hard for me when I want so much.  But I'm discovering the real test for me lately is to be content and thankful in the few things I can accomplish or make special.  Rejoice!  I painted a chair!  Perhaps tomorrow I will get to sit in one.

Columbine

Last year I planted columbine.  A year later she bloomed and very beautifully too I might add.  But, the first year was a disappointment.  I wondered if it was even worth the time and energy it took to dig the hole and plant.  So much of gardening is a waiting game.  Each year my perennials get bigger and better.  They've adjusted to their new home and thrive.  The garden teaches you patience.  I really need to apply that patience to myself and others around me.  Give it time, you will probably be MORE than pleasantly surprised.

Where are you looking today?

Sorrow looks back

Worry looks around

Faith looks up.

Feed Your Heart

I never feel as if I'm "caught up".  I'm not even sure what that means.  But I do know there are plenty of nights I lay in bed wishing I would have chosen to paint instead of folding yet another load of laundry.  I seem to always put the household chores and demands of inanimate objects like dishes, clothing, lawns and floors before my own needs.   And, if I do that for too many days in a row I become a very unpleasant person and I hear my dear southern husband say, "You need to sweeten your tone."

Why is it that I feel the need to get everything completed, tied up, or even perfect before I take care of me, be it exercise, art, or even healthy cooking.  I don't know where the "me last" mentality came from.  But I think it's very common if not a natural state for many people.  

I've come to realize that doing something for myself makes me a better human being.  Sure I would love for the house to be in perfect order before I took the time to work on a watercolor painting, but the reality is that if I wait for order I would never paint.  One of the best parts about being a human is our ability to create. I'm getting better at walking away from the chore at hand to make sure I take time to feed my heart/my soul/ my creative spirit.  And when I return to the chaos, I seem to handle life and it's demands much better.

I encourage you to feed yourheart today in spite of the clutter that may surround you --
Play that instrument. Dip that paint brush. Write that poem..