An Iris from the garden
I’d like to share with you some ideas for companion planting.Whether you are working in your own yard, a community garden or in pots in your apartment, these tried and true pairings help your garden grow.
Also, if you are in Illinois and the surrounding areas, check out this cool cicada information:
https://www.chicagobotanic.org/blog/news/cicada_buzz
https://www.facebook.com/groups/7338610306220982/
Under the Sea
“The first step in changing is choosing.”
“Fruit Tree” by Maria Ciaccio
Sometimes it’s just nice to have something beautiful to look at. This piece is called “Fruit Tree” and reminds me of the abundance and celebration of the season. It’s also a great reminder to support your local artists and shops this holiday. Having something handmade or crafted brings nourishment to your soul and the hearts of others. Happy Holidays!
Just like the sprouting plants making their way through a growing season, we all have our own collection of challenges that fill our days, and hopefully we find a corresponding stack of solutions to make it through victoriously.
While our seeds sprouted and continued to grow as the summer sun took over, I observed as each plant met nature’s plentiful obstacles with the strategic resilience it needed to flourish. I always find this process to be inspirational. Iit helps me spark the optimism I need to make it through the bumps along my own path.
I decided to take note of the spring storms I faced as a human in 2022 and also collected visual snapshots of the strength and beauty blooming in nature that helped inspire me as I made my way toward the smiles.
Pivoting cycles, a strawberry moon
Database migrations & snapdragon blooms
Through March’s madness, and past the April fool
Finally the days are lighter longer
No more wearing masks to work & school
Reflect, wonder, anticipate, assume
So many endless tasks & heavy thoughts to consume
Hard to ignore all the empty desks & chairs
How do we fix these screen addicted stares
Still trying to forget our Covid Easter nightmares
Stuck in contemplation, immersed in a yawn
As I sit in the dim light of a Juneteenth dawn
The plants growing around me, at least they never lie
And they don’t even seem to mind when I cry
So I often hang with them, feed & admire til they die
A few seedlings actually survived the Scottish Fold
Unfortunately a couple became covered with mold
We tried our luck outside when the nights stopped being cold
Spring faded fast now it’s 95 degrees and sunny
The new cost of living ate all our money
All the lifeguards quit so there’s no place to swim
If she’s the one who has to deal with it then why is it up to him
Life after narcissism, domestic violence court zooms
Vaccinations, defamations, and active shooter dooms
Sometimes it’s really hard to find anything good
Even tho you really wish you could
That’s when I look around for the blooming flowers
Here’s a few that shared their magical powers:
