Dear Reader:

We don’t have to turn on our televisions, computers, radios, smart phones, etc. to know that we, as global people, are going through some seriously tough times.

President Truman, with his Missouri dry wit, explained the volatile economy of his times like this: (I think it’s still applicable today)

“It’s a RECESSION when your neighbor loses his job, ” and it’s a DEPRESSION when you lose your own.”

Based on these definitions…I think we need to invent a new economic term for these times we are living in now…a “re-depression?” A little of this for your neighbor and a little of that for yourself… and then “repeat” it again and again globally.

I have learned from my garden…that (as Pearl Buck quoted) “Order is the shape upon which beauty depends.” 

This season I have tried balancing out the left and right sides of the garden by planting two of everything… so as any visitor walks along the garden path…there is something enjoyable to view.

Follow me through the garden from the front to the back.

Nature creates its own order…using sun, rain, and blooms. My favorite rose, “Mr. Lincoln” peeked out from a bud two days ago…then yesterday…a little more red was seen and then today…“Welcome back again Mr. Lincoln”….You smell heavenly!”

Now come along and see some of the other statues hiding on fence posts or getting passed over by Bliss…since she is the first statue…but all of them make me smile and add so much to the garden.

The order from the garden overflows into all other aspects of my life.

Butterflies and birds…I almost missed the gorgeous butterfly with all the yellows in the background and then while typing the blog…I heard the prettiest chirping and there was Sammy the Cardinal…I realized he had been there quite awhile…taking a nap I believe…but then he fluttered his feathers, sang a little farewell chirp and flew away.

I don’t think I am alone in my (relatively recent) urges to clean up and organize my house better…if the crowds at Lowes and Home Depot are any example of this popular trend.

I think when we humans find ourselves in “uncontrollable situations” we feel a need to try to organize and control some piece of our pre-crisis normal life. By taking on some unpopular tasks I have put off too long (cleaning out closets, drawers, cabinets, etc.) I feel a certain sense of accomplishment that helps give more meaning to my day.

I have also come to the realization that I can’t think or create blog posts as well when the house starts to get cluttered. There is a direct correlation between “downer” days (when I allow the house to get messy again) and the lack of order around me. Creativity is always hampered with too much “stuff” going on…whether physically, mentally, or emotionally.

So until tomorrow…”Invite Divine Order into your life today and a more serene tomorrow will unfurl.” 

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

The rest of the garden….

My favorite times in the garden are early in the morning and again in the early evenings…especially with the moon peeking through.