I'm in hot water with my spouse ... because I'm the one that early on tossed peanuts to our resident squirrel ... who often keeps a bead on our front door and heads for the steps when s/he sees me/us exiting I'm prepared with a peanut or two in my shirt pocket, to divert the squirrel from the steps and front door, whereas spouse sees my behavior as encouraging the squirrel. Oh,. well. And I do notice the squirrel scampering away at times and burying the peanut, following the biblical suggestion of storing up provisions for future need (squirrel version). From your relevant meditation, the thought occurs: are we all in this circle of divine love together, gardener, tulips, trees, squirrels, peanuts?
A smallish thing to my gardening efforts, the difference between life and death to squirrels. Yes, you're right, it's all part of the circle.
BTW, one of our neighbors is the resident peanut provider, and I've heard more than one gardener on our block curse him for it. But again, circle and all that. Thanks for your kindly attention to these little guys who are just trying to make it through another winter. ~Linda
I had to walk away. I was too fragile to get my heart broken (bullied?) all the time. The Good News is that there are many many places where "Jesus followers" still roam. I found my peeps in an Episcopal church--even though I was raised VERY anti-liturgical. My community is my happy place. Oh yeah, that and my garden, where God shows up. Bless you, Linda
H, Your feedback means everything. Just this week I was telling the same friend about how you and Kris taught me so much about writing. I'm forever grateful. I'm cheering you on in your latest endeavor here on Substack. Rotsa Ruv, Linda
Gorgeous piece. I will miss my bulbs and spring flowers most of all as we set out on our life as nomads. But you reverberations of your purple-handled shovel on that river rock will sing to me for quite a while.
Oh yes, you are quite the nomad. I've lived in the NW for 39 years but only recently began to get tulips to flower. The universe (and squirrels) have always either withered them or maybe I might have planted a few upside down? Travel mercies on your adventures, Sherry! ~Linda
I'm in hot water with my spouse ... because I'm the one that early on tossed peanuts to our resident squirrel ... who often keeps a bead on our front door and heads for the steps when s/he sees me/us exiting I'm prepared with a peanut or two in my shirt pocket, to divert the squirrel from the steps and front door, whereas spouse sees my behavior as encouraging the squirrel. Oh,. well. And I do notice the squirrel scampering away at times and burying the peanut, following the biblical suggestion of storing up provisions for future need (squirrel version). From your relevant meditation, the thought occurs: are we all in this circle of divine love together, gardener, tulips, trees, squirrels, peanuts?
Peanuts!
A smallish thing to my gardening efforts, the difference between life and death to squirrels. Yes, you're right, it's all part of the circle.
BTW, one of our neighbors is the resident peanut provider, and I've heard more than one gardener on our block curse him for it. But again, circle and all that. Thanks for your kindly attention to these little guys who are just trying to make it through another winter. ~Linda
In these days when my heart is regularly broken by Christians, your words are medicine to all the broken places.
Jan,
I had to walk away. I was too fragile to get my heart broken (bullied?) all the time. The Good News is that there are many many places where "Jesus followers" still roam. I found my peeps in an Episcopal church--even though I was raised VERY anti-liturgical. My community is my happy place. Oh yeah, that and my garden, where God shows up. Bless you, Linda
Love this, Linda. It’s beautiful, my friend.
H, Your feedback means everything. Just this week I was telling the same friend about how you and Kris taught me so much about writing. I'm forever grateful. I'm cheering you on in your latest endeavor here on Substack. Rotsa Ruv, Linda
Thank you Linda-I am struggling with so many emotions today, after reading this I am going to make myself get up and dig.
Pam,
Digging can be a form of prayer. Try to find a spot where no one can hear you cry and plead and ask why, God? God can take it. Love you, Linda
Gorgeous piece. I will miss my bulbs and spring flowers most of all as we set out on our life as nomads. But you reverberations of your purple-handled shovel on that river rock will sing to me for quite a while.
Oh yes, you are quite the nomad. I've lived in the NW for 39 years but only recently began to get tulips to flower. The universe (and squirrels) have always either withered them or maybe I might have planted a few upside down? Travel mercies on your adventures, Sherry! ~Linda