It's hard to live far away from your family during the pandemic and the distance feels immense when you need to process a loss or grief. So, I keep walking, despite the fickle weather. I keep writing, despite the stale words. And I look for wildflowers and listen to whispering trees.
Nature
Dance of life, blood, and memory – poem
Poetry helps us come to terms with grief, and comfort is often found in unexpected places.
When the Gardening-Bug Bites – Lefras’ Story
Lefras' passion for plants and gardening is infectious. We talk about the Amaryllis in his high school boarding room, gardening on a budget, and what he would do if he won the national lottery...
to the chestnut tree – Poem
What would you ask an ancient tree?
New Adventure: Identifying Ireland’s Wildflowers
I’m always stopping on walks to examine flowers, shrubs, and trees but I'm not familiar with many of the plant and bird species in Ireland and I find this weirdly unsettling. This is where ‘Wild Flowers of Ireland and Britain’ come in - I’m hoping to learn more about Ireland by identifying as many plants, trees, and grasses as I can this year. I’d love for you to join me on this adventure!
Things you find under trees – poem
I locked myself (and my daughter) out of the house two weeks ago. Dark rain clouds were looming overhead. I panicked. My toddler was hungry and tired, I had no snacks, and to tell you the truth, I was hungry and tired too! But after a few phone calls, we had no choice but to … Continue reading Things you find under trees – poem
Leave a Garden – Poem
I create a garden every time I move to a new rental house. It’s hard work and I seldom stay long enough to truly reap the rewards of my efforts. But planting and tending a new garden is a rewarding and special process in itself. Even though I know there’s a good chance the next renters will leave the garden to die or grow wild, I believe it’s better to leave a garden when you go.
Daffodils
The daffodils in my garden showed their sun-filled faces yesterday. I’ve been anxiously excited about this moment for weeks. I watched the bulbs as they emerged from the frosty earth. Saw them rise towards the leaden winter skies. Watched, with great anticipation, as their flower buds edged upwards, a little closer to the sun each day. Saw the spathe turn brown and transparent like a finely veined piece of paper as the bulbs swelled with promise, drinking in the sun and rain. For a few days, the yellow petals threatened to burst from their containment, but they were waiting. For a day, for a signal, for the sun. Now, finally, they have unfurled their magnificent crowns and turned them towards the light.
Dreams, Dirt and Personal Growth – Leandri’s Story
We all have dreams about the life we think we’ll lead and the person we hope to become, but sometimes life throws a fantastic curve ball your way and you grow into the person you were always meant to be. This is the story of how a fabulous corporate girl turned into a go-getter, hands-dirty, full-time mom, with an enormous vegetable garden and a big heart.
