Rotten Fruit

Rotten fruit has been the metaphor for this summer.

Back in the spring the fruit trees in my garden were smothered in blossom.  I was excited at the prospect of all the potential fruit to be gained from those tiny flowers.

In July the trees were heaving in fruit.  I allowed the plums and apples to swell and as they fought for dominance on the branches many fell to the ground elbowed out of position.

Wet days kept me inside and when the sun came out the fruits ripened.  The fruits ripened whilst my eyes were closed.

In hindsight I should have sacrificed a few fruits off the tree when they were small so that the rest of the fruits didn't have to compete for space.  The rot spread quickly through the branches infecting all it touched.  I think I was glutinous in wanting a huge harvest rather than having one that was more manageable.

Today, few fruits remain on the trees.  Windfalls are not usable as they have mildewed.  I have learnt lessons from this experience:

• Be vigilant
• Do not be greedy
• Do not turn your back to what is going on around you
• Be grateful for small mercies
• Situations can change in the blink of an eye 

Today there is going to be a total eclipse of the sun.  This potent energy is a chance for us to get back on track and live our lives with true authenticity.  I hope this eclipse is a turning point for us to respect the World we inhabit and start to treat the planet, all that is within it and the Universe with the utmost respect.  This is not the time for inflated egos or pettiness or being vengeful but a time to re-adjust, reset and reclaim our humanitarian selves.

Reasons to be Cheerful

 

 Looking at the blue sky one could be fooled into thinking that I am holidaying in the Med. 

In fact I am just about a 20 minute drive away from where I live.

Playing mini golf in a lovely setting at Trent Park Country Club was a gentle way to while away an hour or two and a respite from unsettling news.

Wash Out Wednesday

It is pouring with rain.  It is miserable.  It is grey.  It is summer in England!  While neighbours bask in warmer climes abroad I am here at home again without a holiday for 9 years!  I have just spent 2 weeks trying to get the house in order, deep cleaning and getting rid of  'stuff'.  I was hoping that I could spend the latter part of August having days out at the beach or countryside but if today is an insight of things to come that is unlikely.

Every year I dread the summer.  There are no picnics or fun days out.  Everyone else seems to be away and having a wonderful time - yet I know that is not a true picture and just one that the advertising agencies would have us to believe.

I will make the most of the day.  Home made American pancakes for a mid morning snack, a run up to the local shop once the rain subsides, a movie to watch later and three bags full of odd socks to match or throw!  Life is what you make it isn't it?

Hanging Teddy Out to Dry

I've been having a massive cleaning, tidying and reorganising purge in the house.  I really want to get the place in order before I return to work in September and before my son goes off to University (sob!)

He gave me his old toy bear to wash.  I hung it out on the washing line pegged by its ears but was perturbed to see it there, hanging unsupported.  I quickly took my dressing gown belt and fashioned a little swing seat for old bear.  He looks much happier now!

The Owl and the Pussy Cat

Owls and pussy cats make the sweetest tags!  Do you prefer the owl or the pussy cat?

Thank you to everyone who left a comment on my 1000th post!  It was lovely to know that some of my 'old' readers are still reading!  I allocated each name on the comments list a number from 1 to 12 (not including those who are already receiving a little paper crafted 'something' and used a random number generator.  The lucky number was seven which was Lisa's number!  Congratulations Lisa.  I will email you.  Rosie, Judy and Julia I will put something in the post to you next week.

Wishing you all a lovely week ahead.

One Thousand Blog Posts

This is it.  The 1000th post at Linden Grove blog.  Many of you have stayed with me throughout the journey including Rosie, Julia and Judy who all left comments back in August 2008 and whom still regularly comment today!  Rosie left the first comment on 8th August, Judy on the 12th and Julia on the 19th!  Thank you all so much for your loyalty and supportive comments over the years and for your friendship.  I will be sending Rosie, Judy and Julia a little paper crafted something by way of a thank you.

I never imagined that blogging would open so many doors for me.  Doors and windows into the lives of people, that without blogging - I would never come to know. Some days I enter the world of crochet bunny maker extraordinaire,Vivienne, at home in Ireland and see her latest creations with their hand sewn dresses and crochet cardigans, all matching so beautifully.  Other times I am sitting on the porch at a ridge meadow farm in Wisconsin as the night draws in, watching the sunset with Sharon as the chickens bed down for the night.  I am happy to witness life's celebrations in Vermont as Karen talks passionately about her little piece of earth.  Back at Wisconsin, Sharon's daughter Anne is a self taught artist and creator who has made a huge impression on me.  She is kind and intelligent and mastered the art of water colour painting with persistence, hard work and a love for the medium. I sit in her art studio with the cats and watch how she transforms a piece of paper into a botanical observation with meticulous strokes of a brush.  All of these people share a passion for nature, humanity and beauty as do many of my blog readers and commenters.

Of course I am not really in the presence of the great people depicted above.  It is all metaphorical.  They write with such diligence and conviction that I really feel as though I am by their side.

Thank you to all my friends old and new who comment, email and snail mail me.  You have all added an extra dimension to my life and enriched it more than I could ever hope.

If you would like to receive a little paper crafted something from me to celebrate my 1000th blog post then please leave a comment below to be put into the draw.

From the bottom of my heart - I thank you all  💗

The Finished Cards and Tags

This is my penultimate post before the BIG ONE!!!