Summer Solstice

It's been a while since I've written. Work and school seem to be taking up much of time, so there isn't much for blogging, much less creating sacred spaces these days. However, I did get out and weeded the rock garden today. Plants that went dormant during the winter are coming back and taking over. My hope is that the flowers will outgrow the weeds. My husband built two raised vegetable beds and he fixed one of the flower beds. I think the yard is beginning to be a place of prayer and contemplation and less like a dumping ground. There is still much to be done.

On that note, I would like to wish everyone a happy summer solstice. May we all enjoy the longer days ahead of us and along the way even get some rest and relaxation in.

In Serenity and Joy
Andrea

It Is Spring, Right? Trying to Create a Garden Despite the Elements

The one time I planted my flowers before July, the weather people in the Puget Sound Area is predicting snow/rain mix and thunder showers. I realize I planted too early, but wanted to get a head start in my garden during spring break from school. At least I only planted one small area and a few flower pots that I can bring in if it gets too cold.

Another reason I planted early; I wrote a research paper on creating my own organic garden. As an amateur gardener I found some very useful information, such as integrating certain flowers among the vegetables and berries to attract beneficial insects and repel and confuse unwanted insects. I began small and planted strawberries in a pot and integrated marigolds and allysum among the berries. I also planted geraniums and marigold along side my bare root roses to attract lady bugs in order to eat the aphids. When new information is discovered it is difficult to wait to utilize the new plan. The past two weeks I have been working and planning out what I would like my yard to look like and produce this summer.


Strawberry Planter with Marigolds


Bare Root Roses with Geraniums

I am still planning creating a sacred space in my garden for prayer and meditation. The space is almost cleared of weeds, but the juniper bush still needs to be removed and I am searching for solar fountains and religious symbols to implement amongst the flowers. I also hope to use the outdoor space for Healing and Sophia services, but that will take a while. For now I am working on a little patch at a time hoping the elements will not destroy the work I've put in so far.


The Beginnings of White Lily wed with Red Rose


Marigolds and Allysum



In Serenity and Joy
Andrea

Hope For Spring

This last week in the Northwest we were spoiled with spring like weather. Today I went out to my circular flowerbed to pull out the winter weeds and trim the dried leaves from the butterfly bush. Feeling the warmth of the sun on my back, it was great to begin digging in my garden again.

Last November I bought a St. Francis statue and placed him in my little circular garden. There is a basket for bird seed that the finches and blue jays eat from. This morning a blue jay was perched on St Francis eating out of the basket. Occasionally the bird looked into the face as if he was thanking St. Francis for the food.

February is time to look forward to the coming of spring. The days begin to lengthen and the weather warms up just a bit. There are a few spring like days as a reminder the cold dark winter months are almost behind us.

This spring I will continue work on my prayer and meditation garden. In addition my husband and I are planning an organic vegetable garden in our back yard. We will begin small and slowly build the garden up.

Here is to a hope for the spring to come!

In Serenity and Joy
Andrea

I am Still Here, Just Busy

This blog has been neglected the past two months. I did have a Christmas break, but I spent most of that time resting and spending time with my family. When I have time, I am still working on towards creating Sacred Spaces in my home and in my garden. However, these long dark cold months are spent with both work in my job and in my school.

This afternoon I had a bit of a respite from my normal routine on my to do list. I took a long nap, had one really good cup of coffee (thanks to my new French Coffee Press I received for Christmas) and I have a bit of time to write before I go to school this evening. The snow from last night still clings to the rooftops that face north, but most of the snow on the ground has melted away. The sun is setting behind the fir trees on the west side of the lake creating golden tinge as it slips to the other side of the world. I am reminded that life is circular and not linear.

I hope to set some time to work on this blog this winter season. I am taking a class, "Sustainable Environments" and I am learning quite a bit what it really means to live organically. I intend to share what I've been learning on this blog.

Until then, I wish everyone warmth this winter season.

In Serenity and Joy
Andrea