Tuesday, January 5, 2010

PRAY, LOVE, GARDEN

Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert was fascinating. A page turner to the end. Reading was what I imagine watching a slow motion train wreck to look like. 1995 had me Gardening & Praying, fiercely, for 2 dear friends & a mother-in-law with cancer. 1996, all 3 gone. A humbling way to learn to pray for God's will, too.
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Christmas 1999, discovery of COLLEGE BOY's choices. Choices made without my knowledge. Choices draining every dime I ever earned or invested. Almost losing my house/garden.
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Into my garden I went. Already friend it became confidant, nurturer, comedian, storyteller, peacemaker, mirror, shaman, shock absorber, grief counselor, career coach, home & more.
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Oh my, the women I've connected with the past decade because of my garden. Women who have faced a violent husband/boyfriend, the murder of a child, an alcoholic spouse/child, solitude of raising children & more. They too turned to their gardens. What I love most about these friendships? We LAUGH.
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Talk about troubles? Ridiculous. We talk books, food, movies, gardens, design, careers, travel, and silly stuff from shoes to men.
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It's amazing how many find a path from survival to thriving in their garden.
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I travel local/national/international for work but I TRAVEL FARTHEST IN MY GARDEN.
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Eat, Pray, Love gave me awareness of a trinity in my life. PRAY, LOVE, GARDEN.
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Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
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Pic from my front garden. Decided to move Christmas lights to the gate, they look fab, and keep them there all year. Fine, I'm hearing the lyric, "Like my girls a little on the tacky side." too!

8 comments:

Kate said...

thanks for sharing this very personal reflection. Your blog has been immensely helpful to me, from gardening as well as reflective comments, thanks.
Kate

Bob said...

I think your words are very true Tara. Everyone should have a garden. Happy New Year, Bob.

Carolyn said...

Amen to that!
Wishing you all the best in the New Year,
Carolyn

Pam Kersting said...

Now, you are speaking my language. This is something I clearly can relate to and I couldn't agree with you more.

joanie said...

You so eloquently stated what gardening means to so many of us. It is more than the flowers, herbs, or veggies we produce. The very act of gardening brings comfort to something deep inside us. Your blog rocks (or should I say "blooms"?)

Happy gardening in 2010. Joanie

vignette design said...

When I nearly lost my son four months ago, I turned to the garden also. But I found blogging was also a way to distract, connect and share with others. I'm looking forward to spring that's for sure. Already planting in my mind.....

Vava (aka Virginia) said...

There are no coincidences. Perhpas that's why I "found" your blog. A prodigal son is driving me into my garden....love your wisdom & your writing!

Maria Killam said...

That sounds so stunning!! I love that image!
x
Maria