Taking Stock at Years End

 

 

 

Just as the garden sleeps and dreams of Spring under its blanket of snow I too dream of the coming year and take stock of the choices I have made in the one that is coming to a close. I always seem to get contemplative this time of the year, the last week of December just after Christmas and before New Years. Likening Life to gardening it's the time you think about what you planted and all the work you put in. What did it yield? Would I plant it again? Should I try something new? Should I stick with the "tried and true" or experiment? As with all things moderation is the key...a mix of old and new keeps me learning and growing. One thing I know is that it's the experience, the work itself along the way not just the "harvest". Whatever it is it that I plant it needs to bring me understanding and most importantly, joy.

 

Life, a garden really, is a continuous cycle of work and dedication. You have to be passionate about all the stages; preparing your growing ground and starting your seedlings; are you starting off  in the best environment?  Thinning out your life so it's not so full that you are trying to keep up all the time. You don't want to suffocate yourself before you get started. You need to be able to fertilize and nurture your ideas, cultivate them so that they have healthy, constant care. You can't just drop the seed in the ground and expect it to take care of itself from that point on.  And, yes, there are unforeseen events that happen, no fault of your own, that may devastate your plans. Too much, too little, negativity, pests of all sizes, can under mine "the best laid plans". You can sob into your lettuces, wrap your hoe around a tree, or cement over your garden entirely in frustration. Better yet you can shrug it off (like the French do), sit back in the dirt and raise your face to the sun and then get up and dust yourself off and make plans for the next garden. Everything in life is cyclical. Some years are just better than others. If nothing bad ever happened we wouldn't appreciate the good as much. You just keep trying.

 

My plans this year are to cultivate more JOY into my life, more fulfillment. I want to feel as if I am contributing to the lives of others in a good way, a compassionate way. The past year was one of much grief, loss and pain. With each passing day a little more light shines in. I've adapted, changed...I'm not the same person I was a year ago. Sometimes it has felt like I've been a seed that was too deeply planted and I kept pushing and pushing upward through layers and layers with no light in sight. I' m determined though to keep searching for "it", that something that will nurture and comfort my soul, bring me Peace. Perhaps this past year has been more about roots. I thought in the beginning that it was about a physical place to put them down but in reality it's much deeper than that. It's really more about my Spiritual roots, my true foundation. It's an inner strength of trust within my Self that stands calm and steadfast when the winds of change threaten. I bend and move because I am more flexible, more accepting. If I become rigid I'll risk snapping and breaking. Walking, journaling, and meditation has helped me focus.  

 

I'm also grateful and thankful for everything and everyone in my life.

 

"Help us to be the always hopeful

gardeners of the spirit

who know that without darkness

nothing comes to birth

as without light

  nothing flowers."

 

             - May Sarton

 

 

" I am, Harold" - A story of Synchronicity

Book by Harold Igo.

 

Do you ever wonder why things happen the way that they do? I'm speaking of those little synchronistic events that happen occasionally that just make you go hmmm... this is just such a story.

Some years ago I found a packet of 13 letters amongst my Grandmothers papers all tied together with green string, not red ribbon as so many love letters are wrapped in and they were tucked into an old leather suitcase. They were postmarked from 1924 and were all signed by a gentleman named Harold Igo. Every letter closed in the same manner; "I am, Harold". It caught my eye. I almost hesitate to even call them love letters as they are in a way... but at the same time not. An intriguing peek into another time. My Grandmother, Signe Widestrand, was new in the United States having emigrated from Sweden by herself. The letters are an insight into the personality of this man and the spirit of exploration and adventure that this time period so embraced.  I'm actually rather surprised that they didn't get together in the end.
  
    "If I may say that I love you, Signe, you may regard it as an extravaganza and I am sensible
 enough to know that time alone will tell whether we are meant for each other. But in the meantime
can't you regard me as your lover pro tem, your Lochinvar-in-waiting? It would be pleasant to think of me in that way." 

When Grandmother first came to this country she was a governess to a wealthy family in Youngstown, Ohio. I know that Harold was a journalist for a local newspaper there.  I was surprised to learn that she had moved to Pittsburgh, PA as of this letter. He says he misses her and will only be able to see her once a week as the newspaper published 3 editions a day and a Sunday paper. He speaks of his dream " to marry a real woman who can be a real companion as well as a mother to his children and have a little home of his own that shall be a little art center in an aesthetic wilderness."
He speaks of good books, paintings and music. He wants to write a book so that he can be financially independent so that he could travel to the four corners of the world "in search of the story that has never been in print. Can you help me share this vision? Is it too much to ask?" He was drawn to her spirit, "A girl who can come clear across the world hungering for a more abundant life is a girl after my own heart."

So you may ask what is synchronistic about this story so far? Well, I recently moved to Ohio in a rather round-about-way, never even considered it really. As this blog attests I love to explore and one day I decided to "google" Youngstown to see where it was located. I remembered the letters and thought of Harold. Imagine my surprise when I searched his name and it came up as the author of a series of Ghost stories that had been published by the Yellow Springs News originally in 1943 and then compiled by the Historical society into a book. The  town  I had been to recently and it's not too far away. So the next time I was in Yellow Springs I stopped at two local bookstores and no one had heard of the book. So undeterred I stopped at the local library and they had a copy in their reference section! It was now out of print. I copied the introduction and discovered another chapter of his life and a picture. He had lived in Yellow Springs for a few years offering informal acting classes. He was married by this time to a woman named Sarah. He wrote a trilogy of plays called Ohio Doom concerned with the industrial revolution and traveled and wrote in South America. In 1949 they moved to Florida where he was a director of a theater group for many years.  I found he passed away in 1974. My Grandmother lived to be 93 years old and I never remember her speaking of Harold or of his letters but on her deathbed she called out "Igo."

So why should I find Harold now? Perhaps his ghost called out to me to "look him up". The details help me to piece together my Grandmothers life. She was always rather close mouthed about it. She was an independent, artistic and educated woman ahead of her time. Coming to a new country, the eldest of 10 children and the only one that came to the United States. She traveled the world by herself in dangerous times, spoke 7 languages, wing walked on bi-planes, shot rattlesnakes from horseback and loved art and books and music. She met and married my Grandfather, another Swede, in New York City in 1926. They were from towns 30 miles apart in Sweden.

Interesting the paths our lives take; where we end up living, what we end up doing, and who we meet along the way. A new friend here surprised me with a copy of Harold's book for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. She took note of my quest and ordered the one copy she found online. Thank you to her and I can't help but say thank you to Harold. Perhaps he helped in getting me a copy of his book. I'm just glad my path has enabled me to meet Harold in a synchronistic way at last.

Happy to make your acquaintance Harold.
I am,
Noel

Krohn Conservatory- A Bloom in the Garden of Eden

Waterfall in the Krohn Conservatory.

 For my birthday I was surprised with a day trip to Cincinnati and in particular a visit to the Krohn Conservatory. Having been a florist for 30+ years I love all things plant and flower related and the Krohn was truly a delightful place to spend some time.

Greenhouses were on the grounds of Eden park since the 1880's but the current glass and aluminum Art Deco style buildings and greenhouses were built in the early 1930's. Opening day was March 26, 1933 and it was named for Irwin Krohn in recognition of 25 years of service on the Board of Park Commissioners.




Krohn Conservatory from Eden Park.

A winding path pulls you through a rain forest of palm trees, vines, anthurium, croton, banana and papaya trees, Banyan, Dracaena, all manner of exotic plants and flowers. It is a haven of peace and tranquility. A mermaid sculpture peaking through foliage, interesting textures of bark and leaves and the sound of water splashing all lends to a Zen-like experience.

 

 

 

 

Vines hanging from ceiling of greenhouse.

The greenhouses have water features with Koi fish, fountains and a beautiful waterfall.

Another greenhouse houses a lovely display of desert plants and landscape with bright sculpture and cactus, succulents highlighted.

I loved this vertical biophilic garden design piece. It is inspiring. Also there was this rather Asian inspired mobile art piece hanging from the ceiling in the desert  house. It is made entirely of recycled tea bags!

 

Tea bag mobile.


Then we moved on to the Orchid room. They had a lovely collection of  Phalaenopsis, Oncidium and Cattleya orchids along with an impressive collection of Pitcher plants.

 

 

 Unfortunately some of the areas were closed the day we went due to the installation of their annual holiday extravaganza. It looks like a glorious event to see in of itself though.

 After spending an enjoyable time amidst the flora and fauna we climbed higher into Eden Park. Literally named after the Garden of Eden by Nicholas Longworth who owned the property in the mid 1800's the park today spans 186 acres. We had to drive up to the intriguing tower at the top of the hill. An impressive brick building that turned out to be the Romanesque Revival Elsinore Waterworks Tower. A fancy water tower built in 1883 that was inspired by a local production of Hamlet!

Elsinore Tower. Eden Park.
 

Frankly we just ran out of time but the park is one that has a lot to see in its own right and perhaps a return trip in the Spring will be the best for further exploration.

Autumn Walk

Beginning of Ghost Hedge Nature Trail.

This past Sunday was a beautiful Autumn day and the perfect day to explore Sycamore State Park in Trotwood, Ohio. The Fall colors were glowing and the weather couldn't have been more perfect for a walk in the woods. Sycamore Park has over 2,384 acres located in the Wolfe Creek Valley. The trail follows along Wolfe Creek which widens and narrows as you go. Some kind of shaky, railing less bridges here and there.

 

 

 

 

Beautiful old oak trees, maple, ash, Sycamore and many more varieties line the path. The woods were full of birds and busy squirrels. The trails are well marked for hikers, horseback riding and even cross country skiing in the winter. Benches are placed here and there along the trail too. Some on hillsides that probably at one time were overlooks but are overgrown now.

 

 

 

A rock walk across Wolfe Creek.

 

Osage Orange Tree fruit were all over the forest floor. Once in a while you can hear them hit the ground or water and they make quite a thump. Heads up! They would probably knock you out if you got hit in the head with one. Quite heavy and about the size of a softball, 6" diameter fruits. The trees were planted as windbreaks in Prairie states. The trees have thorns and were used as cattle deterring hedges. The tree is also known as hedge apple. Pioneers also used them as insect repellent. They have a citrus-like smell. The fruit have edible seeds that squirrels and deer love. Native Americans used the wood for war clubs and making bows, it is strong and flexible.

 

 

 

Another View of Wolfe Creek.

 

All in all a great park and a great afternoon. This park will be one we return to over and over again.

 

Glorious Trees

 

 

I love trees. From climbing them as a kid to photographing them now. I am always drawn to paintings of trees, arrangements of branches or things made of bark. I have favorite trees all over the country that I go back to and visit. A Grand old Momma Pine tree on the banks of Pine Creek in the Eastern Sierra mountains of California. I still have bits of her bark that I have saved. There is a beautiful Old Oak tree on the grounds of the Alamo in San Antonio, TX with the branches low hanging and supported with posts. It is a cool place under the hot summer sun. When my brother and I were kids we used to play amongst the hanging branches of old Willow trees. It was magical and beautiful when the wind blew them about.

 

 Oak, Bur Quercus macrocarpa.

 

 

 

I found these two old beauties in the Wood walk at Wegerzyn Park here in Dayton. They are Burr (Bur) Oaks. I have found the name spelled both ways. They have large, fringed acorns. The tree is also referred to as Mossy Cup oak because of the acorn. The acorns provide food for squirrels, White Tail deer, Wood Ducks, wild turkeys, mice and a variety of other rodents.  The trees grow to between 70-80' high and can have an 80' branch spread. The leaves are large sometimes up to 12" in width. They have a very long life span of 200-300 years.

 

 

These lovely old trees are appreciated and celebrated on the Woods Walk here in the park. If trees could talk what would they say about all that they have seen? They adapt to changes, weather storms, provide food and shelter for animals. Wonderful trees... Have you hugged a tree today?

A New Fall Wardrobe

What is Fall without Mums? Glorious color in a large urn.

  

Fall at Wegerzyn Garden. We spent a couple of hours yesterday walking and enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. The park is changing over into Autumn. It's like putting away the summer clothes and trying on the new Fall fashions. Layers of color and textures. These are just some of the new and exciting looks for Fall.

 

A Mum runway. Love this color!
 

                                Trees are getting into the Fall mood too. Berry accessories.

                     Ornamental Kale's planted in the rock wall. Love the textures and color.
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Begonias in all of their glory.

      Large pots of begonias are everywhere throughout the gardens. Beautiful and lush.

Spectacular!

 

 

 

The Woods Walk. So inviting and the path beckons.
 

       We took the forest walk through the trees. It was cool and the path littered with leaves.

 

 

    As always they do a lovely show at the Gardens. Thank you to the many hands that are involved!
                                                        Always inspiring and creative.

Be Curious... Explore!

Wright Brother sculpture downtown Dayton, Ohio.

It always amazes me just how many people never explore their own environment. A person who has lived in the same town for 40 plus years for example who has never visited a local museum, a city park, a new art gallery, a local Farmer's market. Being new to Dayton I have been exploring my new city. I meet people and inevitably they ask where I am visiting from?  I say, I just moved here from California. They exclaim in surprise and always say the same thing...WHY?  Ohio? They say it like I'm crazy and like California is a Utopia. I guess it's the same story every where; the grass is always greener somewhere else but hey Ohioans don't sell your state short! Get out there and just look at what you have. Be thankful. Be curious! And this isn't just for Ohioans but for everyone, wherever you are, get out and broaden your horizons.

Every place has a unique vibe, a different look, climate, terrain, art, vegetation, food, character, architecture, history and way of doing things. You get the idea. Every place is always in a state of change that's just the nature of life. "I haven't been there since I was a kid on a school trip." Why not?  Guaranteed it has changed since then. Why not rediscover it now?

I love, love, love the Five Rivers Metro Park system here in Dayton. Each one of the parks is different. Wegerzyn gardens I go to almost on a weekly basis. The gardens are in a constant state of change. Something new is blooming, and something else has died down or the displays have been changed. The light changes as the day progresses. In early morning it is soft and the gardens have a hush over them. The plants are wet with dew, a bird is splashing in a puddle. I have sat on a bench and just listened to the garden waking up. It is a form of meditation. I feel rested and rejuvenated afterward. Midday the garden is bright and hot in the sun, volunteers weed beds, someone is mowing the lawn area. In the evening the light throws shadows as the sun goes down. A different feel again. The garden prepares for sleep. Just as a garden changes by day the seasonal changes deserve a return visit. Spring to summer to Fall to Winter. The first shoots of new flowers just poking their heads above soil; full blooms in summer showcasing drifts of colorful blossoms, the air heavy with fragrance; Fall colors in all their glory, grasses, trees and shrubs in reds, yellow and orange; Winter- a garden under snow is lovely in its own right. Bare stems lightly frosted in ice, footprints of animals and birds in fresh snow, the bright color of red berries against white. You get the idea.

Maybe because I have lived so many places in my life I am just naturally curious and interested in learning more. If I see an interesting building I want to know its history. If I see a plant that I don't know I look it up and the same is true for birds, trees, animals, and rocks. My point being that once you allow your curiosity to take hold it will lead you to more interests and experiences.

Say Yes to life. Say yes to new experiences. I was invited once to a co-workers home for a family get together that involved cooking. I was a little intimidated as he came from a very large family. It was right before the Christmas holidays. I said Yes and what an experience I had. Table after table put together with members spanning 4 generations around the tables making tamales. The men had started cooking the fillings three days ahead, piles of masa and corn husks were on the tables and I learned how to spread the masa and fill them. It was a huge assembly line. A family tradition that went on year after year and I was honored to be included. I remember it all these years later with love even though Grandmother, who spoke no English said "No, no" every time she saw my corn husk. I wasn't  spreading the masa correctly, but it was OK, I learned and I had a wonderful time and a lifelong memory of tradition.

In Julia Cameron's "Artist's Way" series she encourages something she calls "Artist's Dates." The date is taken by yourself and can be anywhere that you find inspiring; a bookstore, an art gallery, museum, a garden, a walk on the beach, etc.. You go by yourself because you want to be your Self. Play, have fun, be inspired and act the way you want without being inhibited and at your own pace. Try it, it will work wonders.

There are plenty of sources for finding out what is going on in your town; the Internet on event sites or local news stations, radio, local newspapers or just look out for banners and signs announcing upcoming festivals, concerts and events. One will usually lead you to another. Local churches and groups are always having festivals, dinners and concerts. Network.

Regional food is a whole other story and you can only learn by going out and trying new things but I have to comment on one particular travesty that I have discovered here in Ohio here and now. Big Boy hamburgers. I'm from California where the original was made in all it's glory with it's original delicious special sauce and Ohio... tarter sauce is just NOT right. YUCK! How and where did it get lost in translation? Go to California, Burbank, and try the original...Please. Enough said.

I guess the reason I started "Blooming Where You Are Planted" was  because I believe that we are ever changing too and in order to be the best we can be we need to look for our life everywhere we go. If a living thing stagnates it dies. You have to give your Spirit nourishment to live fully and deeply. Be inspired. Explore. Grow. Bloom!

Lilac Tree. Cox Arboretum.