“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” Leo Tolstoy, Russian novelist
The view from our kitchen window is different than it has ever been in the 12 years we have lived in this very old house. It’s also different from outside the house, which is located on a busy corner, in a neighborhood that bustles with children and dog walkers and moms who are always in a hurry to get somewhere.

“It’s a new water main,” we keep telling neighbors, who are stunned by the state of our very visible construction zone (and worried that a similarly expensive repair might be coming their way). Just a few days ago, it was a raucous-if-going-dormant cottage garden. Now, instead the meadowy autumn remains of trumpet vine and hogweed and hostas and lilies, there is a long line of raw earth that stretches from the alley through the lawn and around the side of our house.
“Let it settle for at least two weeks,” the contractor said. At the time, we were so dazzled by the return of running water, such a schedule sounded reasonable.
Then came the walkers and their constant questions. And deer sneaking in through a gap in the picket fence to assist with the pruning. And muddy dog footprints all over the kitchen.
We have a bit of a hot mess. And, a hot opportunity.
Just this morning, my husband was admiring photos of a garden designed by a Scandinavian art type. Clean lines. The simplicity of nature with only the lightest touch of a gardener’s hand.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” he asked. I agreed and we shared a look that seemed to confirm something. What the garden will be is not what the garden was.
The garden that was — busy with bees and butterflies and utterly endless pruning — was wonderful for a season. But, that season is over.
So, we will smooth things over as best as we can for now and spend the winter plotting. With garden books and cups of hot coffee and the enthusiasm that can only emerge during a time of dormancy.
Hot opportunity, indeed.
Reblogged this on Blue Dragon Journal and commented:
With a garden, you’re never finished creating…
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That is surely the truth! 🙂
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And, thanks for the re-blog, as well. 🙂
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Bless your hearts, you all are enduring the same challenge, brought on by someone else. So encouraged by your attitude that the present state may be a mess now, but it doesn’t determine what it shall be. You have opens doors for greater opportunity.
The mess or mishaps, presently seen is only temporal. It shall blossom into something beautiful .
Thanks for sharing, truly inspiring.
🤗💜🌸
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🙂 Thank you for reading!! It will be interesting to come up with something new — but I will be glad when we get the mud under control.
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I can only imagine. You are certainly welcome, truly a pleasure, as your post was encouraging. 😇🌸
We endured and overcame a tropical rain and flood inside the house. Plumbing issue some months back.
It developed another level of Patience. 😆😀💜🌸
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Ah, there are so many opportunities to learn patience! 🙂
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Most definitely,😊🌸
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It seems that several bloggers are on the same page this morning. One blog was a writing prompt about a “loss” that tuned into a gain, and another was about giving thanks for what we have instead of focusing on what we don’t have. I’m guessing we’ll all be a little happier. 😉 Enjoy your beautiful new garden.
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I noticed this theme, too. It makes one wonder what God is up to. 🙂
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Very thoughtful words. Best wishes🌹
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🙂 Thanks!
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You are welcome!
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Perspective is everything. I think this describes many days of winter, “With garden books [or what have you] and cups of hot coffee and the enthusiasm that can only emerge during a time of dormancy.” Blessings ♥
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🙂 I’m a nester. Winter might actually be my season! Have a blessed start to the week.
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Oh Nora, what an amazing opportunity. Can’t wait to see your new look.
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Me, too! Lots of straw will have to do for the winter, though.
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What a lovely metaphor of an essay! [smiling]
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🙂 Smiling back!
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Reblogged this on dreamweaver333.
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🙂 Thanks.
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Interesting
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🙂
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