Jul 6, 2009

How Does My Garden Grow? :)

Here are some updated pictures of my garden. I've spent quite a bit of time weeding and pruning and watering. I have so much hope that yummy veggies will be come from my efforts.

So much of my life is like this. I work and work and work, then hope that my efforts will bring
blessings and happiness and eternal progression. The difference between my garden and my life is that I feel like the garden will produce fruit much more quickly than the efforts I put forth in my life. But that is the principle of the Law of Increasing Returns Pres. Eyring spoke of in his talk with the same name. He spoke of holding on evening when our effort seemed to produce no results. I'll continue to hold on, and hope something will materialize sooner rather than later. Until then I'll enjoy seeing my garden grow. :)


Rosemary & (Cilantro) Basil

Garlic

Roma Tomatoes Yellow Tomatoes


Cherry Tomatoes Celebrity Tomatoes

Cantaloupe (flowering!) I also have Waler and Honeydew melons.

Banana Peppers

Bell Peppers (There are four different types.)

Jun 30, 2009

A Rose Has Never Meant So Much


I have a friend who has who has been constant, though distant, presence in my life. First he was my Bishop and helped me become active in the church, he helped me prepare for and leave on my mission, and for years he has simply been a support and someone I could lean on during hard times. I know at times he feels guilty because he can't always take care of me as he would like and he knows I go without life's luxuries, and even most of life's staples. He is a surrogate father in many, many ways.

He was so proud when I finished school and was devastated when he learned his sons out of town basketball trip (he's the coach) conflicted with my ceremony. So he promised to take me to lunch the following week. I was so impressed and very touched at the effort he went to. He made reservations for lunch at the classiest and best rated restaurant in Provo, The Chef's Table. Incredible food and lovely, authentic conversation. But for me one of the sweetest things was he arrived with this great rose. And it wasn't just any rose, not one of those you pick up at Smith's or Walmart. It was in a glass vase in a fancy support box within another box. Another reason I know it was expensive is because it lasted for over two weeks and slowly spread out into a full bloom.

He has always taken a little extra time, on occasions, to make sure I'm cared for. And in my life he is one of only three men who have ever given me flowers - and the last ones he gave were equally incredible, bright yellow with an outline of vibrant, rich red.

It was nice to feel like a priority. Or, to put it honestly, I felt loved.

Thanks Mitch.

(On a side note someone left a rose on my doorstep the last day of my classes with a card of congratulations. I think I know who it was, and that rose has touched me just as much. I still have it. Thanks you, as well! :)

Sundance

I have been watching Rick Steve's Europe, well until the TV went digital. But I have been ACHING to travel for as long as I could remember. Only, I've never managed it. My work schedule has me busy Wed-Sat, but Sun -Tues I'm free. Yesterday that freedom took it's toll. I had an unbearable desire to hop in my car and drive. Of course, I don't have any money and I don't think my car would make it very far. But I'm a logic person (probably part Vulcan), and I rationalized that there was probably somewhere I could go. At first I asked my roomy if she wanted to take the girls (a duo of golden retrievers) for a drive. But they were busy. I didn't want to go solo, so I called Aubrey, who's usually game for an adventure, and we drove to Sundance. It was in full bloom and the most refreshing site. Enjoy the virtual views. :)