Quote of the Day: “…a talent is something given, that opens like a flower, but without exceptional energy, discipline, and persistence will never bear fruit.” – Mary Sarton, Belgian-born American writer
From my Mom’s flower garden.
Her spring flowers were gorgeous this year.
When I discovered Orioles in my yard, I set out oranges and readied my camera, but it was the grape jelly that brought them to my porch railing. Birds have amazing brightness of color. I’m a bird watcher, but not a true “Birder.” I don’t know all my varieties, I just like looking at them. I heard an ad on the radio about a yard service that makes your yard bird friendly with the right plants, feeders, etc. I’m tempted to have them come here.
The Oriole likes grape jelly!
School’s out for summer, and I’m prepping myself to share my space. With my own four sons and various friends and neighborhood boys running in and out, I find myself craving quiet time and creative space. I need to claim it. Make some dates with myself at coffee shops. Shut the door and tell them to find their own food. I can do it, but it takes more discipline. It’s good for them to see me taking time to do what I love, creating, writing, making music, nurturing my own friendships.
And, they’re not little kids anymore (sigh). They’re getting more independent. My oldest son is a senior, now, and starting his first job – lifeguard at the Y. Yay for him! The three younger ones will go to scout camp for a whole week without me this August. What adventures await them?
What adventures are waiting for me?
Don’t lose yourself in caring for others. Find what you love and nurture it, too. Then, you won’t feel so empty when the chicks start to leave the nest.
This was the fastest school year, yet. How fast will next year fly with a senior in the house? Too fast. I can already hear the clock gears speeding up.
Tess Hilmo, a blog friend, is challenging us to write how “Life is Good.” She’s also giving away prizes and promoting her first book, With a Name Like Love. I was a winner last week, among my treats are See’s candies and her book as soon as it’s released, Sept. 27. Thanks, Tess. Go check out her book and great prizes, and tell her how “Life is Good” in your world.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: When you claim time and space for yourself, where do you go and what do you do?
I like watching birds, too, Mary. They are magnificent creatures. I have some good friends who are birders and can name every bird they see. Me, I’m lucky if I remember my own name. Enjoy your summer.
Karen
Mary, my mom-in-law sent a photo of a vibrant, turquoise bird who happened into her yard the other day. It was gorgeous! And your little yellow birdie, so beautiful! This morning, I was awaken by the singing of birds. It is so lovely and so much different than in the city. They are thriving here. I’ve watched them hopping around the fields out here, and at the very end of Mass this morning, a flock of geese came noisily in for a landing. When I emerged from the chapel they were out there checking out their new stopping point. Nature is amazing and I crave it. It is so green this year — one of the blessings of an otherwise concerning spring with the flooding and such. But right now, life where I’m at at the monastery is flourishing, and feeding my soul. Thanks for inspiring me in turn, dear friend. I’m thinking of you as you search for that creative space you desperately need and deserve.
I’ve been seeing an Oriole here in CT for the first time, I never remember seeing them here before. You certainly can’t miss that splash of bright color!
It’s so important to nurture what we love, too. I think it makes us richer for it, and what we have to give in turn is more rewarding. Sounds like you have a fun summer shaping up!
Good for you for having a plan to claim your own time! That way everyone is happy.
I can’t name many birds but enjoy sitting and watching any and all. Last year I hung a humming bird feeder on the deck. A few days later, I was sitting on the deck when this little hummer flew to the feeder, backed off, then flew almost to my face and started ‘squeaking’ – couldn’t believe it – yep, the feeder was empty. Birds are cool!
Grape jelly – who knew?
I think time speeds up as we grow older.
I have a desk in my room and the kids know that when I’m writing I need some patches of ‘don’t speak to me’ time. You are right – you do need to claim it, it’s the only way to let your family know you’re serious about this. Family love us and want us to be happy, so it’s only fair to let them know what makes us happy.
Wonderful post 🙂
Wagging Tales – Blog for Writers
This is the time in my life when my life is quiet. When I was a homemaker, I felt tense for a few days when my kids were out of school, thinking I would never hear quiet again. But, when they went back to school I mourned. 🙂 Go figure.
T
What a paramount idea to plant to attract birds. I’m in the process of replanting my whole flower garden. I recently moved back into this house and all the flowers had died during my absence. I think I’ll look that up too. Thanks for the tip.
Have a lovely summer with your boys and find your writing space.
Manzanita@Wannabuyaduck
I feel very happy for you–the birds as well as the time and space to enjoy them. It seems to me you are already savoring this time. Very, very happy for you.
Peace and continued good things for you,
Diane
Hi Mary,
Even though you wrote this blog post last week, it was as if you wrote it for me today. My hubby and I just got home from grocery shopping a few minutes ago. He asked me if someothing was wrong, as I was unusually quiet–as gently as I could, I told him I missed my writting/blogging time. Our lives have been in “chaos” mode ever since I’ve been back from my conference. Thanks for the reminder to choose time for myself!
Ps. I love Orioles, but we don’t have enough trees to attract them to our area–maybe some day!