Wrapped In Ivy: flowers

Showing posts with label flowers. Show all posts

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Well, it's still raining. And it's still chilly. It's starting to feel like Seattle around here, not at all typical June weather for Utah. I'm actually rather enjoying it. I'll admit I do miss the sunshine, but I find a window-rattling thunderstorm completely irresistible. And I don't mind not having to water the lawn, either!

Seeing as how this rain doesn't seem to have much intention of letting up any time soon (and I had some free time on my hands) I decided to get some gardening done. I grabbed a jacket, my iPod and my garden gloves and headed out in the rain.

The soil wasn't so much soil at this point as it was mud. It's been quite some time since I had an opportunity to play in the mud. I enjoyed it immensely.

I planted some bright orange and yellow French Marigolds. At least I think they're the French variety. Don't quote me on that. They're Marigolds, anyway.

I can't remember what these are called. But pretty, eh?

I wouldn't say that I have the greenest thumb, or much of an eye for design with plants. But I think our modest little garden looks just a bit brighter.

Poppet thinks so too.

We also have some lilies that are close to blooming. Look at all the buds! I'm fairly eager for these puppies to open up...then we'll really see some color!

It was lovely, and rather therapeutic, to sit out in the rain and work in the dirt while listening to my favorite music. By the time I was finished, I was soaked down to my underwear. I didn't mind one bit.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Return From Wonderland

Wow, where have I been?

Down the proverbial rabbit hole.

March and April were not kind months. We had some pretty big changes, I faced a few new health issues and we received some grim news. Something about all this...be it the events themselves, the combination of so many things happening at once or just a roll of the dice...triggered some major anxiety. I found myself in a constant state of amplified stress and anxiety. This completely snowballed, building on itself and intensifying as the days went on.

The thing about anxiety is that it tends to amplify everything. Even the smallest tasks can seem like a mountain to climb and all logic, like Elvis, has left the building. I had no means within me to make even the simplest decision or to enjoy the things I love most without becoming completely overwhelmed; I hadn't picked up my camera or a spatula in weeks. Furthermore, the smallest changes (like a new haircut, for example) was enough to trigger a full-on panic attack.

The specifics of how this process gets triggered is still a mystery to me and I have yet to discover a solid pattern. But I do know that my predisposition to this disorder is entirely biological. It goes back generations.

But it is what it is. I could feel it coming on and attempted to prepare myself and my husband, but had no inkling as to how intense, or how drawn out, this episode was going to be. It's been physically and emotionally exhausting. I resorted to relying on a combination of Valium and energy drinks to make it through the day. I was listening to a lot of Morrissey.

Ultimately, some events resolved. Conversations were had. Tears were shed and a weight was lifted. And at last I can feel myself coming down off this bastard of an emotional roller coaster.

* * * * *

Today I went out to my garden and picked some Tulips. A little friend came too.

We laid on the grass together, relishing in the sun and the earth, and I heard a little voice say ever so quietly "ah...there you are!".

And I smiled.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Bee 'Tocks

When I woke up this morning and glanced out my window, I noticed this one lonesome flower peeking out of a crack in our back fence. I liked him, so I moseyed out in my underwear to snap a quick photo or two. I'm pretty sure the neighbors weren't up at this early hour. And if they were, I sure hope they weren't looking at the strange girl crouching in her underwear and staring at a hole in the fence.

As I was snapping my shots and feeling the weeds that are our "lawn" tickling my bottom, this little guy came along to partake in some pollen. Good morning, Mr. Bee!