Joy isn't the light at the end of the tunnel, it's the light we carry as we walk through it. Forty Fifty
I've been a bit of a creative slump since I got home from my trip. I've dabbled with a few things that I've shared...but feel like most of my outcomes have been a bust. I'm actually feeling a little lost in my studio.
Maybe I shouldn't think of it as a studio slump and more of a pause. I need to take my own advice and focus on what's right in front of me. Spring is such a wonderful time of year...and it deserves my attention right now. The studio will always be there!
The joy/light I carried today:
- I planted a moonbeam coreopsis in a little garden at the corner of our street....actually I split the plant in two pieces so I could spread it out. It's not really my garden...but I mostly take care of it. Moonbeam is one of my favorites and I don't have enough sun in my own gardens. I'll keep you posted how it does.
- I gave my newly purchased annuals some outside time as they gradually get the used to the sun and wind. But they're tucked back in the garage for now during the cold rain.
- I cleaned and filled the hummingbird feeder and birdbath.....I love taking care of the birds. They bring us so much joy.
- I also got to pick this little bouquet from my garden....a familiar combo this time of year: daffodil, hyacinth and barrenwort.
Nancy offered me a split of this plant...but I knew I had it. I looked it up today....it's called barrenwort. And I smiled when I learned it is also known as fairy wings or horny goat weed. How can you not love horny goat weed!
The rest of the day I got to tidy up the condo and do a little food prep for a spontaneous gathering with friends for cards and dinner tonight. Yay!
There's joy in the tunnels....slumps...and pauses....we just have to take the time to recognize it. If any of you read Cherie's comment on yesterday's post.....here is the photo light/joy that goes along with it. One of the first things I noticed in her photo was the shadows.
I'm so glad to see your barrenwort picture. I had a nice group of this at my last house. I will have to look for a few plants to add to my current yard. I too love the shape and also the color.
ReplyDeleteAlso, this has probably been said many time. I enjoy seeing your pictures of spring just getting started and the joy it brings you. We had spring start many weeks ago and it all goes by so fast. My creeping phlox was amazing this year. A beautiful carpet of deep pink.
Thanks Debbie! I've had this plant for many years and never knew what it was. Thanks for celebrating spring all over again with me....it's interesting how the pace is different in other parts of the country. Creeping phlox is a favorite...haven't seen it yet around here. I can visualize your carpet of pink! I'll look for it on my walks.
DeleteHorny Goat Weed made me laugh out loud 🤣. When I return home from a trip of many days I, too, find I’m at loose ends in my quilt studio. No particular reason that I have found, just that it takes a week or sometimes more to get back in the groove.
ReplyDeleteMade me laugh out loud too! Glad to know others can feel at loose ends after a trip too! Thank goodness I have SPRING to distract me!
DeleteOh, I’m sorry you are having to search a little bit for your joy right now. I loved Saturday and Sunday’s stitched cards and want to try some soon. A win in my eyes! And I’m very impressed with your barrenwort. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one in person. I just looked them up and I’ll do some inquiring in my area. I’m working hard to get the out of control backyard (3-4 ft dandelions and 5-6 ft berry vines). I’m having some very invasive trees removed next month and they’ll eventually be replaced by Rhododendrons. I have to get it back to a state that I can manage myself. Keep smiling and checking in the nooks and crannies for the joy. It’s out there ❣️
ReplyDeleteThanks Louise. I just have to pinch myself to remind me that joy is always there....no matter what. Thanks for the thumbs up on my recent cards....hope to get back to that soon. I love my barrenwort....everything about it is appealing. Sounds like you have your work cut out for you in the back yard. Do your dandelions really grow to be 3-4 feet??? Yes....there is joy in the nooks and crannies...even if the backyard is out of control!
DeleteOh YES, MaryAnn. I’m 5’5+ and a couple I could look at eye-to-eye yesterday. I got a new much bigger cordless battery weed wicker yesterday and got to work. It’s heavy but doable with the shoulder strap. It’s making a world of difference. I’m smiling again. BTW, the ones that pop up in the front lawn are the usual 12” but not the back yard. The even faster growing berry vines are the challenge as they are tougher. Lots of hand clipping to finish them off this round. And, I love all your flower pictures❣️ They give me joy and inspiration. Have a happy day.💖
ReplyDeleteWow!!! You have your work cut out for you!
DeleteThis is hilarious if you ask me- " barrenwort. And I smiled when I learned it is also known as fairy wings or horny goat weed". How do those three different interpretations end as a description of the same thing?:):):)
ReplyDeleteKathy
ha ha! Yes....totally agree. But it does give us a good chuckle!
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