Monday, January 21, 2013

Easing back in

I've been away from my blog so long that I feel like a stranger.  And the truth is that I've been away from my garden far too long as well.  The absolutely necessary chores have been attended to.  The birds are fed, the mulch and compost have been spread, the irises transplanted. The summer weeds were pulled (though the winter ones are now taking over).  But my emotional energy was spent in other places this last year.  Not only did I fail to write about the garden, I took fewer pictures.  It feels as though I missed both summer and fall.  My heart was elsewhere.
Blogging is like so many other things - the longer you neglect it, the harder it is to remember why you were doing it in the first place.
But I DO remember - I remember that all I wanted from this blog was a convenient way to keep a garden diary.  And I remember that it became so much more than that - it became a link to a supportive network from all over the world, thanks largely to Blotanical.  A link to inspiration, information, entertainment, encouragement and so much more.  That network is still out there, of course, but I've removed myself from it.  When I don't post, I don't read much either.  I've missed it.
So - I'm easing back in.  This week I carried my camera with me when I took Marty for his morning walk.
Around this corner


there are great mounds of forsythia that have already begun to bloom.



And just next door this early blooming tree (an Eastern redbud?)  
has already shed many of it's fragrant blossoms.


The early morning light brightens my spirits after several gray and dreary days.


As do the crocuses and the hyacinths 
peaking up from beneath the leaves.



It is still winter, but my spirits are lifted thinking about what's to come.

"Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle ... a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream."
- Barbara Winkler

11 comments:

Jen said...

Welcome back to blogger. I started posting again just recently for the same reason as you after a long neglect. Its really handy to have this garden journal and to mark when blooms come back, successes and failures, etc. I hope you stick with it again, I love reading what's going on in my "neighbors" gardens.

Beth at PlantPostings said...

I missed you, but of course your heart was telling you you needed a break. Hugs, Ginny. I hope your garden and nature walks will provide some solace. ~Beth

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Welcome back.

Lovely photos.

Have a wonderful week ~ FlowerLady

Donna said...

Ginny I have missed you and your light...I hope the break has helped and that more time with your garden and blogger friends brings you peace!! Welcome back my friend...

Indie said...

What a lovely tree - I can't believe they are blooming already!
I hope spring will bring some renewal into your life after your time of winter.

Curbstone Valley Farm said...

Welcome back, Ginny. There's a lot to be said for the renewal of spring, even if it is still winter. Where you are, spring looks like it's anxious to get started!

Cat said...

Welcome back sweet friend. Glad you found some comfort and peace along the way of your walk. Look forward to seeing you around more :)

Cat

Carolyn ♥ said...

So nice to read your words again, Ginny. To think that Spring is "springing" in your gardens gives me hope that all this snow in mine may actually melt someday. I read of your brother's passing... I'm so sorry. I know how hard it is to lose someone so dear. There is an ache that lingers and a heavy heart that just takes time to begin to heal. I have a deep belief that families are forever... we will be with our loved ones again. I know this to be true. Hold on to that thought dear Ginny. Sending you far away hugs...

Tootsie said...

I am Tootsie..(Glenda) and I am your newest follower...and very happy to say so! I would like to invite you to link into my weekly gardening party that starts Thursdday evening and goes until Sunday night every week...it is a flaunting of all things growing, or beautiful in the garden...and your blog fits perfectly!
I hope you will check it out...hugs from in the bitter Cold weekend in Alberta Canada!
(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.
www.tootsietime.com

Wally said...

Good to see you back. "Emotional energy" is a good expression. Mine has been elsewhere too though for far more minor reasons. I hope this year brings you happier times.

Karen said...

Ginny, my heart goes out to you on the loss of your brother. I know how you feel; it does get better with time, and the love remains until we are reunited.

The photos you shared are so uplifting, Spring is not far away. So glad you are back!