Reading · Heart Alchemy Memos

Yesterday I spent most of the day outside. Weeding, transplanting, tending and just enjoying the sunshine, mild weather, and hanging with my dogs. Ginger, my golden retriever, is a true forager. She slowly works her way through our little back yard, first eating some grass, then finding the special weeds she likes to nibble. She also loves Dandelion flowers and roots and Rosehips. Ginger often hovers close by as I’m weeding, letting me know she’s not happy about her treasured delicacies being ripped away. I tell her, don’t worry, they’ll grow back fast as can be. Meanwhile, Mocha, the mini-doodle, keeps dropping her ball right next to me, because that after all, is what’s most important; playing catch!

This morning I knew which article I wanted to work on to round out something I started a while ago. But the skies were overcast so it was the perfect morning to get outside and take flower photos; something I love doing each season. I have a ridiculous amount of garden, flower, (and of course dog) photos. But it is fun to look back, especially in the dark and cold of winter, to see not only the beauty of flowers but how my garden and yard has evolved over the 13 years I’ve been fortunate to live here. So many changes each year.

Anyway, my words all dissolved into colors so in the end I thought I’d just share a visual essay today. If you’re like me, you’re feeling quite overloaded with the barrage of news, onslaught of analysis, and endless discussions of what it is, what to do, and what’s ahead. This morning I have at least eight emails of Substack and other articles that I Really Should (and Want To) Read. To keep informed and all that. But luckily I remembered “Overcast: perfect photo morning!” and out in the garden I went to take photos.

So I hope you are outside somewhere; enjoying your garden, getting in a long hike in the mountains or forest, jumping in the ocean at the beach. Look up at the vast sky, inhale the colors and scents of flowers, ocean, fresh air. And here’s a few photos that I hope brighten your day and lift your spirits.