I've moved...

I've picked up this little blog and moved to Wordpress. I like it better there- come and see me:

http://clutterlibrarian.wordpress.com/

Garden as Sacred Space

For me- and many- the garden is a sacred place- a place for meditation and ritual. A church, if you like. I know no better way to connect to the Divine that to work in my garden- or just walk in the garden- opening my senses and connecting with all that it around me.

When I am planning a garden space- and I am planning a new area with terrace beds and a sitting area by the barn- I like to think about a few important things:
*How will the space be used? Alone or with people? In the daytime or the evening?
*How much sun does the space get a day?
*What are the energies of the area? Spend time there and listen with both your ears and your heart.
*What do you want from the plants? Fragrance? Flowers? Shade?

It's raining and cool here today, so after a cup of coffee, I'm going out to cut down a few trees. Not something I usually do, but I have decided that a few trees need to go so that the veggie garden gets some much needed sun.

Full summer fun

And, so summer spills over us like water rushing over a waterfall. No slowing it down, so we'll just enjoy the ride! The last several weeks have been full and fun. It's wonderful ( and a bit stressful) to have guests visit- but the panic does produce some of the best cleaning of the year.

I don't have any pictures, but the barn has a new foundation!!!! Now, new-to-us windows are being installed and hubby found some metal lockers to use as storage. A mountain of broken concrete foundation has been used to make terraced garden beds and a sitting area. It's all still in the rough stage, but I can see how it is coming together- very exciting. I am enjoying thinking about this new garden space- dreaming about what we will plant there. Hubby wants some climbing things- roses and wisteria - who knew he was such a romantic?!

Beach trips: it's been a cool summer, but the girls and I get in as many as we can. To step into the Church of the Crashing Waves and breath in the sea air fills me with such energy!

Drawing a picture of Mama:

Sea Star snuggle at low tide:

The Church of the Crashing Waves at very low tide:

We continue to enjoy the bounty brought to us by our CSA Growing Wild Farm. We have been enjoying delicious green beans, young onions, fantastic beats and more. I love beats with blue cheese! I also made a yummy potato and green bean salad a la Julia. I've got to say that I am craving a tomato- a real tomato! Ahhh, tomato and cucumber sandwich......Some day....

The girls and I were greatly amused by this carrot:

Bounty and chaos in the kitchen:

I continue my endeavor to become the Queen of Tarts. It's yummy work. Here are two recent tarts:



Recently a friend recommended Julia Child's book My Life in France. I really enjoyed the book- what a wonderful life she and her husband had! I admired the dedication and work that Julia put into Mastering the Art of French Cooking that I had to buy it. I was pretty intimidated at first, but after making a couple recipes (pastry custard in particular) I have a feeling that this book will become a good friend like it has for some many other people. Cheers, Julia!

And, finally, a poppy for you! Joyous Lammas! Gather ye rosebuds will ye may!