Some fragmented thoughts on trash, community, invisible labor, bean beetles, the beautiful futility of gardening—and a blessing for those walking through valleys
Thank you for sharing that beautiful blessing. Hopefully we're all on a trail leading away from the funk too many of us seem to be in. Peace and love to you.
Wallow. It IS a lovely word. Symmetrical. Starts and ends with a W, two Ls in the middle, and a vowel separating each of them. Somehow when I hear the word, I think of a (clean) cherished pet laying on its back and swirling back and forth in the dust in utter pleasure. Wallowing is an occasional necessity. Occasional. And thank you for the reminder of that lovely word. I usually use pity party and somehow it doesn't evoke the same intensity. Valleys are the worst. I am working hard to stay in the moment right now. Each day is a new start for this. Sometimes, each segment of the day is a new start at this. But I'm still attempting.
Beetles. . .destructive little critters. Ugh. I have no idea how many I pulled off my marigolds, roses, and basil, dropping them into a container of soapy water and putting a lid on it to bake in the sun. Sounds mean, I know, but there's nowhere to squash them in the soft, rain-soaked soil of mid-Michigan. And why does this specific type love the plants that smell the strongest, those that every other critter seems to leave alone?!
So, back to chanting my mantra, "It is just how it is."
Thank you for the lovely blessing. I'm copying it for a friend and sending it to her, attributing it to you, of course. May you also find peace in the holy unknowing and feel loved through it all.
My husband has received a difficult medical diagnosis, which leads to me retiring early. I am feeling the sadness of the medical journey ahead, growing older alone, and losing my meaningful career and financial security all in one. Definitely walking through the valley, but not alone. Thank you for the grace and peace, and lovely blessing.
Jeff, thank you for that blessing. It’s a much needed one. I think many of us are experiencing that kind of malaise or funk you describe. There’s so much to feel deep sorrow about. I know I’ve been experiencing it. May you, may we all find moments of joy in the midst of it—the butterfly that crosses our path, a familiar song, the hug of a loved one.
Hi Wilma. It seems like you subscribed twice—once in 2020 and again in 2022. And while I appreciate the enthusiasm, I get that this is probably not what was intended. So I canceled and refunded the monthly subscription and kept the annual one. Thanks!
Thank you Jeff. Reading all the other comments, you can see that you are not alone in the valley and Team Wallow expands by the addition of one more, me. The solidarity brings comfort and the blessing a gentle lift of my spirits. In the quiet of dawn, I can sense the prayers of each of us for the collective and I feel a little less alone. Thank you for reminding us to see all those who make our lives function and flourish and that the gardens of our lives will always be unfinished rather than broken (using Amanda Gorman’s line). God bless us all whether we are in the valley, the mountain top and everywhere in between. Xx
What a beautiful blessing for us today even if you are in your wallow. Yes, it is such a beautiful word and your humor makes me
Chuckle. Write when you can and thanks for sharing your imperfect garden. Those are the kind most of us have and yes I think it’s worth it.
I would love to share the blessing in a small group setting. Are you the author of those deep words? If not, to whom should I attribute them?
Hi Julie! Unless otherwise attributed, everything I include in my newsletter is my own. Thanks so much.
What a heartfelt blessing, thank you.
Your loss of sweet Fozzie still resonates I’m sure…take care of your ❤️
Thank you for sharing that beautiful blessing. Hopefully we're all on a trail leading away from the funk too many of us seem to be in. Peace and love to you.
Thank you from one in the valley who needed this blessing.
Blessed by this.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. They are always such a blessing.
Deep thanks for speaking into my wallowing. I will be reading this over and over when I’m out of whack. You’ve supplied a bit of grace, and peace.
Wallow. It IS a lovely word. Symmetrical. Starts and ends with a W, two Ls in the middle, and a vowel separating each of them. Somehow when I hear the word, I think of a (clean) cherished pet laying on its back and swirling back and forth in the dust in utter pleasure. Wallowing is an occasional necessity. Occasional. And thank you for the reminder of that lovely word. I usually use pity party and somehow it doesn't evoke the same intensity. Valleys are the worst. I am working hard to stay in the moment right now. Each day is a new start for this. Sometimes, each segment of the day is a new start at this. But I'm still attempting.
Beetles. . .destructive little critters. Ugh. I have no idea how many I pulled off my marigolds, roses, and basil, dropping them into a container of soapy water and putting a lid on it to bake in the sun. Sounds mean, I know, but there's nowhere to squash them in the soft, rain-soaked soil of mid-Michigan. And why does this specific type love the plants that smell the strongest, those that every other critter seems to leave alone?!
So, back to chanting my mantra, "It is just how it is."
Thank you for the lovely blessing. I'm copying it for a friend and sending it to her, attributing it to you, of course. May you also find peace in the holy unknowing and feel loved through it all.
Thanks for the beautiful blessing 🥰
My husband has received a difficult medical diagnosis, which leads to me retiring early. I am feeling the sadness of the medical journey ahead, growing older alone, and losing my meaningful career and financial security all in one. Definitely walking through the valley, but not alone. Thank you for the grace and peace, and lovely blessing.
Jeff, thank you for that blessing. It’s a much needed one. I think many of us are experiencing that kind of malaise or funk you describe. There’s so much to feel deep sorrow about. I know I’ve been experiencing it. May you, may we all find moments of joy in the midst of it—the butterfly that crosses our path, a familiar song, the hug of a loved one.
Hi Jeff do you know why there is a $50 charge and a $5 Wilma rabidoux metamorphosiswr@gmail.com
Hi Wilma. It seems like you subscribed twice—once in 2020 and again in 2022. And while I appreciate the enthusiasm, I get that this is probably not what was intended. So I canceled and refunded the monthly subscription and kept the annual one. Thanks!
Thanks Jeff
Thank you Jeff. Reading all the other comments, you can see that you are not alone in the valley and Team Wallow expands by the addition of one more, me. The solidarity brings comfort and the blessing a gentle lift of my spirits. In the quiet of dawn, I can sense the prayers of each of us for the collective and I feel a little less alone. Thank you for reminding us to see all those who make our lives function and flourish and that the gardens of our lives will always be unfinished rather than broken (using Amanda Gorman’s line). God bless us all whether we are in the valley, the mountain top and everywhere in between. Xx
I'm living through a deep season of despair and your blessing brought tears to my eyes and I felt seen and cared for - thank you thank you.