It's hard to believe we are already at the beginning of August - until I look out the back windows and see the garden in full bloom.

We have had a very wet summer.  The only things I have had to water are the hanging baskets.  Everything else is in a state of perpetual "damp".  Plants grow and drink in all of the water we have been getting through the downpours that occur almost daily.  Some of the leaves are showing signs of fungus, but I just remove them in hopes that it will not spread.  I dont use pesticides or anything other than a shot of plant food on occasion out there.

But even in these days when we dont see a lot of the sun, the brilliance of the flowers is cheering to the soul.  Birds fly in and out to use the birdbath, visit the feeders or just perch in the bushes and the bees still make their rounds. A small slice of Paradise in my suburban yard.

And in looking out, you can meditate on the wonder and beauty of creation.  You soul finds refreshment.  We need places like this to maintain balance in our lives...even if it is only a couple of planters of flowers on a windowsill or balcony.  I remember an aunt who used to live in Astoria-Queens, in a "railroad tenement" on the top floor.  In the midst of the city and it's noise, she had red geraniums on the fire escape - a tiny garden that contrasted with the rooftops you saw as you looked out.  Her soul was fed by this small place of beauty until she one day moved into my grandparents home (after they had died) and had a garden of her own. One that had been started by my grandmother.

And so I give thanks for our ability to create and nurture beauty - no matter what our circumstances.

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