Sun after rain

Nothing can be sweeter in the garden than sun after rain. Dryness is overtaken by life-giving moisture bringing growth and colour; even the birds seem to sing more beautifully early in the morning. The robins, tits , finches, blackbirds, woodpeckers and other winged friends visit the feeding stations gathering food for their nestlings. Bees visit the blooms gathering nectar, like the rest of nature doing what they are programmed to do from when their life began. The garden is a hive of activity and yet a place of rest and comfort. With friends and family leaving this earth for loftier regions, the garden is ever a reminder that life with its seasons goes on. We planted a small oak tree in the front garden yesterday. We will never see it reach its full glory but the mother oak standing in the back garden tells us what it will become — if allowed to grow. Like the rest of life, we never know what our small efforts might lead to in the future, nor do we know how we will be remembered. Does it matter? Some people seek immortality through what they leave behind. The trouble today is that what WE are doing to the environment is nothing to be proud about. What indeed is our legacy to future generations? I look out on my garden with joy and yet with sadness too.

Holidays — hard work!

We have just had a short break in the English Lake District. It is a spectacular region of stark mountain tops, forests and lakes, dotted with an occasional ancient country house with pretty 'old fashioned' gardens. A place for sailing, climbing, viewing birds and taking photographs, or like us, walking the many footpaths. To be in the silence of tall trees and inhale the pine scented air, is refreshment indeed, even if, for people like me, the walking is tough! The tinkling streams, the mist over the lakes, the golden light filtering through trees was well worth the upward climb.

Another lovely day

The sun is shining across the garden casting deep shadows from the oak tree. Light and shade.
I had an Email from a friend this morning — more light. Friends are a priceless treasure.

But the news from across the world is bad. It puts our country's problems into perspective. And yet for those who are suffering, knowing others are worse off does not ease their own pain or problems.

I used to do a lot of pastoral visiting, especially elderly people. Some were an absolute delight to be with. One gentle man was almost blind, he had severe physical problems which made it difficult for him to venture out. He had lost his dear wife, the light of his life, and of whom he spoke constantly with tears in his eyes. And yet, he had a deep concern for the poor and wretched of the world and gave of his small resources to help ease their plight. His faith was in God and in the Christ who came in poverty to deliver man from darkness and death. Jesus the healer of man's soul, friend of the poor and lowly.
In a world obsessed by power, wealth and possessions, it surely is the meek who will inherit the earth — that is, the Kingdom of Heaven within.

We cannot ignore what our selfishness does to others. And it is in giving of ourselves — in word and deed — that we receive.

In the scheme of things, what does it matter that Niche Gifts is refusing to return the money I paid for a camera I did not receive? What does it matter that folk are not queuing up to buy my books? What does it matter that the house is constantly untidy? What does it matter that weeds are in love with our garden? What does it matter that I can't do the things I did when I was younger? What does it matter that my hair is barely visible on top while my wrinkles enjoy full exposure? What does it matter that I have minor health issues? Such petty things! Within I am young and active and my treasure is too intangible to be tarnished. The Kingdom to which I belong is where joy cannot be bought and love can never die.

Yes, it IS another lovely day today.

Light and shade

Why is it that one day nothing can be done or said to disturb one's peace of mind, and yet the next day even lovely weather, bright flowers and birdsong cannot lift one's heavy heart.

The Simple Things of Life

As we get older we can't help but reflect on life when we were young. I guess things were pretty simple in those days. No holidays away. We had so little choice and money was in short supply, just like food and clothing. No TV's no 'white goods' in the kitchen. But what we did have seemed of greater value than things today. Now there is too much choice and we get clothes and ‘goods’ comparatively cheap — at the expense of those, including children, who work all hours just to put food in their bellies. The world has gone mad!

It is a lovely day today. In our garden, blooms and blossoms on the shrubs and trees are at their peak, and flowers are brilliant with colour too. Violets and primroses are growing wild in crevices in the crazy paving and steps leading up to the back garden, as well as where I have allowed them to flower in the borders and pots. The scent of wallflowers, lily of the valley and wisteria meet us as soon as we walk outside. We were thinking of going away for a week or so, but it is too lovely here to leave it!
The simple things of life become more meaningful to us as we grow older.

When Angels Lie

Well, my novel, "When Angels Lie" (pen name, Richard L Gray) is getting a burst of new life. It has been acknowledged as a darn good story but I have not the means to either promote or market it. However, AG Press is doing a new imprint for the US market. It is costing me nothing, so Royalties will go to charity. (Save me all that business of exchange currency etc) So I hope it will do well. It has a completely new cover done by one of their illustrators. The title is shortened to be snappier too. (I have left off - all hell is let loose and demons fly!)
It has been interesting to read through my book again, having been 'Americanised'. Funny how English words and phrases have different meanings in another country. Some funny things happened but all is straightened out and will be published at the end of the month.

Blazing Embers is next in line. Meanwhile Awakening Love is being prepared as an E-book by another publisher. (To be followed by its sequel.) All in the USA! Maybe Americans appreciate my type of writing? I hope so!