Tag: hope

Ideas welcome…

I knew that I’d be appalled at Trump, but I didn’t anticipate how bad I’d feel about myself for living in Trump’s America. I’m trying to stop reading the news and concentrate on the good, non-political reality I live in, but it’s not easy to banish the cloud hanging over me.

“Reasons to be Cheerful” founded by David Byrne is one place I’ve turned to repeatedly, and I hope to set aside more time for their messages going forward.

There are also countless small things to appreciate. This is a Satsuma Mule, sans alcohol, that I enjoyed in New Orleans at Cochon, just one example of how delicious food and drink can be a welcome distraction. I can cook good things to share.

Today’s rain isn’t helping, but I remind myself that every day brings spring a little closer. I can grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

I also have high hopes for reading to escape. We went to the library today, so I’m prepared with distractions for a week or so.

But the worst is that I can’t think of anything I can do to make this better. Anne Lamott has her own take on this situation, which has a certain appeal, although powerlessness has never been one of my goals.

So if you’re reading this, ideas welcome…

Good morning, Doctor

No, not Dr. Ross, although I greeted him first. In this post I am referring to Dr. Seuss, because that is what the newest flowers in my garden call to my mind with their crazy shapes and wild colors.

Spider Flower, Cleome

I don’t remember cleome in my grandmother’s garden, but I love this old-fashioned plant. The toughest thing about caring for it is choosing which seedlings to discard in order to let the remaining plants flourish.

Purpletop Vervain, Verbena

I’m sure I bought this plant once, probably because, although I haven’t watched The Vampire Diaries, I somehow remember their description of Vervain: One that makes vampire skin burn and strength wane; a secret weapon preventing them from compelling humans to do their will. Now, it has migrated throughout my backyard gardens, which is fine because it is a “see-through plant” and doesn’t block the light or my vision of its neighbors.

Milkweed

Since I bought this common milkweed from Monarch Watch, it has reliably hosted all stages of monarchs. Not this year, at least so far. No butterflies, no eggs, no caterpillars. I still have hope.