July 6, 2010

Thank Goodness

Thank goodness for you and your beautiful notes, of which I read and felt every single letter, word and sentence.  Each one helping me begin my healing, holding my hand.  Thank you for sharing with me that you understand my feelings, which in turn shows me that I understand yours. 

Is there a phrase greater than thank you?

Thankful For 8
 

If so, that is what I feel…

You can't imagine how your kind words have helped me.  I have thought about them, in the garden, prompting all sorts of thankfulness.

A week of thinking and healing, and being, leads me to this…

Thankful for 37
 

I have in my heart you see, Thank Goodness-es a plenty.

For, as I meander through my garden, I think, thank goodness I planted all those seeds in early spring.

Thankful For 4

And that they slowly grew…

Thankful for 19
 

Because, the morning after we lost our girl, I couldn't get myself out of bed.  It was 9 a.m. and I knew that my plants had needed me since 5.  So, I slowly, with that heavy sort of heart, got out of bed…

Thankful For 11

And, in the garden, I found blooms open – waiting…

Thankful For 10
 

I looked down at a new fresh poppy and thought, "how did this happen?"

It felt like, things had happened so quickly.  Love, time, 10 years, in one blink, poof.

One minute Baby was with us running and playing, then all of a sudden she had a tumor growing rapidly up her nasal passage way, and around her left eye.  Making it hard to breathe, swallow, and lastly, making her unable to see…

It seemed, surreal.

I felt so sad.  I was upset, that a precious creature could be faced with such an ordeal.

We cried.

Loud, like children.

We cried with heart wrenching abandon.

I thought I saw her twice.

And then, sunflowers that had been growing for months, started to show their faces…

Thankful for 15
 

That's when I realized she was still here.

I saw her, I see her.  In my heart of course.  In my mind's eye.

The sunflowers whisper, everything is going to be okay.

Thankful for 20
 

And, their big blond leaves, remind me of my girl… 

Very merry unbirthday 5

With those thoughts, I kept doing my garden chores.

3 little pumpkin patches live in my garden, in different places.

A pumpkin patch.

That was one of the dreams the dogs and I made this summer.  We made dreams of grass, and towering sunflowers and pumpkins, and corn, and more…

Big dreams in the garden, I kept chanting, while planting seed after seed. 

While furry children, were constantly by my side.

Thankful For 2
 

I wasn't given high hopes from reasonable people around me, about what my garden could produce in our hot and dry climate.

Thankful For 3
 

Thank goodness, that I don't listen to reason.

🙂

Thankful for 14
 

My friend Dick came over a couple of weeks ago, and I bored him with the ins and outs of my garden.  He asked me what I was going for?  He wondered if I was trying to grow a certain amount of pumpkins, or grow one a certain size?

Thankful for 16
 

And I said, quite honestly, I am just happy that we have gotten this far. 

Thankful for 33
 

Thankfulness.

I am so thankful that I got to know Baby, that I met her that day at the yard sale.

I am thankful for every morsel of tiny goodness.

I am thankful that my perception of life changed in my twenties, and that I embrace simplicity.

Because really, it is all too easy to drown, in this life, in this world. 

But if we think simply, we can live beautifully.

I can drown in complexities of sorrow.

Or, I can be happy with my experiences, and yes, mourn for their passing, but relish in the fact that they happened.

Plain and simple.

Thankful for 22

I'll leave the complexities to someone else…

Thankful for 21
 

Do I sound corny?

Sometimes I think I sound so corny.  I am a realistic person, and I know it is so much easier to be sarcastic and angry, than happy and silly and glad.

 But, I guess as you get older, silly, happy and glad, along with corny and sappy, get so much easier, and win over sarcastic and angry any ole day.  And bonus, you stop caring if it makes you cool or lame, to be happy and delighted (and corny).

Thankful For 6

Through happy and peaceful thoughts, little by little, I am healing. 

I am feeling uplifted, thanks to your words, my garden and choices.

Choosing to embrace all that is good.

Of course, I get huge pangs of sadness.  So I feel, and I cry.

Loss is such a yucky feeling.

But then, I remind myself of all the good.

And, I hug Mister and cuddle this one to no end…

Thankful for 36
 

And then, I feel a little better.

Over the last couple of days I have been enjoying the taunting monsoon skies…

Thankful for 31
 

Who gift droplets to my giant sunflowers…

Thankful For 7
 

Thankful 18
 

Thankful For 13
 

Thankful for 23
 

Thankful for 28
 

Thank goodness for the rabbit who dropped the yellow squash he was "borrowing…"

Thankful for 41

It was yumm. 

Thankful for 40

Thank goodness for ripening peaches…

Thankful For 5

Thankful For 12

And sweet corn, oh my, yes indeed!

Thankful for 42
 

Thankful for 29
 

Thankful for 30
 

Oh, it was soooooo good.

Thankful for 26

Sweet delectable corn, thank goodness you grew!

(from oodles of 6 year old expired seeds, that I found in a drawer)

Thankful for 38
 

Thankful for 32

And, thank goodness to cactus flowers too…

Thankful for 39
 

In my garden, I start to heal, with its ups and down and all arounds.  Good things happen, and bad things happen…

Thankful for 43
 

Gophers happen. 

But the good, does out-weight the bad.

In life, and in the garden, you don't have to lose all hope.

Hearts heal in time…

I am open to love and loss, and feeling and healing.  I am open to crying and screaming, and laughing and squealing.  I am open to ups and downs and all arounds.

And most of all, I am open to believing.

Thankful for 27
 

And not always listening to reason.

Thankful for 44
 

I am ever so thankful for time and healing, and for having faith.

Wow, life is quite a ride and journey, and I am glad that we get to share it in snippets, right here.  You with me, and me with you.

 

 🖤,V

 

ps:  I will draw names for the Mad Tea Party book giveaway, and share a sunflower idea I have, in my next post.

pss:  I forgot to say that in the last few evenings, when I am out watering, I feel a strange feeling that someone is watching me.  Thank goodness, I discovered who who it was…

Thankful For 1

  1. Theresa says:

    Dear Vanessa! It is wonderful to hear from you again. And you are right – Baby is still here. She is the sweet sunflower shining in your garden. She will never leave that special place in your heart. And with sorrow there is also peace and joy – the burgeoning garden where life is so abundant. And how flowers can bring joy to a broken heart. You NEVER sound corny – it is amazing how you can open your heart so freely. I understand how you feel…sometimes we think we still see our late beloved furry babies in their favorite places. I think of you daily, and Matty, and Mister Lovee. I send you many good wishes and hugs…Theresa

  2. mermaiden says:

    my dear friend who lost a small son told me that when your loved ones cross over, they are actually around you *even more*.
    i believe her. she knows.

  3. Kim says:

    Vanessa:
    I have been waiting breathlessly, daily, for this post.
    Having you back is a treasure. Knowing you are mourning yet thankful gives so many other people hopefulness.
    Baby is with you in your garden and lives within your heart. She and Matty stood by your side as you toiled in the morning sun and nurtured each seedling.
    I have had a fair share of losses over the last few years…both my mom and my dad. I can no longer touch them, but I can hear them and sometimes even smell them and I wrap myself around those moments. You are doing the same with Baby.
    I am so glad you’re back, not just for selfish reasons, but just to know that you are healing.
    Thank you for sharing this journey with us. It was difficult and heart-breaking at times, but important and loving as well.
    Kim
    Gerushia’s New World

  4. Rhonda Roo says:

    Well, everything the lovely women ahead of me up there said goes for me too!
    And, Maddy looks different, like..he has maybe matured or gained wisdom?
    That owl looks positively early for a Halloween party, with those eyes! (How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop?)
    And you! Growing sunflowers and corn and pumpkins & squash in the desert-of course you do! Amazing grace.
    I have this image in my head of a Veevala painting where in the center of yellow sunflowers, are the faces of Lovee and Dovee and Baby and Matty, towering over bizarre Arizona, showering giant seeds shaped like hearts and rainbows in droplets of water.
    (Whose corny now?) XOXOXOXOXOVIIIXOXOXO
    🖤~*🖤~*🖤~*🖤~*

  5. Silke says:

    Dear sweet Vanessa! My heart has been so heavy for you and now I am glad to read this beautiful post on love, belief and healing! There is no greater healer than nature, I often think. And (this from experience) you’ll find that Baby will visit you in a kinds of little ways! Or send a messenger like a butterfly or an owl. You are such a teacher of what it means to love fully!! A big hug! Silke

  6. Kylee says:

    V~
    Oh my dear Friend Vanessa. I have sent many hugs and wishes for peace your way via my imaginary fairies. When I saw your news last week my heart broke into pieces for you. I hope that you continue to heal and know that you are loved and adored by so many.
    p.s. Your garden looks so lovely!!

  7. Linda Diane says:

    I have checked here so many times lately, hoping for a word from you, and I was so pleased to find you back, able to post again. I teared up at the picture of Baby with the balloons! So many sweet memories you have recorded in photos. I’m so glad you have your beautiful garden to both look at and taste and that you have Matty for furry loving. I love your writing so much, the word “corny” has never entered my mind! Hugs.

  8. Sarah says:

    Dear Vanessa, I am glad you are finding comfort in your garden and your thoughts. It is true, we can be thankful for what we have experienced and that is the only way as all things pass. Lovely to read your words and see your beautiful pictures. I have been thinking of you a lot this week.
    Sarah x

  9. Snap says:

    There is no doubt in my mind that Baby is there with you. When Mr. Dragon and I finally decided we wanted to create a garden many years ago … in our postage sized backyard … a garden to honor our beloved kitty Musashi. It is wonderful. Every year the blooms do him honor and bring us love. We smile and remember. Musashi is here with us. Enjoying, I am sure, the new member of our furry family. It is hard and we miss him still after all these years, but he brought us love that we share with our furbabies and the memories… wonderful! Love. Simple love. Tis a wonderful thing!
    Wishing you and yours well. Celebrate Baby’s life! You are doing well!

  10. Deborah says:

    Magical photos Oh Fanciful One…photos of your magical land. I believe with all my heart that all dogs do go to heaven, for what would heaven be without animals? A Creator so loving as to gift us here on earth would surely gift us even greater in heaven. OOOoooo the old seeds! Isn’t it just wonderful how everything the seed needs to grow into the plant is right there in itself, placed by our Creator…holding the very life of Him. Life IS stronger than death. Love is stronger than hatred. Light fills darkness. Love reigns. **blows kisses** Deb

  11. Janel says:

    You aren’t corny! You are Vanessa! And we love you just as you are!
    Happy to know the healing has started. I think loss helps our hearts grow and allows more room for love. If you let it. The space Baby resides in will always be there, yet more space will bloom in your heart so others can reside there too.
    ps. my mother has told me the sunsets over Mount Lemon have been out of this world beautiful. She says that every year, but I did see a few and WOW! You get those morning and evening?? so lucky you are!

  12. Dearest sweet Vanessa
    This is one of your most precious posts ever…your love flows through everyone of your photos…of your garden, the sunflowers, the bounty of your hard labors, your love for Mister Lovee, your love and memories of Baby, and it is so precious that you have Matty. I think he will be your saving grace…
    I almost forgot about the Mad Hatter book giveaway…not that it matters with everything else going on. I know, we can succumb to life’s pains, or grow through them…and we have to be the person we are meant to be through our own experiences…and pray that maybe, just maybe we will have an affect on someone else to help them through whatever it is they are going through. Your blog has had a healing affect on my life and I am so thankful for your thankfulness on this blog.
    If we can rise above whatever difficulties we face on a daily basis, I think it makes us the more stronger person. Our hearts do ache at times and the tears come, but we must go on and be creative and use our talents and spread joy and oneness, and human kindness. That is what really counts in this life…and you have done this, dear girl on your wondrous blog.
    And the tears are coming as I blog this, but that’s OK…tears are tiny, healing drops of love.
    Hugs and lots of love come your way,
    Miss Teresa

  13. teresa says:

    Thank Goodness!
    Thank Goodness!
    Thank Goodness…for Vanessa.
    xo

  14. How special to have your garden at this time, I imagine it would be hard to heal if baby had passed in winter, when you hadent yet made your garden dreams come true. What a gift time is… she has left you in a space of beauty to find your strength and peace with her passing and that is the most special thing I have heard in a long while.
    hope your all doing well, thankyou for the wonderful pictures and inspiring words
    xxx
    sheree

  15. Tina Gates says:

    Beautifully said, Vanessa…and no, I don’t think you are corny at all. If we didn’t feel the hurt, sorrow and pain, then the good stuff wouldn’t feel as sweet…light and dark, we need them both. I am so happy your garden has been a healing joy for you, and an owl to top it off! How wonderful. Isn’t Mother Nature magical, she really is. I have an owl visit here, and it always seems to be when I need reassurance about something, it’s uncanny really. It really is the little things, isn’t it?

  16. P.S. Oh! And the photo of the owl is stunning!
    What a magnificent, beautiful owl.
    They are incredible creatures.
    Thank you again for all of your inspiring thoughts and photos…
    xoxo
    Miss Teresa

  17. FawnDear says:

    Where would we be without Grateful Memories! The world would be dark and dreadful indeed. I can just imagine Baby’s angel padding through your beautiful garden, nuzzling your shadow, sending comfort in the breeze. I will continue to send my prayers and hugs your way. Just Breathe and relish the peace in the moments that you do find it.
    And Thank You, Dear Vanessa. I’ve been extra loving with my creatures and children since your last few posts. Trying to find joy and beauty in the moment, in such a crazy world, takes enchantment. So thank you for sharing your magic with us all.

  18. Cori G. says:

    Dearest Fanciful friendling,
    I have been trying for days to write you an email, but each time I start again I stop again. There are no words only tears. So imagine me stopping by here today to see that you are feeling a wee bit better. For that I am glad. You have been ever present in my heart, prayers and thoughts this past week.
    xoxo cori

  19. olivia says:

    Dear Vanessa I don’t think you sound corny at all. I sometimes think it is more difficlut and far more brave to shun sarcasm, cynicysm, anger etc and just be truthful and plain and simple. And I admire you for that 🙂
    I think your garden bursting into bloom is perhaps the reason Baby parted when she did…she was just hanging around,having quiet words with all the plants,making sure they’d look as beautiful as possible for when she was gone, to distract you and help you out of your sadness 🙂
    you did say you were opening to believing… 🙂
    I dont think its that hard to believe that Baby would care about you in such a simple and loving way 🙂
    olivia
    x

  20. Vanessa S. says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. Remember that no matter how bad you feel today; you will not always feel this way. My mother told me that once and it helped me through some hard times. A little hope when you don’t think you have any. I’m also sporting a huge eye roll over your friend asking you what you were ‘going for’ with the garden. He clearly didn’t get it. Now I’m wondering if his real name was Dick or were we having some fun with that? Hee hee…either way…if the shoe fits…

  21. Johanna says:

    Thankful for change & for the healing of a grateful heart that knows how to be thankful 🙂 Prayers for you my dearest!

  22. What a GLORIOUS garden. What a riot of delights. So much beauty, so much richness. THANK YOU for creating such a lovely feast of positive thoughts and beautiful photos of the abundance of your life, so simple and good. I know Baby is as much a part of that garden as the bees and sunflowers. I know she is still there. Mister has a sadness in his eyes, missing his pal and feeling your pain. Thank goodness he is there with you. I felt very sad for you and much moved by the beautiful way you wrote of Baby’s passing. I walked my limping aging dear old boy down the road to the creek with a lump in my throat knowing all too soon I will be missing him as you are missing Baby. I will take hope and inspiration from you, as you work in your garden, as you carry on, carrying all that Baby gave you forever in your heart.

  23. Vanessa,
    All I can say is that you are a gift. I am so glad to know of you. You make me smile, laugh, cry, and just plain happy to know that someone like you exist in this world. Your garden is such a beautiful sight, and you have captured your emotions in such a way that I have goosebumps.
    I cry everyday, and I laugh everyday too, and I laugh and cry at the sametime so many days its disturbing. But I know that’s ok.
    Heres to the corny people of the universe!
    Luv ya girl,
    Wendy from Wonderland

  24. Lynda says:

    Phew! I’m so happy to hear from you again. The mother in me was getting a tad bit worried. I hope the healing continues for you and your little family

  25. Marilyn says:

    Healing comes in time, but in the meantime it sounds and looks like you are celebrating life and new growth. Be gentle with yourself.

  26. Shell says:

    I feel like the Owl is watching over you as well. Sending you much needed magic as you heal. Baby is all around you, don’t forget that. She is in the sunflowers, the butterflies and in the clouds. Take care of yourself, my lovely Miss Vanessa.

  27. Meghann says:

    I am so glad that things in your garden are such a wonderful, blessed distraction and aid to healing. You have such a gift for the positive, real, and true. You were as much of a miracle to Baby as she was to you, I am so glad you found each other, and so happy you gave her a wonderful life. She lives on in every step you take in your blessed gardens. I wish you a bountiful harvest 🙂

  28. Joyce says:

    My email has been a little hit or miss lately. Please forgive me if I have already shared one of my favorite quotes with you. Whenever I am touched by deep sorrow I always think of this quote:
    “Don’t cry because it’s over.
    Smile because it happened.”

  29. I know your pain too well. Healing is both an excruciating and enlightening process. Perhaps your Baby and my Banshee are running free together in doggie heaven. I like to think so.
    big furry hugs are sent your way.

  30. Tami says:

    I’m so glad to know you are feeling better. I was worried about you. God bless.

  31. Charlotte says:

    It is your belief in good, and fun and nonsense, and the many generous ways you share it, that brings me back to you again and again.

  32. robin says:

    Never corny, always lovely. That owl came with a message, I think! And listening to reason is way overrated. You are doing so astonishingly well. Love to you, dear girl. Big hugs, and so glad to see this post today. Sending you warm, vanilla-scented healing vibes to usher you through these days ahead with calmness and peace. 🖤, Robin

  33. Wende says:

    So happy to have you back. I have been checking daily. The healing process is slow but very important. Baby will linger as long as you let her! She was a lucky little girl to have found you and you her. Keep looking forward.
    Blessed thoughts to you,
    Wende S.

  34. Jill James says:

    Your Baby was well-loved and you were there for her when she passed on from this earthly world……that act alone will bring you solace later…..it takes courage not to run away and hide from the pain……you have a big heart.

  35. Moonfairy says:

    Things will get better, life is still here… growing and breathing around you, and Baby is still a part of it, just in another form and shape than before.
    I`m so happy you`re feeling a bit better.
    When my dog died fifteen years ago I made a painting of him as part of the healing process (I was 17 at that time). My parents still have that painting hanging on the wall 🙂

  36. niky says:

    beautifly written

  37. eleni says:

    you made me cry again! through your words i remembered my dad and my grandma who loved me really and truly and now are not with me…
    but as you say life is going on and we must be greatful with what we have…
    and i have a wonderful husband ,2 adorable kids, my beautiful job as a teacher, my art journaling and You and all my blogfriends!!!

  38. Olive Appleby says:

    Vanessa be as corny as you like, we love it. Baby is all around you and always will be. I sometimes feel as though my other dogs have been to visit me, I see shadows. That gives me great joy. Are lost ones are always with us as they are in our hearts everyday…… keep safe. Ciao xxx

  39. Candice says:

    Your post reminded me of this….
    “Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light.”
    God has put so many beautiful gifts in your life! Thanks for sharing them…

  40. Alexis says:

    Oh those sunflowers are beautiful! I love sunflowers (and eating sunflower seeds.)
    Have you seen the movie Calendar Girls, with Helen Mirren and Julie Walters? Sunflowers feature in it a lot. 🙂

  41. Miss Linda says:

    Very well said Vanessa. Baby is still there with you. You will see her many more times, she will never leave you. She knows how much you love her. Please talk to her, she will hear you.

  42. karen cox says:

    Vanessa,
    Such a lovely post, and yes the gift of having had such a joy in your life for so long is a reason for thankfulness. You sound good, and you are so wise. Sunflowers…a wonderful celebration.
    Karen

  43. Rori says:

    Vanessa,
    This post had me almost in as much tears as your first post informing us about the loss of your beautifull friend. It was so touching and wonderful.
    *hugs* Keeping moving on and keep Baby in your heart!
    Cheers,
    Rori

  44. Oh my! I was enjoying the photos of your flowers and your sweet words of healing…and then I got to the end of your post! What an AMAZING photo of your owl! WOW! Now I will leave your blog open to show hubby when he gets home! It’s so hard to get a photo like that! Hugs to you! 🖤

  45. sadira says:

    I don’t think you sound corny at all…you sound like a woman who has deeply loved, and there is always a risk in that, that you will deeply feel. I am so happy that Baby found you and you were all able to love each other so much…and that owl? VERY good…and those flowers and food are amazing and making me wish I had planted more this season…

  46. Melanie says:

    Vanessa,
    Remember that in the book of Genesis, Life and Love began in a garden. I wish you unending joy. Melanie – swopemelmel@aol.com

  47. kristy says:

    One by one
    Day by day
    INHALE
    EXHALE
    That’s the way.
    LOVE, HOPE & JOY ——-zooming———>
    your way
    oxoxKristy

  48. So glad that you are healing in your own way Vanessa…slowly but surely. Your garden treasures are marvelous and I can taste them, just by looking at the delicious pictures, tee hee. Your sunflowers are huge and amazing…you must have a green thumb 😉 And I’m with you on the silly and corny (much more easy and I do prefer it myself 😉 Big hugs to you, the mister, and Matty too.
    Jamie 🙂

  49. Sweet Vanessa, it is so good to hear from you again. I keep thoughts of you and Baby with me all the time knowing how you are feeling. It is so good to see that you are finding comfort in your garden. Give Matty a squeeze for me, okay? Love to you all! Twyla

  50. Allie says:

    Hi Vanessa! I’ve stopped by every day to check in on you. You’ve been in my thoughts daily. How wonderful that you have such a prosperous, healing garden. I’m amazed at what’s growing and healthy everything is because I know how hot and dry it can be where you are. Pure magic, that’s what it is! Hugs to you, Mister Lovee, and sweet Matty.
    ~Allie

  51. You have put into words how we feel at this very moment. We know our dear Brodie will soon be leaving us. Each day brings us closer.
    My husband is in denial, but getting better with the truth.
    I just dread the day we wake up and he has gone. We love him as our own. He’s just an extension of who we are… he’ll be forever in our hearts.
    Happy days to come my friend.

  52. Bella Casa says:

    words so beautiful….so well felt… by all that have shared this pain…

  53. Heidi Kelley says:

    Dear Vanessa,
    I am a lurker, a stalker of the sweet variety 🙂 I have been watching your blog for as long as I can remember, and have read and been inspired daily, but have never left a word until now. It was with great sadness that I read your post about baby, and with bated breath that I waited (like so many wonderful others here above me) for this post. I am so glad that you find the beautiful, even in the midst of grief, and I loved taking a walk in the garden with you today… Hugs to you and your lovelies.
    Heidi

  54. Mary Lou says:

    Beautiful, Gorgeous, Touching..
    Heal a drop at a time.

  55. GG Pinkster says:

    Too-who tu-whee an owl sat and spoke to me,
    forgiveness is the moon at night
    lifting our losses into starlight.
    And silent did the golds appear
    upon a sunflower and an ear.
    And all the moments of delight did surround me in her sight. A wag of tail a lizard there
    all here and there she did appear.
    and into the dreams of wisdom tonight casting love into light…spring seeds and summer now tea party ringing letting go aright…***…
    el silencio shimmering sight+

  56. Oh Vanessa, my heart is with you!
    When I saw your comment and photo of the owl, I literally jumped out of my chair. Did you know that in some cultures, definitely certain Aboriginal tribes here in Australia, associate owls with either someone dying, or if an owl is in your tree, some say it gives comfort when there has been a death in the home? I don’t think it’s an accident that you felt the owl, and that he is there, watching you.
    Looking briefly online, I found info that suggested they are supportive spirit helpers.
    Wow. that gave me chills. You’re not alone, Baby is always with you. How wonderful that thought would be xoxoxo

  57. Beth Wilson says:

    Dearest Vanessa,
    You have given me inspiration …. for today and for always. Your beautifully written thoughts, feelings will remain within my heart forever – as Baby will forever be in yours – and she has been your inspiration.
    Thank you for being you,
    Beth

  58. in all your tender writing
    i saw this–>
    ”’Thank goodness,
    that I don’t listen to reason.”’
    and had to laugh!
    i mean the kind of laugh~out~loud laugh!
    for if any of us did listen
    we would get no where fast…
    🙂
    what?
    what?
    what?
    walk on the moon?
    where is the reason in THAT thought
    and
    yet…
    now,
    about those sunflowers…
    you must save the seeds
    and grow them next year
    and then save those seeds
    and so on
    and so on
    and so on
    through the years.
    it will be
    as if
    you are carrying your
    Furry Baby
    forth into the future.
    seeds planted together
    never~ending.
    {{ i Know now you will do this,
    i just Know you will.
    someone with the faith
    to plant 6 year old corn seeds! }}
    Thank goodness,
    that you don’t listen to reason.
    and
    now is no time
    to start that kind of foolishness.
    🖤

  59. waterrose says:

    It seems that if we listen during our life we find something to reach for before a loss or struggle. Your garden was just the catalyst to bring you lasting memories with baby and to help move you to better place after your loss. Your garden is so bright and joyful…and a place I know that baby still resides. So glad you have a watchful owl keeping you safe! Hugs to everyone!

  60. Life goes on……..
    so glad your back…..take care of yourself little girl.
    ((((hugs)))
    Laraine

  61. Cori says:

    I am so glad you are doing well. But how could you not with Mr. Lovee and sweet little Matty? 😉
    Baby will always be in your hearts.
    Your garden inspires me so! And don’t worry, you never sound corny. Sometimes you remind me to not take things so seriously and sometimes you just need to smile for no reason. I’ve needed that a lot lately…
    I’m sending happy thoughts your way!

  62. Kandes says:

    I am deeply sorry for your loss. I read your post about Baby’s passing and cried along with you. You are truly an amazing woman, you know? It is quite a gift to be able to look at it from your frame of mind. To know that knowing Baby was a gift and that the opportunity to have her in your life was a special time that you will always treasure. Baby was very lucky to have been loved by you and the Mister. Giant hugs and healing vibes go out to you both! -Kandes-

  63. inge says:

    Hello Vanessa,
    do you believe in signs ?…
    I think the owl and Baby have something in common…
    greetings from Belgium
    Inge

  64. Elle says:

    here is the deepest secret nobody knows
    (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
    and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
    higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
    and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
    i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
    *excerpt from a poem by e.e. cummings

  65. I adore every little “corny”, wonderful and magical bit of you! You are a blessing to all you come in contact with and I’m certain that Baby felt the same way…glad to be your pet companion for so many years. The two of you were able to share much love together and that made your garden madly bloom. <3
    I saw an owl (in the daytime!!) two weeks ago and looked up some information on them: "In many cultures, owls signal an underworld or serve to represent human spirits after death; in other cultures, owls represent supportive spirit helpers and allow humans (often shamans) to connect with or utilize their supernatural powers."
    -- Maybe the owl is a spirit helper assisting you (healing wise) with Baby's passing and guiding her on the journey to the other side?

  66. JO says:

    What a lovely post…. it makes me happy to hear that while you still grieve you are also coming back to life … just like your garden…
    I Love that photo of Baby with the balloons… she has floated upward to heaven but she will always be with you as you said in your heart…
    Yes you do see her… her spirit is running through the flowers and corn free from pain and happy to be near you….
    And watch Matty because you will see Baby in Matty … little manerisms and little things that remind you so of her …that will put a smile on your face…
    She is with you always… and forever…
    Welcome back… take it slow
    LOTS OF HUGS…
    JO

  67. Chatelaine says:

    I read your previous post and I am so sorry about your Baby. Anyone who has lost a pet can empathize with you. My cat Gracie had the same illness I think, a tumor growing aggressively through her nasal passage. Osteo sarcoma was the diagnosis and it was devastating to see the illness take a piece of her away every day.
    I am holdng my furbabies closer after reading your posts. And I will not take a minute with them for granted.
    It’s nice to hear that you have found solace in your garden. I am sure you will feel Baby’s presence every time you set foot out there.

  68. I hear your heart and know that you loved deeply and it made you stronger just knowing her love. My Grandma used to say if an owl let you see her it was because you needed her. She is there for you. I love your garden so much friend. It gives me such joy. I send you love and blessings always. Peace for you.

  69. jordan retro says:

    As you say life is going on and we must be greatful with what we have…
    and i have a wonderful husband ,2 adorable kids, my beautiful job as a teacher, my art journaling and You and all my blogfriends!!!

  70. Tara Bradford says:

    Big hugs, dearest V! Much love to you and Mr. Lovee. xoxox

  71. Love your blog…glad I found it!!!

  72. SueAnn says:

    Love, and great big hugs to you, Mister and Matty!!
    Oh how well your garden grows!!! So beautiful. And you are so wise to allow it to minister to you…it’s sweetness and freshness….color and light!! All just for your family; to remember! To hold on tight too!
    You are beautiful, you know?!!!!
    Hugging you
    SueAnn

  73. Chris says:

    A big hug and some smooches.
    look at all that gold…

  74. jardan retro says:

    Hey, it’s nice to see you blogging again.

  75. val says:

    wonderful photos to go with your thoughts…they just draw us all in. Thank you for sharing……

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