Notes from the Garden

Welcome to Kennedy School.

It is walking distance from my home.

A renovated school that now holds a restaurant,

movie theater, and Bed and Breakfast.

Walking the perimeter of the grounds

are gardens.

Through the fence is the community garden.

It is fun to see what is growing there.

Oh, those anemones, I am in love with them in any color.

In front of Kennedy School, even there you can find flowers.

I love walking here and enjoying the gardens.

Awe Moments

 Last Sunday in the Parade section of the newspaper there was an article,

Feeling Awe may be the Secret to Health and Happiness, by Paula Spencer Scott.

For the last few days I have thought of this article.

Delights of the Heart blog helps me to notice the AWE in each day.

I find awe in nature and the quiet moments reading a book or sipping tea,

in the flowers in my garden or a moment in time when spent with a friend

where we connect and can feel the spirit of the moment.

"Awe alters our bodies.  Awe is the positive emotion that most strongly predicts reduced

levels of cytokines, a marker of inflammation that's linked to depression, according to 

research from University of Toronto's Jennifer Stellar.  That suggests a possible role

in health and healing........."

The article went on to list 7 ways to find awe in everyday life:

1. Drop the devices and gaze at the clouds or stars.

2. Visit a local, state or national park.

3. Take an Awe Walk in your neighborhood, noticing things as if for the first time.

4. Describe to a friend or write about a time you once felt awe.

5. Visit a museum or planetarium.

6. Get up early to watch the sunrise.

7. Play amazing music. (Beethoven's Fifth comes up often.

Shiota suggests Alison Krauss' "Down to the River to Pray" and

Carlos Santana's live "Europa.")

When was the last time you felt AWE?

What touches your heart?
Let us remember daily to notice those things
that bring an "awe" if for no other reason 
than health and healing.

Happy weekend, dear friends!

Bloedel Home

 Walking out of the woods I found this beautiful home sitting with a view of the bay.

 Once again it was Autumn and pumpkins adorned the front just beautifully.

 Stepping inside I was drawn to the back window and the bay.

 The dining table was adorned with this beautiful swan.

Artwork hung on the walls, but I chose to not photograph them because

they were the property of the artist and for sale.

 Nearby was the library.

I could just envision sitting here for the afternoon,

sipping tea and reading beautiful poetry.

 The rosy color of the furniture in the living room did sing to my heart.

There were magnificent views from every window.

 The chandelier hanging above would sparkle in the

morning light.

Bloedel Reserve just spoke to my heart.

It was developed and displayed with such class and elegance.

Each volunteer I chatted with just emitted such love for the place,

I wanted to stay forever.

 It felt like a little bit of heaven.

Bloedel Reserve, A Place of Peace and Reflection

 This post is photo heavy.

I hope it puts you in the mood for the beauty of Autumn.

The last day of my "live-in gardener" and my visit to his sister

we ventured out to Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

We had heard of this beautiful place for many years and finally

took the time to visit.

The first photo is the gatehouse and gift shop.

Now walk along with me and see the beauty of pumpkins and Autumn.

" Virginia and Prentice Bloedel purchased this property in 1951 and owned it

for more than 30 years.   A naturalist at heart, he is responsible for starting several conservation efforts that are common practice today including the decision to use

Hog Fuel (a mulch-like by-product from logs) to help generate the sawmill's power and to work hand-in-hand with pulp mills to get the most out of each log.  Perhaps the

longest reaching "green" idea of Mr. Bloedel's was this introduction of the

reforestation of clear-cut land."

Above is their home which holds art exhibits in the dining room.

I will share a bit more of the inside another day.

 For now just enjoy Autumn as I walked

through the 150 acres grounds.

 The view behind the house.

 Isn't this tree amazing?

 Part of the Japanese gardens.

If I lived near here I would visit each season.

It is a place of peace and reflection.

They offer classes from time to time on just those things.

I highly recommend a visit here,

but if you are far away find a garden or outdoor venue to visit

for a time of peace and reflection.