Two summers ago, when we began our "Garden Experiment", we started by just giving extra vegetables. Later in the summer, I added bunches of herbs and then wondered if bunches of flowers would be welcomed by our neighbours? This year, if we happen to be a bit late and neighbours are already lined up inside the Fare Share hallways, we always get the answer to that question from two years ago. "Oh!!! Flowers!!!"
Officially, the sun rose at 6:56. I am glad we picked some vegetables that would keep overnight yesterday. We are holding back some of the winter squash so folks can have them for Thanksgiving.
The hot peppers on the bottom of this image have been bearing since July 3. What a prolific variety of peppers!
The greenhouse is a good place to grow beets. We've been having some for supper this week. They are lovely with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and maple syrup.
Our 4th? planting of mesclun mix is in its glory now. It loves this weather.
Soul food. A treat for 9 of our neighbours' souls. I've saved this image to my "Art Pictures" folder. This may need to be painted.
And, back in the kitchen, the autumn light was doing wonders with our test bouquet. I am happy that we were able to give not only stomach food but soul food too this year.
We all need a little soul food.
"I'm kind."
Are you really?
"I'm compassionate."
Are you truly?
"I'm gentle."
Are you actually?
Are you truly all those things with everyone that matters in your life?
Now, I'm sure you'll say yes.
But are you truly all those things with everyone that matters in your life,
including yourself?
Do you speak kindly to yourself?
Do you treat yourself with compassion?
Are you gentle with yourself when life is tough?
Because I know you're all those things to everyone else.
You shower them with kindness,
grant them compassion
and you recognise when they need you to be gentle.
But you need those things too.
From yourself as much as any one else.
Because I know you might have forgotten this,
but they're not the only ones that matter.
You matter too.
Becky Hemsley 2023
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