Aug 7, 2013 |
I have a plan for my front yard. I have a design on a sketch pad. It’s rough, but it’s there. I have my Pinterest board for inspiration and I keep adding to it, refining my style and ideas. I have Lowe’s constantly tweeting their cheers for my attempts at making my house into a home.
What I don’t have is the wallet to make it happen. But I do have Faith. And it appears God also has Faith in me.
If you’ve been following my Blog for more than a year, you’ve no doubt read the intermittent posts where I start to work on the yard, only to, well, not quite finish it. Or change it up. Or start over.
Lately you’ve prob’ly noticed that I’m not taking on more than I can chew. Boy, has that been a hard task to commit to! Because I’m easily distracted by the tasks that get in the way of the task at hand. It would have been so easy to cut down those low-hanging tree branches yesterday instead of just ducking and raking. But I did it. I stayed focused. I’m starting with the One Task I know I can complete by the end of this week. And not having to deal with branches and clippings adding to the mess I’m trying to clean up.
With just half an hour for two days straight, my front yard has gone
From this
Inside Job
To this
Clean Dirt
It may not look like much to you, but to me it’s beautiful. No more leaves, pine needles, bark and other natural debris. Sure, only the front half of the front yard is done. But that’s the point: it’s done! I didn’t make it worse by getting distracted and rabbit-holing into another project.
Cuz trust me… the proposed next Project is a doozy.
See this tree?
Too Tall Tree
As pretty as it is, it’s too tall for me to care for properly. It’s roots are partially above ground, making the yard fairly uneven. And it leaves these pods all over.
Maple Pods
I mean… all over. And once they dry up, they puff all over when stepped on. Puff, I say, like a dandelion globe. Cute, you say? Sure. When there’s three. Notsomuch when there’s three hundred.
This is the tree that for about a year, we’ve been trying to raise the funds to cut down. Once this tree is cut and the stumps removed (let’s not forget the other tree stump next to it), my hope is to find a way to level the lot. Next spring I want to line the fence with Boxwood or Photinia. I also hope to plant several dwarf fruit trees. I’m partial to Pomegranate and Olive. The aromas, the colorful fruits, the shelter and food for birds. It’s a win-win-win situation.
But lately I’ve been frustrated. Really frustrated. Because This Girl just can’t come up with enough money to take care of it. Even if I can’t afford to plant anything for a year or two, I still need to get this tree cut down. Because if I don’t, my Housing Project will consist of raking the yard. And only raking the yard. Repeatedly.
Never-Ending Debris
There’s only so much of that you can keep reading about, right?! Right.
Of course, I enjoy working in my yard. I’m reminded whenever I do, that I prayed for this yard. Four years ago, I prayed for a house that was fully fenced, landscaped, has an attached garage, indoor laundry room, and similar to my mom’s house. A nice quite neighborhood. Close to family, work, and Dot’s school.
And this is the house I found. This is the house I bought. This is my house.
This is my home. Our home.
So working in my yard reminds me that I prayed for this. Is it okay to cut down a tree? And if it is, how do I get the money to make it happen?
I know to be bold and specific in my prayers so about a week ago I was just that. I had a lovely conversation with God that went something like this:
Me: If I only had the money, I’d cut that tree down. God, is it okay to cut that tree down? The tree that you caused to grow in the yard that you gave me? Can I cut down that one tree, and plant more in it’s place?
God: Tell me what you want.
Me: I want the money to cut that tree down. And while we’re on that subject, I need the four small trees in the backyard cut down, too. They’re too close to the house and I can’t see the rest of the yard when I look out the windows.
God: Tell me what you want.
Me: I just told you. If I only had the money, I’d cut those trees down. But I’d plant more. So, you know. I’ll still take care of the land. As best I can. If I only had the money.
Cutting down this one tree in the front yard seems to be the catalyst for finishing up everything else I want to do. Even if it takes a few years of scrimping and saving and buying lotto tickets until I get there. Once this tree is down, I can start to work on the rest of the yard.
If I only had the money, I’d cut down that tree and get started on fixing up the front yard.
That’s the moment God gently chaffed me. “Take away the first part of that sentence.”
I didn’t understand. It takes money to get things done.
“No,” God said. “It takes prayer.”
I still didn’t understand. But I listened. “Take away the money,” He asked. “Tell me what you want.”
“I want the tree cut down. That’s it. That’s what I want. I want that tree cut down. I’m tired of puff balls and constant bark and leaves and clean up and overgrowth and too much shade and… I want that tree cut down.”
And then I stopped the conversation. I’m not one to tell God how to do His job, but it seems to me that when a tree-cutter tells you it’s gonna take $600 to cut down a tree, then $600 is what I need.
But God said no. God said pray. Have Faith. So I did. I prayed for someone to come over and cut down my tree. For free. Because God told me to.
As I was working on the yard Saturday morning, my neighbor-across-the-street was walking home from visiting with my neighbor-next-door, neither of whom I know beyond their first name and a polite wave now and then.
After a nod and a “Good morning, how are you?” he directed his steps closer and we started talking. I’m not even sure how the conversation led into it, but after a few minutes I was glancing at the Beast and telling him how I’m trying to remove it. He offered his chainsaw. To which I politely declined. “That’s so thoughtful, and I thank you. But me in a tree with a chainsaw is just asking for a major medical situation.”
He laughed. I’d misunderstood. How about, he said, he comes over next week and takes down the branches, then cuts the trunk for me?
How about it? I blinked.
Of course, he continued, there will be a few days of clean up. Tying his goat up to the front fence should take care of all the leaves, and prevent them from getting into the shrubs under my front window.
I blinked again. This time with a smile and a thank you.
When the goats are done, he and his son-in-law will come by and cut up the tree for firewood. I’ll keep the goat droppings to fertilize the shrubs.
I smiled. I laughed.
His wife then walked up as I was praising his neighborly helpfulness. “It’s a blessing to have good neighbors,” she said. We remembered the neighbors we had last year before they were evicted. They were noisy. Dirty. The bur under the saddle of this otherwise peaceful place. I asked how they could tolerate being so close to such illegal activities. “Nothing we could do but pray,” my neighbor said with a peaceful smile.
As I was sharing this story with Pammom (my dear friend and mentor), she rejoiced with me. She and her husband have been pseudo-parents to me for two decades. I love them deeply. Their sons are brothers to me, their grandchildren are my nieces and nephews. And she rejoiced with me over this story, telling me how “Poppa” has wanted to help but won’t be able to do anything for a few months due to his work schedule. Oh, Poppa! The tall tree in front is taken care of. But there are still four smaller ones in the back that need removing. And he’s just the man to do it.
It was then I realized God had planned this all along. He just wanted me to ask. For so long I prayed for money to accomplish my goals, instead of just praying for the goals themselves.
I’ve learned to not limit God. It’s one thing to be bold and specific in praying for what I want and need, but I was telling Him how to accomplish it. Rather than dictate the drive, I’ve realized it’s best just to tell Him the destination. His route is more scenic than mine… with a few adventures thrown in.
He’ll get me there.
One way or another.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
My Housing Project: What a Difference a Rake Makes
Poverty: My Story
TGIF
Hummingbird Moth at Lowe’s
This post is linked up with Shell at
Aug 6, 2013 |
The Penny Parable
Just over a month ago, I posted The Penny Parable – Part I. To be honest, I was nervous. This is a Parable that is so very near, dear and personal to me. I’ve told it a hundred times to anyone who would listen, but I wasn’t sure I could do justice writing it out for the Blog. God has a remarkable way of using people to reach others, and I have been blessed with wonderful stories of how this Parable has helped others see the Little Things that God is blessing them with.
A few months ago, I was asked to speak at my friend Patty’s ministry group. She was very instrumental in helping me raise my goal for printing The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition. Her daughter, Genny, is the mastermind behind Apron Armor: a ministry for moms. I immediately knew I would present the story behind the Cookbook, and share the Penny Parable. As I knew it.
But was it enough? Could God speak through me enough to push me to the back so that others would see and hear only Him and not me or my Cookbook? Yes. Yes. YES!
As I prayed in preparation of the meeting, the week that led up to it was filled with pennies. And from that week was bourne The Penny Parable – Part II.
Tarnished
I keep a handful of pennies in a small tin in my desk at work. When I’m having a particularly difficult day, when the world doesn’t seem nice or pleasant or peaceful, when stress is nearly overwhelming, I pull a penny out and keep it on my desktop.
On those terrible, difficult days, I hold it. Right there between my forefinger and thumb is a tangible, gentle reminder that God sees everything. He knows everything. And even if things don’t go the way I want, even when my people are hurting and I’m helpless for them, even when I want to turn my back on God because His blessings seem to be invisible to the world at large… holding that penny grounds me. That penny tells me He knows I’m here. And it let’s me know He is, too.
Although fully conscious of the penny in my hand and what it stood for, why I kept it, I was unaware of another message God was calling into my heart. While I was dealing with a particularly difficult work situation, I found myself rubbing the penny. Soon enough, the situation was resolved. And I was left with a bit of dirt on my hand that had rubbed off from the penny. I washed my hands and returned to my desk to realize the penny was now shiny. Almost new.
John 10:28-29 tells us that not only does Jesus have us safely in His grip, but our Father (Abba-Daddy) God is also holding us. That’s a double dose of spiritual strength right there!
Imagine how valuable we, as invaluable as a single penny, must truly be if both the Father and the Son are holding us so very tightly.
Now, imagine the care and concern God must have for us as He rubs off the dirt and grime, taking it unto Himself and away from us. The Bible is full of passages of the Lord cleansing us from ourselves and the world around us. Our failings, our sins, our humanness is removed and, by His rubbing, we are brought back to the Glory He created us to be. Once the world’s deposits are removed from us, we can shine! We are made new!
Sometimes it’s a gentle, affection touch to let us know He’s there. Sometimes it’s a harder scrubbing, a lesson learned and a discipline deserved. But always, always, always it is with the Love of a Savior!
There may be scars He can’t remove. Nicks and spots that will remain with you, a part of your very being. That doesn’t alter your contribution to His pocket or His penny jar.
My Penny Jar
He will continue to collect you. He will continue to spiff you up and take the damages upon Himself. He will add you to His collection, and show you, You Are Not Alone.
We’re all part of something bigger. You are a foundational contribution to God’s household. Whether you believe it or not. When you think your worth is nonexistent. When you wonder what it’s all about. Without your penny, He’s short of a dollar. Without your shine, the world is dull. Without your scars, there are no lessons to learn. And without you to hold, His hands are empty.
You. Are. Important.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
The Penny Parable – Part I
My Housing Project: Back to the Beginning
Dear God, I Owe You An Apology (Quit Helping Me!)
Jul 31, 2013 |
Recently I’ve been asked by several people to offer guidance on starting a blog. Apparently, I’m doing something right, if people are coming to me for inspiration.
Let’s face it: there’s a lot of blogs out there. It’s hard to know which ones to emulate, imitate, or eliminate. I like that Frankly, My Dear… is a “small” blog: by that I mean, it’s still personal. It’s a two-person operation. My web designer fixes the glitches and comes up with some amazing designs. I dream, create, cook, craft, photograph and write.
That’s not to say I wouldn’t love to have thousands of followers each month with more paid sponsorships, but I’ll take what I can get. Because I love being a Blogger. I’m in it for the love of the game.
Who can forget the Grand Reveal of the new blog design with this post just two months ago:
Field of Dreams
So yeah… I must be doing something right.
There’s a lot of advice to offer someone who’s thinking of starting a blog. The most important thing I can tell you is this: Take that first step. Ask yourself why.
My dear friend Chuck told me just tonight [paraphrasing here], “What are you afraid of? You have to put yourself out there. People aren’t going to hand you what you want until they know you want it.” And he’s right.
I’m a big fan of magical thinking. But the problem is just that: it’s only thinking. And I don’t really believe in magic. So. Back to the basics. Remember the TGIF: One post? It all starts with One. One idea. One step. One goal. One accomplishment. One foundation.
For those of you thinking of starting a blog, my first question to you is
WHY?
Never mind if others don’t get it. If you can satisfy yourself with the answer, you’re on your way.
There are many reasons to write a Blog. Some want a creative outlet or a place to vent. Others are looking for recognition or perhaps another avenue to promote themselves (writers, especially). Large companies and small mom-and-pop operations blog now and then to personalize their business.
There are Food Blogs, How-To Blogs, Craft Blogs, Family/Parenting/Mommy Blogs, Political/Religious/Viewpoint Blogs. Is the sky blue? There’s a Blog for that. Why is the grass green? Do you want the physical, environmental, creative, or religious perspective? There’s a Blog for that.
Knowing why you want to blog will guide you in designing your blog and how you promote it. But don’t feel you’re limited to just one theme. One overall idea, yes. One theme? Stagnant.
A traveler can blog about so many things: the different foods, customs, jet lag, environment.
Food blogs not only have recipes, but great kitchen product reviews and giveaways.
Photographers share their images and the stories behind them.
There’s no wrong reason to want to blog.
Do you have something to say? You can blog it!
But if you want to blog for fun without a sense of a Blog theme, I caution you to think about it first. Your Blog name will be your Brand. And if you don’t have a direction for your Blog, what you name it on a whim may end up not being at all what it’s about.
When I first started “Frankly, My Dear…” everyone expected me to write with an “I don’t care” attitude. And I can honestly say, that’s still me. Yes, the Blog has transitioned from a social experiment to a personal “here’s my day” recap to something much more fulfilling and substantial: my tales of Faith, Family, Food, Fun, and everything in between. But it’s still Me. And I don’t sugar-coat much (ask my best friend Julie. We pull no punches with each other). So whether it’s a new recipe or a movie review or a video of my cats, I blog because I’m a writer. And I can’t not write. I was born with ink in my veins. I have to write. Does it make a difference if others like my posts? Of course! I love the likes, shares, clicks and comments. Who wouldn’t? But I write what I write the way I write it. Because that’s me. And if I didn’t write the way I am, how could I authentically ask you to read my blog?
Blogging can be an adventure. A daily diary of your journey through life even if you never leave your chair. It can be an eclectic collection of poetry and prose that you’ve dusted off from the corners of your mind and want to share with the world at large. Or it can be a story, your story, on a continuing basis. Because you have something to say. And each day that you’re alive, you have more to share.
In future posts I’ll discuss ways to start a Blog and basic design options as well as posting Do’s and Dont’s. So if you have any questions about blogging, leave them in a comment below. Share this post with your friends who you think would make great bloggers. And be sure to subscribe to both the Blog (look in the column on the right) and the monthly email newsletter (click here) to stay updated with Frankly, My Dear… and New Inklings Press.
Here’s a Bonus Bit for today: Don’t be afraid to share yourself with the world. Whatever you write, write it authentically. Readers know what’s trite and what’s true. Don’t underestimate the worth of how you tell your tales.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading these blog samplings:
TGIF: A-P-P-R-E-C-I-A-T-I-V-E-L-Y
TGIF: One
Kitchen Craft: Aromatic Mason Jar
Destination: Mission Inn, Riverside, CA
Feta Tomato Spinach Salad in a Jar
Writing Prompt: Songs
When I Get to New York
Mojo Movie Review of the Week: “Eat, Pray, Love”
Jul 19, 2013 |
TGIF
There was no doubt that this had to be another TGIF post. Because as I write this, I am so very thankful.
I’ve been blessed to be able to share my Penny Parable with more people than I imagined. I continue to find pennies every day, and I’m so thankful when I do. Some are found at home, some in my car. Some are tiny savings in my checkbook. At the end of the week, 7 cents adds up. And since posting the Parable, I’ve been finding far more than just 7 a week. It makes it worth it: that positive outlook, the hope that even the smallest thing can bring magic and miracles to a day.
Penny, Penny
As I’m teaching myself with my yard work, there has to be a starting point. A beginning. And eventually, little things add up to big things. Or, as my friend Danny likes to quote from Bruce Springsteen, “From small things, Mama, big things one day come.”
My Penny Jar
I have long-range goals and short-term projects. But I’m understanding that nothing gets done until the first step is stepped.
Over a year ago, one of my closest friends was searching for a new job. He’d heard of a few colleagues who were receiving interview after interview after interview… but he wasn’t. He was frustrated. We prayed for him and his family. Dot and I prayed for direction, answers, openings. And God heard us. He said, “Why does he want so many interviews? He only needs one.” Of course, God was right. And shortly thereafter, that one right interview came.
I have many writing projects in the works. I always will. As a writer, I can’t write just one story without formulating more. I’ve never heard of any writer who can. But I have a schedule now, a plan. Each day I focus on one writing task. Mondays I work on my assignments for the Institute of Children’s Literature. On Thursdays, it’s all about The Grenalia Chronicles with Megan. Sundays are when I catch up on my Trekaroo reviews. See? Many projects. But each day, one focus.
Terrace of the Cafe at Night
The most complex recipe begins with one ingredient. All books start with one word. When one day is too long, clocks tick one second at a time. The sun rises one inch at a time.
First Morning
Movies are filmed one frame at a time.
And blessings overflow… one at a time.
This weekend we get to see family we don’t see regularly. My Big Brother and his family are coming to visit. How appropriate that he’s the first-born. I can’t wait to spend time with them all!
Today, I’m thankful for one more second with family. One more penny in my wallet. One more word to write, hug to share, smile to give, moment to just breathe.
One more blessing to count.
Today, I’m thankful. One more time.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Jul 15, 2013 |
It’s the beginning of the summer season. We’re having a strange-ish summer here in the High Desert. Most days are either filled with a high haze that obliterates the blue sky, or a feeling of humidity we don’t often experience. There have been moments of clear heat, those days that have melted us into the submission that comes with a tall glass of ice water and no more exercise than button-pushing on the remote control.
And in between, in the days that allow for outside movement and recreation… those days are filled with the day job and the errands and the catch-up events like dollar movies and friends and writing clubs and grocery shopping and baking…
What this summer is boiling down to is my List. I have a list of so many things to do in my front yard (backyard, too, but that’s a separate list!). Don’t get me wrong, my yard is turning out nicely with the bits and pieces we’ve been able to accomplish. But there’s so much more I want. Looking at the Big Picture, I easily become overwhelmed.
I’m tired of living on a dirt lot with shrub stumps and broken water lines. I’m upset that the homes around me have color and tidy yards while I have lumpy dirt and a stump that won’t die.
Overgrowth
Corner View
Stumpy
And so, in what will soon be detailed further in a Faith-based Blog post, I was nudged by God to “go back to the beginning”. He reminded me of how I came to own this house I’ve christened Bedford Manor. He brought back those moments of joy and satisfaction when it started to all come together. He inspired me again with the promise of things to come, and the security and beauty of what’s already here.
First Morning
I have beautiful plans to turn my Great Outdoor into a lovely Italian-themed desert landscape. I’ve done my research (thank you, Pinterest!). On my nearly non-existent budget, I’ll be dreaming more than doing at least for a while.
But there are two lessons here, maybe three.
First, I can’t do it all. But I can do one thing at a time. I can’t do it all at one time, and I can’t do everything I want. I can’t build a Koi pond in the same area I want to build a Pagoda or lay a container garden. I have to choose what it is I really want, and how I want it. While I’m deciding the Wants, I need to take care of the Needs. The tree stump that we tried to cut last year keeps growing back. The dying roots are unsettling the ground. So I can’t do it all. I can’t snap my fingers and have my yard insta-scaped. But I can cut back the growing stems. And I can drill the stump and keep it from growing back. Making my yard the garden spot I know it will be begins with one Project. And that one Project begins with one Step.
Second, I have Faith in my yard. I know what it will be like when it’s finished, but I don’t know how to get from now to then. I’m (mostly) okay with that. I have little ideas that will collect and grow and join together and soon my little ideas will be big ideas. It’s okay if I don’t see the Big Picture as a reality right now. Because I can still work on the design. I can plan. And plot. And save. And work. And try. And do whatever little beginnings I can do. God has given me this beautiful house that we’ve turned into a home. He answered my specific, bold, detailed prayer when house hunting. How could I not have faith that He will also answer my specific, bold, detailed prayer for the landscaping? I have to admit… I’ve forgotten to ask Him. I look around and sigh and struggle through the weeds and the dead stumps and the uneven ground and get discouraged. Got discouraged. Not any more! Because obviously this yard came with this home that is such an obvious blessing from God. And I believe He will help me turn it into a lovely yard, not just a dirt lot.
The third lesson is the First. That is, the most important. Stop, Look, and Listen. Stop being in such a tizzy over what needs to be done. Look and see what’s already been accomplished. Listen to that creative muse inside leading me to grand ideas. Go back to the Beginning.
I have simple, inexpensive ideas for my yard. The more research I do, the more I realize how do-able it is. I need to finish off the stump and cut down another tree. Pull out the dead lilac shrubs. Level the lot a bit more. Then comes the fun part. Pallets for a walkway and container garden. Rockscaping throughout the yard to cut down on dirt and dust and heat. A simple Pagoda that also supports a bench swing and grapevines. Pomegranate trees to add color and attract birds. Sugar Maples to splash their brilliance in the fall. A hedge of Boxwood along the front fence, and Oleander on the side. A wood deck under the side trees. A new coat of paint on the trim.
And that’s only half my list. But I’m no longer looking at the whole list. I’m looking at just the first item. The one I can take care of. The one I can start with.
One step at a time. One project at a time. One section at a time. And eventually, the little things will join together and I’ll have One complete yard.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
