February 16, 2010

THREE YEARS OF SWEET GARDEN CHICAGO


"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments,
embark upon a sentimental journey and enjoy every idle hour. "
-Jane Young


" It was a dark and stormy night .... ". Actually, more like a blinding February snow storm when I decided to take up brush and paint the above view from my kitchen window three years ago this month. Being snowbound I also thought I'd start to write a post for the blog my son, the webmaster, set up for me. Little did I know that I was starting on an exciting journey in the world of garden blogging.

It's been three wonderful years of blogging about gardening and meeting many fellow gardeners who speak the same language and share the same interest. My young son summed it up very well with a question : " Mom, is gardening all you ever think about ?" and " Don't you ever paint anything except flowers ?" Simple questions with a simple answer : No.

At this sixth decade of life I often reflect on my long journey from the rural Alabama farm to Chicago, the city of big shoulders. In my youth, I was nourished by the good earth's bounty and lacking most modern conveniences of the time, found joy in simple pleasures . Orphaned at an early age and without the love, guidance and inspiration of a mother I had only myself to look to . It's not easy being your own boss and sometimes I'm harder on myself than others but I am pleased with my journey thus far. I am rich, not in a material sense, but in good health, creativity, and the love of friends and family.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson so aptly stated : " A life in harmony with nature, the love of truth and virtue, will purge the eyes to understanding her text. "









Written by Carolyngail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago
All rights reserved

10 comments:

  1. Carolyn Gail - what a sweet story. I love these insights into what makes us strong, what drives us and what inspires.

    Take care,
    Cameron

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  2. Lovely painting and sharing of your beginning blogging days and life overview... Happy Blog Birthday! The Emerson quote is perfect! ;>)

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  3. Your son the webmaster did a fine thing, setting up a blog for you to express yourself and your love of gardening. Your paintings have always brought me great joy when you show them on the blog, and having one hanging in my home where it can be gazed upon every single day reminds me of you and your lovely garden and Chicago. You have made quite a life for yourself and should feel proud of your accomplishments. A big hug on your blogaversary! {{{{{U}}}}}
    Frances

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  4. I began gardening at the age of eight or nine on a thirty foot lot in Chicago. I had an aunt as a mentor. I loved your story!

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  5. Carolyn! Happy, happy, blogaversary! I'm so glad you took up blogging, especially because I learn so much from your artist's eye--not the least of which is the awesome word Epatoozies. Here's to many more years of blogging bliss.

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  6. Your son gave you a nice gift by setting up your blog, and you in turn have given to others through your writings, pictures, and paintings. Congrats on 3 years!

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  7. Carolyn - Happy anniversary. Your son gave you - and us - a great gift in setting up the blog. I am particularly happy to have found my way to you and to Muse Day, which I found so intimidating at first, but which I now look forward to. You have been my muse.

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  8. Happy, happy, happy 3rd Blogaversary, Carolyn. It's been a joy for all of your fans. Thank you *hugs*!

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  9. This had me laughing, " Mom, is gardening all you ever think about ?"

    It really was wonderful of your son to set up the blog for you, Carolyn - but credit for all the thinking and writing must be yours!

    Happy 3rd Blogiversary and many more ;-]

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

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