I’m staying with my sister, Tessa, in Texas for a while. After my mom passed away in 2003, Tessa began creating an outdoor space she’s called Gran’s Garden (my niece and nephew called my mom Gran). It’s beautifully and magically overgrown with bushes and trees; stone cherubs peek out from beneath the groundcover; a rusty metal archway teems with vines; a flagstone area beckons visitors to sit and meditate.
It’s one of the most peaceful and spiritual places I’ve ever been. I love that I can end the year in such a place. I was standing in the garden yesterday, eyes closed. Dozens of birds were flitting about from limb to limb. All I could hear was the fluttering of their wings.
And I said “Thank you” aloud. To whom? I don’t know. Spirit. The Universe. Mom. Doesn’t matter. The moment was about gratitute. Not longing, not expectation.
2010 has been an amazing year. Did I get an agent or sell my book? Nope. Doesn’t matter.
- I finished my first novel. I revised it and revised it again. It’s being read by agents. I have to trust the process is out of my control now.
- I found a critique partner via a former work colleague. She’s 2000 miles away but I feel her support as if she’s in the room with me, sharing a cup of coffee. Her insights help me to be a better writer.
- I wasn’t accepted into the Hedgebrook writers-in-residence program, but out of 800-plus applications, I made it to the 80 finalists. That’s a compliment I don’t want to lose by being upset with the final outcome.
- I have an amazing spouse, amazing family and amazing friends.
- I have shelter, food, health, financial security when there is such poverty and want in the world.
My sister tells me I don’t need a physical space to feel this way…that I can carry Gran’s Garden in my heart. How true.
Do you have a space you go to for reflection?
Leave a Reply