The world is a busy place,
but it is tranquil on the porch.
There are the sounds of birds
who often come to visit…
Sometimes, only one or two,
and sometimes, many more.
They perch upon the chairs and railings,
and are rarely still for long.
These winged creatures flutter about,
here, there, and everywhere…
So much to see, so much to do,
so much wonder to discover.
I do not have their wings, and surely,
I cannot fly…
Still, their flight gives me the courage
to try again, to rise above each and every storm…
It is as if those tiny wings could inspire us all
to be our very best, wings of grace in motion.
April Blessings & Earth Day
April has been a busy month at our house, planting gardens, cleaning out our shed, putting down grass seed in the yard, and spring cleaning throughout the house.
Of late, I have heard the owls often in our back woods. Sometimes, they come very near to the house. I love to hear them, even though I do not always see them.
This past Friday night, we buried the ashes of our beloved German Shepherd-Husky, Bella. She was almost sixteen years old when she died. It has taken some time to get her garden ready. We planned for ‘Bella’s garden’, but somehow, the months kept passing by…
At long last, with the azaleas all in bloom, it seemed the perfect time.
It may sound odd in April, but we celebrated her life with a Thanksgiving dinner. We had turkey, stuffing, a green bean casserole, and biscuits and gravy. Too much turkey is not good for dogs, but turkey was one of Bella’s favorite foods. She always got a plate on Thanksgiving Day with all the trimmings.
We found some plaques that the grandchildren could put down at the gravesite. The little ones wanted to help with the shovels of dirt when we buried Bella. We prayed together and thanked God for this beautiful dog who brought the whole family so much joy. The grandchildren seemed happy to be part of this service for Bella. They were happy to know that she was safe in dog heaven.
Today is Earth Day, and I do thank God for this little corner of the world where the grandchildren can run and play. It is the same yard where my own children played…We have planted a few new rose bushes and a couple of azaleas this spring. The grandchildren seem so delighted with every new thing that we plant.
April has brought us many blessings…a little piece of the earth to tend anew in our own yard, meals shared with family and friends, home-grown flowers for the grandchildren (and me) to pick, and soon vegetables we can pick and eat from the garden. (It is a small garden, but it is still fun!)
We must all do our part to help the earth, and every little bit goes a long way. Teaching our children and grandchildren to care and tend for the earth is so very important. Children seem so interested in every living thing. They always have so many questions about flying insects, how plants grow, how everything works together in our ecosystem. I am sometimes astounded by their questions, because really, they are so very little themselves. And yet, they care so deeply and in such a profound and moving way. Perhaps, if we learn to look at the world around us as they do, we will once again experience the magic all around us…the inherent beauty in the natural world…as if we were seeing it for the very first time. Through the eyes of a child, the earth is a very splendid thing…full of mystery and awe.
In the garden, the butterflies and bees are very busy. Rain or shine, the birds are singing their little hearts out. Yes, it is surely a day of celebration…God’s creation is a very beautiful thing. Let us each do our part to be the very best stewards of the earth that we can be…it is one of our greatest blessings. In this springtime world where nature is full of abundant gifts, may we pause and give thanks to God. He has crafted each and every flower to perfection. Miracles abound wherever we look…Praise God for His abundant love and provision!
Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
John 1:3: “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.”
Awe, sweet garden with great love.
Yes! I kept waiting for the perfect time as if there is such a thing. And yet, it did seem a perfect time, all the children gathered together and the little ones dancing about. I thought it might rain, but the rain held off. And so, it was very good. I did not make any apple pies. (The dog liked those too. She was always first to the table to sample the baked goods!!! 🙂 I would call my four children to the supper table, but the dog would race down the stairs before anyone else appeared…) Of course, I always gave her a little snack! And, she lived to be very old, little treats and all!!!
She lived her life knowing she was dearly loved and cared for. So rewarding to reflect on.
I always looked for her first thing when I came home…but then, she was looking for me too! For most of my life, I always had a dog. They are each different with their own personalities. You cannot replace them, but there is always enough love to give to the next one…Not sure when I will be ready for the next pup, but there are so many dogs that need a home. Bella was a rescue dog…my son was away at college at the time and heard about the puppies. The puppies were living under a car with the mother dog. It was March and still very cold for them. My son brought her home, and she was such a little blessing for our family. 🙂
I have had a dog most all of my life, too. You are so right, you can never replace them.
We can never replace them…that is most certainly true. Their love and loyalty is such a beautiful thing. At some point, I will probably want another dog…I will know when the time is right! 🙂
What a beautiful corner of the world!
I have seen pictures of your yard and so I do appreciate your comment! It is a labor of love to work in the garden. I am always happy when I work outside. The world slows down a bit and there is just the moment at hand. It is so nice in that way. 🙂
I felt happy and at peace just reading your reflections and seeing the photos of your beautiful outdoor surroundings. You’ve created such a lovely memorial to Bella.
Thank you! I have planted some white Iris bulbs that will bloom sometime…maybe next spring. That is the wonder of the garden. You must sometimes wait for the blooms to arrive. How spectacular when they do appear…a grand surprise!
You’re welcome, Linda! We had four daffodils pop up in full bloom a couple of days ago. If we planted them, I sure don’t remember doing so!
Yes! That is the beauty of the natural world…unexpected blooms!!!
😀
Thank you for this welcome interlude, Linda.
You are welcome! Spring is a glorious time…it is a celebration of life. It is awesome to see nature unfold in a myriad of ways…so beautiful!
I’m so sorry about Bella! And I think it makes perfect sense to wait until the time is right to bury her ashes. Dogs are part of the family for sure! I also loved your poem….we have many birds who visit our porch, and I love seeing them. There’s something about Spring that makes God’s promise of eternal life seem that much more real. I’m not saying that well, but you know what I mean!
I do know exactly what you mean and I think you said it perfectly. When I plant bulbs in the garden, I often think the very same thing. It is hard to imagine that this little bulb will become a beautiful flower…so alive. Springtime does remind us of God’s promise of eternal life…everything is altogether new.
A wonderful reflection on Earth Day, Linda. My deepest condolences on your loss of a special family member. You had a wonderful memorial for Bella with a lovely garden resting place.
Thank you! The garden is beautiful this time of year! We had a little cold snap here…I look forward to the warm-weather days!!! 🙂 My roses are starting to bloom…I love the roses best of all!
There are many lessons and blessings to be found in God’s creation! 🤍
Yes! There are more lessons and blessings than we can count! I hope you enjoy these spring days…summer will be here in no time!
This post was absolutely beautiful. Our earth is precious, just like the ones we love. So sorry for the loss of Bella, Linda. My prayers to you.
Thank you! And, thank you also for your prayers! Wishing you blessings in these springtime days…so much beauty everywhere. 🙂
Thank you.
loving your poem and your vivid pics but I must say that Bella’s memorial garden, those plagues are exceptional … and perfect the involve the grandies!
We used to be excluded from death and sickness at that age and it’s not healthy 🙁
Thank you! I have been taking a lot of pictures this spring. Everything is so green and each day there are changes. I am growing some veggies in pots on the deck and they are twice the size already. The little ones were a big help! 🙂 (I agree…it is good for them to be a part of everything.)
glad everything is growing so well!
🙂 🙂 🙂
Oh my what a sweet tribute for Bella. It sounds like she was well loved! It’s hard saying goodbye to our fur babies but when she was so specially cared for it allows for lots of positive memories to reflect back on for years to come. ❤️
Yes! We always have the memories! Dogs are special blessings…the saying about leaving their pawprints on our hearts is most certainly true! 🙂
Hi, Linda, your post brought tears to my eyes twice – first for Bella and second for your talk of children and Nature. I am just back from spending time with my mother. We planted trees, bushes, and flowers in her yard while I was there. It was a great joy. We hadn’t done anything like that since my childhood. The photos in this post are magnificent. Many blessings sent your way, Linda. 🙂
I wish you blessings as well! It is wonderful that you spent that time with your mother out in nature. There is something so incredibly awesome that happens in the world of the garden. Fifteen years ago, we planted these little Magnolia trees…they are huge now. Sometimes, I just stand and watch the bees and the butterflies and it gives me such a deep sense of peace. They are so very beautiful. The garden is always changing, day to day. It is like life itself in that way. There are grand surprises and some things that do not do as well as we hoped. But then, there is always the possibility of a ‘late bloom’, some wondrous thing we never expected could ever happen.
I know Bella was there with you in spirit for that Thanksgiving in April dinner, and she certainly loves what you have done with her garden as well. I also like the thought of us all being stewards of the plant, and that it is one of our greatest gifts. So true. A beautiful post, Linda.
Thank you for your kind comment! God has blessed us with much in the natural world. The more time we spend in that world, the greater the reward. Perhaps, the greatest gift of cultivating a garden is the unfolding mystery of it all. It offers many life lessons. I am never happier with the garden than when I find something in bloom that I had lost hope on. It reminds me not to give up on things when they seem a bit out of reach…because really, you just never know. In the garden of life, there are lots of surprises! Our Bella loved the outdoors as most dogs do…I think this garden would please her!
Dear Bella must have received the best of care to enjoy her earthly life for so long. But any time is too soon for a beloved pet. I’m sorry for your loss, Linda. / I happen to be out on our deck this afternoon while commenting on blogs. It’s a bit over-breezy, but glorious to be enjoying intermittent sunshine, a bird serenade, the fresh greenery and our flowers. YOUR porch and yard look especially inviting–so peaceful!
It sounds wonderful out on your deck! As you know, the yard and gardens are always a work in progress! I am happy to welcome this new month of May, tomorrow. It is a lovely month before it gets really hot. Thank you for your kind words in regard to our Bella. God has blessed us so profoundly with our pets…we love them so, and they are little joy-makers. I wish you many happy moments in these sunshiny days. You are wise to do your blogging outdoors! 🙂
A lovely poem for April, Linda, and beautiful photos. I also love the return of the birds and their welcome songs. I’m so sorry for your loss of Bella. Our four-footed family members are close to our hearts. I hope the renewal that comes with spring brings you much peace. Hugs.
Thank you for your kind words on behalf of our Bella! She is surely missed! We are having lots of May showers…after our April showers!!! All the rain is keeping everything very green. Springtime is awesome…so much beauty around us to celebrate. I wish you blessings in these springtime days when nature is so full of wonder…may you find it on all the trails you travel, around each and every turn!!!
<3