We continue leveling the area around the new ponds. At first I thought I'd build a bridge between the small island-like area between the ponds. Now I have another idea, taken from something I saw in a magazine. I am thinking, instead, to use a pathway that is, in essence a bridge, but softer and less formal.
I've decided to get some youpons which are my favorite foundational plants. There are several varieties but what I enjoy about them is their eternally evergreen nature. They grow tall like trees (in effect some varieties are) and keep their leaves year round. They take the heat well and they grow with vigor.
I usually plant in threes, establishing a backdrop or rhythm, sometimes in a triangle so that there are lots of geometric shapes taking "shape" before your eyes as you look towards the garden. It's an old design trick...repeat in odd numbers with a similar texture, color or shape. Any good painting will have this if you look closely enough. Gardening is simply living art, which is why, I think, it can become an obsession. Art calls upon the primordial nature of our souls which can only be answered with creating new, living things. It is a call that cannot be ignored and once you hear it, you hear little else.
Today the weather is expected to reach 95 degrees so the weeks prior of mulching, watering will pay off. No more planting for this year until Fall when I hope to put the beginning brush strokes of a new garden onto the canvas.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Gardner's Journal: Bermuda
I awaken around 2 to the rush of a spring storm. The heavy rain falls and I think in my pre-awaken stupor of one thing: weeds.
I know that the hard Oklahoma sun will soon bake the earth into an unmoveable clay pot, unforgiving and unyielding as May gives way to June, June to July. By August, even the hardiest of annuals and perennials are thirsting and wilting.
But not Bermuda. This spongey grass is the usual selection of most yards which face the cruel ice of winter and the heat of summer. It is heat resistent, tolerant and oh so persistent. While its beauty of a lawn can outlast other varieties, it's deadly in the garden where it inevitably makes its way. Like a great green spidery wave, it laps at my garden, threatening.
My love/hate relationship with this plant yields more towards "rage" this time of year. After weeks of carefully laying the foundation of my beloved roses, perennials each day more and more of my garden is laid in its path.
I have made counter-attacks by building borders of wood, sometimes 12 inches high. I have laid a trench of sand, covered by a rubbery length of something. I have laid rock, retaining walls as a fortress to my creations. "Stay out!" I say, each day. "Why are you here? It's not as if you don't have two other acres to fill in!" My shouting is futile, my effort seemingly worthless. It's fingers clutch at the edges of the borders, grasping for the mulch, sending itself towards the plants, overtaking all in its way.
This is its attack: Sometimes the start of one end is just a distraction...it's real root is perhaps several feet away, every few feet or so it sends its death-defying roots into the ground, anchoring itself, feeding on the healthy soil. It's a thief, this thing, keeping all the nutrients for itself, keeping others waiting, despairing, hungry for food and water.
Each day I assess the damage, weeding fork in right hand, bag in other. These are my extensions, my claws as I trudge, make my way. I stoop and kneel and begin the removal. Precision is called for, concentration needed. I point the fork into the moist ground (always better to weed after a big rain), it gives way. I push a bit more and then some more. There is a deep pleasure I feel in going deeper and deeper until the end of the root is found. Triumphantly, I push with my forked claw and I pull with my left and the intruder is removed.
Sometimes I curse at it, amazed at its persistent and strength. I believe that if I don't keep doing this work that my entire house will be a victim to its voracious appetite and strength. Drifts of it have been known to cover entire stones, eating its way through sidewalks, even walls.
Each day this is my work. I water, I weed. I water, I weed. Water, weed, water, weed. Within the counter attacks there is a certain respect I have for this persistent lodger. Its verocity and strength amaze me. I think of its qualities and I see things worthy of respect: tenacity, strength, consistency.
But Bermuda, like a malignancy runs through my yard, with its bandido ways and piracy.
Some of my friends suggest that I use weed killer and I have. But the blessed wind in Oklahoma can really be tricky with that. One small breeze and what I intended for the root of bermuda will be on my hydrangea or my begonia or worse, my roses. And if indeed the weed killer does its work, it leaves its mark with an anemic patch of yellow. Better to have the claw, I find.
My battle lines are clearly drawn, I will fight to the end. I have the same tenacity it has..I can beat this thing. So each day, I trudge, I claw, I weed.
(unfinished)....
I know that the hard Oklahoma sun will soon bake the earth into an unmoveable clay pot, unforgiving and unyielding as May gives way to June, June to July. By August, even the hardiest of annuals and perennials are thirsting and wilting.
But not Bermuda. This spongey grass is the usual selection of most yards which face the cruel ice of winter and the heat of summer. It is heat resistent, tolerant and oh so persistent. While its beauty of a lawn can outlast other varieties, it's deadly in the garden where it inevitably makes its way. Like a great green spidery wave, it laps at my garden, threatening.
My love/hate relationship with this plant yields more towards "rage" this time of year. After weeks of carefully laying the foundation of my beloved roses, perennials each day more and more of my garden is laid in its path.
I have made counter-attacks by building borders of wood, sometimes 12 inches high. I have laid a trench of sand, covered by a rubbery length of something. I have laid rock, retaining walls as a fortress to my creations. "Stay out!" I say, each day. "Why are you here? It's not as if you don't have two other acres to fill in!" My shouting is futile, my effort seemingly worthless. It's fingers clutch at the edges of the borders, grasping for the mulch, sending itself towards the plants, overtaking all in its way.
This is its attack: Sometimes the start of one end is just a distraction...it's real root is perhaps several feet away, every few feet or so it sends its death-defying roots into the ground, anchoring itself, feeding on the healthy soil. It's a thief, this thing, keeping all the nutrients for itself, keeping others waiting, despairing, hungry for food and water.
Each day I assess the damage, weeding fork in right hand, bag in other. These are my extensions, my claws as I trudge, make my way. I stoop and kneel and begin the removal. Precision is called for, concentration needed. I point the fork into the moist ground (always better to weed after a big rain), it gives way. I push a bit more and then some more. There is a deep pleasure I feel in going deeper and deeper until the end of the root is found. Triumphantly, I push with my forked claw and I pull with my left and the intruder is removed.
Sometimes I curse at it, amazed at its persistent and strength. I believe that if I don't keep doing this work that my entire house will be a victim to its voracious appetite and strength. Drifts of it have been known to cover entire stones, eating its way through sidewalks, even walls.
Each day this is my work. I water, I weed. I water, I weed. Water, weed, water, weed. Within the counter attacks there is a certain respect I have for this persistent lodger. Its verocity and strength amaze me. I think of its qualities and I see things worthy of respect: tenacity, strength, consistency.
But Bermuda, like a malignancy runs through my yard, with its bandido ways and piracy.
Some of my friends suggest that I use weed killer and I have. But the blessed wind in Oklahoma can really be tricky with that. One small breeze and what I intended for the root of bermuda will be on my hydrangea or my begonia or worse, my roses. And if indeed the weed killer does its work, it leaves its mark with an anemic patch of yellow. Better to have the claw, I find.
My battle lines are clearly drawn, I will fight to the end. I have the same tenacity it has..I can beat this thing. So each day, I trudge, I claw, I weed.
(unfinished)....
"Schlock": A definition
Schlock -- a yiddish term meaning crap devoid of soul.
Spirit -- a aesthetical sense, as the animating principle of the mind, imaginative and entirely opposed to the spirit of imitation. (Immanuel Kant)
Creativity -- natural gift or talent which gives rise to the original and beautiful. (Kant)
"A poem cold be elegant and neat but without a greter depth; a conversation might be entertaining but lack soul; a man could be handsome but not contain this soulful animation..." (Brehony)
"Creativity is a ntural manifestation of life and its origins are in the unconscious." (E.W. Sinnot)
"Creativity is a critical aspect of every self-actualized personality" (Maslow) Maslow also observed that, "all creative acts were not in the domain of certain kinds of professionals, but as with potential, was within every individual and that creativity reflected itself in everyday, mundane activities. ...a first rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting and that generally, cooking or parenthood or making a home could be creative while poetry need not be; it could be uncreative."
"Creativity is nothing less than the 'process of making or bringing into being the way we express our being.' (Rollo May)
The English words create and creative come from the Latin creare, meaning "to cause to grow; to bring forth, create or produce."
Creativity is more than an occasional good idea. It is an attitude toward life, a way of expressing inner reality by bringing it into our outer world. It incorporates innovation, new perspectives, passion, humor, playfulness, joy and inspiration. Living a fluid creative life enriches the texture of existence, brings sensation to a new level of experience and allows for a new understanding of our connection to the great Mystery. (Brehony)
Spirit -- a aesthetical sense, as the animating principle of the mind, imaginative and entirely opposed to the spirit of imitation. (Immanuel Kant)
Creativity -- natural gift or talent which gives rise to the original and beautiful. (Kant)
"A poem cold be elegant and neat but without a greter depth; a conversation might be entertaining but lack soul; a man could be handsome but not contain this soulful animation..." (Brehony)
"Creativity is a ntural manifestation of life and its origins are in the unconscious." (E.W. Sinnot)
"Creativity is a critical aspect of every self-actualized personality" (Maslow) Maslow also observed that, "all creative acts were not in the domain of certain kinds of professionals, but as with potential, was within every individual and that creativity reflected itself in everyday, mundane activities. ...a first rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting and that generally, cooking or parenthood or making a home could be creative while poetry need not be; it could be uncreative."
"Creativity is nothing less than the 'process of making or bringing into being the way we express our being.' (Rollo May)
The English words create and creative come from the Latin creare, meaning "to cause to grow; to bring forth, create or produce."
Creativity is more than an occasional good idea. It is an attitude toward life, a way of expressing inner reality by bringing it into our outer world. It incorporates innovation, new perspectives, passion, humor, playfulness, joy and inspiration. Living a fluid creative life enriches the texture of existence, brings sensation to a new level of experience and allows for a new understanding of our connection to the great Mystery. (Brehony)
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Writing
The first letter I remember writing was to my grandmother. We lived for a time in Louisiana and I suppose the crabs, crocodiles and humidty went to my head. I wrote her and she wrote back and offered me wonderful encouragment. "You'll be a great writer someday."
But one's grandmother is just one removed from mother, so though I was happy SHE was happy, I didn't much think of myself as being a writer. And the same grandmother also encouraged me to get a job that "pays". Even grandmother knew that not all dreams pay well.
Over the years I've dabbled in writing, reading all the time, thinking that I would still love to grow up and be a writer. There is no activity, save reading, that gives me more pleasure and a sense of being "in sync" than writing.
Recently, through a series of really interesting events I stumbled upon someone who is a "real" writer and who believes in my work. And she and I are working on getting some of my creations -- should I say "our" creations together.
And since there is a big difference between a "writer" and a "published writer" then I should hasten to add that sure, being published would be a dream come true. But just having someone say (besides a family member) that what I have to say and how I say it is worthwhile is more than enough for me.
This blog is a good "training tool" for me and a lot of the stuff that I'm working to refine may have first been seen here.
I have a lot to learn, probably more than I realize. But the adventure is calling and I'm up for the trip.
But one's grandmother is just one removed from mother, so though I was happy SHE was happy, I didn't much think of myself as being a writer. And the same grandmother also encouraged me to get a job that "pays". Even grandmother knew that not all dreams pay well.
Over the years I've dabbled in writing, reading all the time, thinking that I would still love to grow up and be a writer. There is no activity, save reading, that gives me more pleasure and a sense of being "in sync" than writing.
Recently, through a series of really interesting events I stumbled upon someone who is a "real" writer and who believes in my work. And she and I are working on getting some of my creations -- should I say "our" creations together.
And since there is a big difference between a "writer" and a "published writer" then I should hasten to add that sure, being published would be a dream come true. But just having someone say (besides a family member) that what I have to say and how I say it is worthwhile is more than enough for me.
This blog is a good "training tool" for me and a lot of the stuff that I'm working to refine may have first been seen here.
I have a lot to learn, probably more than I realize. But the adventure is calling and I'm up for the trip.
Gardner's Journal: Maintainance
My morning schedule is as follows: after walking and running, I haul the very heavy and very tangled hose out to the front and water the new plants. I then weed. And weed. And weed.
Then, I eat a quick breakfast, go into back yard where I water more and weed more. The weeding and watering is all that matters now.
There are still garden stores filled with color and plants but I'm done planting for this year. Come Fall, I will be at it again.
I've already started the grand plans for three new gardens -- one on the South side of my house which I think will have a mediterranean influence. Then, the pond garden (which I'm laying some of the hardscaping now) will need to be tended to. And then on the North side, I want to expand the front border and clean it up a bit. The previous owners really seemed to enjoy native rock -- and I don't - so I'm re-doing the borders using retaining walls.
But for now "gardening" is deadheading the roses, keeping weeds to minimum and keeping things watered. This will be the word for the next 8 weeks or so. It's not the glamorous work that creating the designs are (my favorite) but it is necessary and essential. My garden can sustain itself with new plantings just from the perennials that are now growing...so keeping them healthy is important.
I see a lot of things I want to change -- too much yellow here, not enough height over there. I need a better record keeping system than I have...I fly by the seat of my pants too much.
Then, I eat a quick breakfast, go into back yard where I water more and weed more. The weeding and watering is all that matters now.
There are still garden stores filled with color and plants but I'm done planting for this year. Come Fall, I will be at it again.
I've already started the grand plans for three new gardens -- one on the South side of my house which I think will have a mediterranean influence. Then, the pond garden (which I'm laying some of the hardscaping now) will need to be tended to. And then on the North side, I want to expand the front border and clean it up a bit. The previous owners really seemed to enjoy native rock -- and I don't - so I'm re-doing the borders using retaining walls.
But for now "gardening" is deadheading the roses, keeping weeds to minimum and keeping things watered. This will be the word for the next 8 weeks or so. It's not the glamorous work that creating the designs are (my favorite) but it is necessary and essential. My garden can sustain itself with new plantings just from the perennials that are now growing...so keeping them healthy is important.
I see a lot of things I want to change -- too much yellow here, not enough height over there. I need a better record keeping system than I have...I fly by the seat of my pants too much.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Book recommendation
I am re-reading "The Resurrected Church" by Charles Baker and find it quite helpful. I read this book about 2 years ago and picked it up again recently and am finding it that it resonates with me and what I believe about my faith. It has been a source of clarity and comfort to me.
For me the liberal discussion (sometimes called "postmodern" by some) started well after I already had been sensing some significant shifts mainly in my own industry. I began to notice that some approaches were not working well and that they lacked a certain authenticity and I felt less and less sure about them. I then started applying those same ideas to what I had seen in the church that I attended at the time.
Bayer and others have provided a "place to hang" what I knew was already there..he and others have provided a framework in which to think, discuss and reflect upon how I can be what I believe God is calling me to be in my life.
Let me hasten to add to that -- I don't think -- or hope - to save the world. On most days, I wonder if I can even save myself. But I would like to think that the work that I do even in the most practical sense of it could be at the very least not damaging to others and at the very most perhaps adding value to others in some way. I am increasingly concerned about the truly disenfranchised of my world and how I can hope to reach out to them with kindness.
I remain truly skeptical of most "christian" approaches and I find Bayer's book extremely supportive and reassuring. I'll post more on some of the quotes that I find in upcoming days.
A Resurrected Church: Christianity after the Death of Christendom
Retail Price:$19.99
^Click to Enlarge^
Author: Charles H. Bayer ISBN: 08272-32233 Product Description:"To Bayer the death of Christendom and the fall from power of the church represent the opportunity for the church to rediscover and return to its original mission and ministry, one which it largely abandoned by its alliance with political power and authority. This is a challenging book, one which it would profit all church planters and diocesan growth strategists to read, mark, and learn." - The Living Church --> PROPERTIES -->
For me the liberal discussion (sometimes called "postmodern" by some) started well after I already had been sensing some significant shifts mainly in my own industry. I began to notice that some approaches were not working well and that they lacked a certain authenticity and I felt less and less sure about them. I then started applying those same ideas to what I had seen in the church that I attended at the time.
Bayer and others have provided a "place to hang" what I knew was already there..he and others have provided a framework in which to think, discuss and reflect upon how I can be what I believe God is calling me to be in my life.
Let me hasten to add to that -- I don't think -- or hope - to save the world. On most days, I wonder if I can even save myself. But I would like to think that the work that I do even in the most practical sense of it could be at the very least not damaging to others and at the very most perhaps adding value to others in some way. I am increasingly concerned about the truly disenfranchised of my world and how I can hope to reach out to them with kindness.
I remain truly skeptical of most "christian" approaches and I find Bayer's book extremely supportive and reassuring. I'll post more on some of the quotes that I find in upcoming days.
A Resurrected Church: Christianity after the Death of Christendom
Retail Price:$19.99
^Click to Enlarge^
Author: Charles H. Bayer ISBN: 08272-32233 Product Description:"To Bayer the death of Christendom and the fall from power of the church represent the opportunity for the church to rediscover and return to its original mission and ministry, one which it largely abandoned by its alliance with political power and authority. This is a challenging book, one which it would profit all church planters and diocesan growth strategists to read, mark, and learn." - The Living Church --> PROPERTIES -->
"Kingdom of Heaven"
I'm returning today to see the movie that I viewed late last night, "Kingdom of Heaven" Which probably tells you right off that I'm a big fan of this movie...any movie that I want to see twice is a real rarity for me. (http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/kingdom_of_heaven/)
What I like about this movie:
Fluidity of film scenes -- often in a big war picture, the scenes "jump" a little as the director/crew tend to overedit the film...it appears too often that one is "watching" a movie. In this movie, I completely was taken in with the action. I jumped when the blood squirted, in other words. It's not a grisly movie but I'd rate it a "7" on a "1 - 10" gross score. In short, my 17 year old would love it.
The complexities of the characters -- it would be very easy for a movie such as this to have a 'good guy' and a 'bad guy' or several of each. Truth is, with one exception, they are all hoodlums, all with their own agenda. I found myself sympathetic with characters that could be considered the 'bad' guys. I think this works better because it is more like real life -- most of us are a combination of good and evil...some of us more so.
Historical accuracy -- with a few minor exceptions, the battles are fought with time-appropriate armour, buildings and people are historical in perspective. What's more, I felt that these cinematic flourishes were supporting roles -- not characters in and of themselves -- they supported the story line well. I wasn't distracted by "wow, aren't those cool costumes!" or anything like that. Director Ridley Scott (who also directed "Gladiator") does a superb job of this in most of his films. He goes for historical accuracy but reigns it in so that the audience sees the story, not the cool gimmicks.
Most of all I empathized with the protoganists (Orlando Bloom) situation...a fallen man, in a fallen world in search of redemption. So it was a meaningful film to watch and think about.
I also now have more interest in the wars of Jerusalem. Historically, they all seem to run together and lose their impact...this film helped me remember in graphic ways the holy skirmishes that have been with us for thousands of years and how they have shaped history (and events today).
What I didn't like about this movie:
Orlando Bloom. Yes, he's a hottie but as an actor he reminds me a lot of Tom Cruise -- you see the same role just in different characters, different situations (although Tommy boy has widened his reportoire a bit lately). This role is played with almost a morbid sense of melancholy -- even the parts when he gets the girl. I'd like to see a bit more emotional range from him.
I think this movie could be a great catalyst for a discussion group among friends.
What I like about this movie:
Fluidity of film scenes -- often in a big war picture, the scenes "jump" a little as the director/crew tend to overedit the film...it appears too often that one is "watching" a movie. In this movie, I completely was taken in with the action. I jumped when the blood squirted, in other words. It's not a grisly movie but I'd rate it a "7" on a "1 - 10" gross score. In short, my 17 year old would love it.
The complexities of the characters -- it would be very easy for a movie such as this to have a 'good guy' and a 'bad guy' or several of each. Truth is, with one exception, they are all hoodlums, all with their own agenda. I found myself sympathetic with characters that could be considered the 'bad' guys. I think this works better because it is more like real life -- most of us are a combination of good and evil...some of us more so.
Historical accuracy -- with a few minor exceptions, the battles are fought with time-appropriate armour, buildings and people are historical in perspective. What's more, I felt that these cinematic flourishes were supporting roles -- not characters in and of themselves -- they supported the story line well. I wasn't distracted by "wow, aren't those cool costumes!" or anything like that. Director Ridley Scott (who also directed "Gladiator") does a superb job of this in most of his films. He goes for historical accuracy but reigns it in so that the audience sees the story, not the cool gimmicks.
Most of all I empathized with the protoganists (Orlando Bloom) situation...a fallen man, in a fallen world in search of redemption. So it was a meaningful film to watch and think about.
I also now have more interest in the wars of Jerusalem. Historically, they all seem to run together and lose their impact...this film helped me remember in graphic ways the holy skirmishes that have been with us for thousands of years and how they have shaped history (and events today).
What I didn't like about this movie:
Orlando Bloom. Yes, he's a hottie but as an actor he reminds me a lot of Tom Cruise -- you see the same role just in different characters, different situations (although Tommy boy has widened his reportoire a bit lately). This role is played with almost a morbid sense of melancholy -- even the parts when he gets the girl. I'd like to see a bit more emotional range from him.
I think this movie could be a great catalyst for a discussion group among friends.
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