Winter 2013 Barren Ground

Had I still been using a typewriter, there would be a pile of balled up, partially written pages surrounding my desk. I thought I had a good piece written, but then not quite. It was reworked, altered, I paraphrased another writer, tried to add wit which only seemed forced, moved paragraphs…no, lead sentences…no, just start again...read more at Patheos.

Winter 2013 Managing Your Seeding Addiction

I love seed catalogs; they evoke such hope! I peek at them quickly as they come into the house then set them in a basket next to my reading table. When I have a block of time, which is easier to find in the winter, I pick up the stack and snuggle into my chair. With my feet up, and a cup of tea, I peruse their colorful pages and dream.

And that is when I, and most of my gardening friends, get into a world of trouble. I have learned over the years that it is easier to abstain than to moderate. Today I am going to try and help you moderate the length of your purchase order form.

Read more at my column on Pathoes.

Winter 2013 The Lights Went Out

It was pitch black, too dark for even shadows to fall...My latest column at The Catholic Channel on Patheos.

Winter 2013, New Years Past

Looking ahead into the new year of 2013, I’ve pulled an excerpt from my latest book Cultivating God’ Garden through Lent. From the past I share a lesson of timing at New Years Day 2011, on Patheos Catholic Channel.

Winter 2012 Silver Tree and Christmases Past

My grandparents, Harold and Margaret in 1922. To read a wee bit about my own family tree, click here for Christmases Past .

Winter 2012 Christmas Houseplants

During the Christmas season poinsettias, Norfolk pines, Christmas cactus, cyclamen and rosemary are often purchased to decorate our homes or given as gifts. Knowing how to care for these popular holiday plants can be a challenge. So for those of you with the not-so-green thumb, here are some basic care instructions about caring for Christmas houseplants.

Winter 2012 Christmas Evergreens and Symbolism

Evergreens for early Christians symbolized everlasting life. Here, in the launguage of flowers, are their individual meanings: Christmas evergreens symbolism.