Winter Solstice on the Prairie

The shortest day of the year did not bring with it the end of the world. No, instead it brought something that unfolded gradually as the day wore on and the light faded fast. It brought hope. Hope in the knowledge that tomorrow the sun would stay a bit longer. Hope that God has a plan for each of our lives - and for the world as a whole - and that He unveils it piece by piece - only He knows its end! Hope because each year we celebrate this time of His birth and His rebirth in us!

With the ending of the winter solstice, the world gets a bit brighter every day!

The Season Begins....

Each year, snow or no snow, the prairie greets the Christmas season with a flair all of its own. And try as we may with lights and garland, we just can't compete with its elegance.

The wild winterberry bushes area dotted red with the berries that emerged last month, looking very much like they are bedecked with fairy ornaments.

Pine cones litter the trees and the ground. The red twig Dogwood bushes are just starting to reveal their crimson stalks. Now a dusting of snow would set all of this off nicely... but I am certainly enjoying the 70 degree weather. Perhaps Christmas eve?

Drunken Butterflies....

...fill my prairie field. It seems that everything is in bloom, and the butterflies and hummingbirds simply cannot get enough of it!

The hummingbirds are energized by the nectar. The bees a bit lethargic. But, the butterflies are simply drunk with the sweet syrup of late spring. They land on hands, flit to shoulders, and loop through the air - bouncing on breezes - without a care.

And, I find myself walking a bit slower, breathing a bit deeper, and drinking in all that is around me - bouncing butterflies and all!
 

A Bit Perturbed...

As I previously posted, hummingbirds are one of my favorite birds... by the time summer comes, I consider them nearly to be pets. When fall's cool breezes stir, and they pack their little bags for warmer weather, I feel a bit blue as I clean the feeders and place them away until the following spring. Yes, humming birds are one of my favorites - but not my absolute favorite. That honor goes to....

...the ever elusive Baltimore Oriole!
From the first day I saw that flash of orange across the prairie sky, I was hooked. I wanted more!

These beauties are hard to spot. They flit and fly - and it is only when they are airborne that you see that brilliant orange blaze.

So, why am I perturbed? 

My feeders - two types - are ready - cleaned and filled - waiting for them. One is full of bright orange liquid - that looks just like Tang. The other is a votive candle holder full of grape jelly that sits in a white bird-sized gazebo. Really, these feeders are lovely. Just ask the humming birds who are gorging themselves on the Tang....or the wasps who think the grape jelly is divine.

But, you can't ask the Baltimore Orioles.... they aren't here!

(But, if you see them, put in a good word for my little prairie feast!)

Gardening bit by bit...

Yep, that's me... umbrella in one hand, planting flowers and feeding birds on the other.  Every single day this week, we have had rain. And, though I am tempting to stomp my feet and complain, I know we really do need these showers.
So, I am gardening in bits... pull a weed here.... prepare a bed there... hoping for clear skies on Sunday... we'll see.
How does your garden grow??

Finally...They're Back....

...those wonderful, sometimes wicked, tiny, buzzy birds!

Nearly four weeks ago, when the temperatures reached a high in the 70s during the day but dipped into the mid-40s at night, I went up to the machine shed and retrieved all of the feeders for the summer birds - humming bird and oriole feeders - and cleaned them thoroughly. I made my first batch of hummingbird nectar, filled the feeders, and waited. After about five days of checking feeders from time to time throughout the day, what did I get? 

Ants.

So, I dumped out the nectar, cleaned out the feeders, and refilled them.

One week later... more ants.

I let the feeders sit there, full of yucky ant-ridden nectar through the recent rains. Then, two days ago, I decided to try again. Today, we had torrents of rain, followed by sunny skies and warm ripples of wind. I opened all of the windows and sat down to write... when I heard it. A buzzzzz like a ginormous bee followed by several shreiks - almost like angry mice. I turned and saw them - yes, them. Two male hummingbirds, each claiming my feeder. Off and on, all day, they drank, chased, and bombinated at my feeder like two adolescent cowboys vying for the same piece of land.

I imagine the ladies lay in wait....

So, welcome back little tikes!

So much better than those pesky ants!

Lilacs Galore!

I love this time of year - the succession of bloom... crocus, then Tulip Magnolia, next lilac, followed by tulips, and soon after....lilacs! Of course, this year, everything is a month early. On most years, the lilacs appear on the scene just before Memorial Day - and here we are, still in April, and we have lilacs galore!


Someone asked me if everything blooms early, what happens in late fall? Do fall bloomers stick around - or do we have a four week window when all the plants just hang out, waiting for frost? I guess we'll find out soon enough!


But for now....bloom, bloom, bloom!

Ending and Beginnings.....

We have had quite a few landmarks during the past two years in our family. My daughter got married, got a new job, and now is expecting our first grandbaby, My oldest son is starting a new job. My parents are moving from their home of 51 years to a new, beautiful place. My nephew is getting married. And, my youngest son is giving me all those "last" experiences... last prom for one of my children, last graduation, last sporting event, last choral concert, etc. And, even though I do mark each of these with a touch of regret, I have learned that, truly, life offers no dead ends unless we seek them. There is always a choice for a new adventure, a new project, and new way of showing our children we love them, a new way to love God by loving those around us. 


Today, one of my family members asked me if "the last prom" made me sad. I had to think about it a bit and I realized that yes, I am sad about the kiddos growing up - but I wouldn't want them to stay little forever. I want them to meet their mates, serve God, have their own children, etc. So, if I want all of those things for them, I have to have "lasts" for some things.


And, "lasts" bring "firsts" such as our first grandbaby, our first trip together without children present, nights when we work on our own projects, when we have time to explore new dreams.


So, no dead ends here...only new directions! New dreams out here on the prairie... 


How about you?

Managing the Lush Days of Spring...

During these lush days of spring, I find myself pulled in so many directions. Gardening... work... writing... family times.... church... routine/ mundane errands.... what to do, what to do?

I am trying to new ways of managing all of my "I have tos" and "I want tos".
 
First, I am trying to plan ahead, scheduling days off, looking forward and scheduling when things can be done. I mean a month ahead - that much to be done! This includes buying seeds and flowers, cultivating beds, planting canna bulbs, buy baby and graduation gifts... all those things that, if not scheduled, seem not to get done.

Next, I am trying the "nibble" method of accomplishment. When my to do list gets overwhelming or discouraging, I try to do a bit of what I need to do at a time - for the projects I don't relish - and schedule large blocks of time for those I do enjoy doing. This includes cleaning, working on a paper that is due, and sending out invitations.

Lastly, I am trying to structure the items on my to do list. For those items I want to do - but find it difficult to carve out sufficient time (such as my Bible study, exercise, etc.), I am scheduling them in conjunction with other items. Now, my husband or I read our Bible study to the other while that person cooks dinner. I find ritualizing behaviors helps "cement" them. Next I plan to ritualize my treadmill time - but this is a bit harder task! 


Block, Nibble, Ritualize - techniques I am using this busy spring, wanting to get so much accomplished. Spring has sprung, and I feel it in my bones.... time to shake off the dormancy of winter and move ahead... but in a bit more structured manner.


How are you getting your spring frenzy under control?

 

Awaiting Easter....

The fasts are done; the Aves said;
The moon has filled her horn
And in the solemn night I watch
Before the Easter morn.
So pure, so still the starry heaven,
So hushed the brooding air,
I could hear the sweep of an angel's wings
If one should earthward fare.
~Edna Dean Proctor, "Easter Morning"

Readying my Spirit...

I always prepare for the new year. No matter what is happening, I pause and take time to write my goals in great detail for the year to come. A new year. A new calendar. 365 blank pages just waiting there for me to fill. It almost takes this planner's breath away.

But, during this Lenten season, I realized more and more that Easter is really the day for new beginnings - a new season for the heart. So, as this time of reflection and repentance is quickly moving to the day of new life and celebration, I am developing a short, sweet list of resolutions to maintain this spirit of renewal. I need to move my time for Bible study and reflection higher on my list of daily priorities. I want to focus more time on my ministry. And, I want to "ritualize" the process of seeking God's will in my life first, seeking His guidance before making decisions. I want to reduce the space between me and Him.
How are you preparing your heart for Easter?

Feeling a Bit "Scrunched"...

I am so thankful that spring is here... but, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything that I need to do - and do fast!

During the next 12 weeks, I have a son graduating from high school, the anticipated birth of my first grandchild, the opening of a Community Services Building that I am in charge of - yikes! These, in addition to all that comes with spring and gardening - yep, I am scrunched!

So, what do I do when I am being squeezed from all ends? Here are a few of my coping techniques:

1. Walks - I take time to get outside and power walk to burn off the feeling of being overwhelmed.

2. Mint Tea - I make and drink lots of it - it is very soothing.

3.  Laugh - I take time to find the "funny" in this craziness, and laugh when I find it.

4.  Love - I make a point of letting those around me know that in spite of the fact I am busy - I am thinking of them and love them very much.

5. Pray - over and over and over...

6.  Gratitude - I acknowledge how blessed I am to have such a rich and full life!

What do you do when you feel "scrunched"??

Lisa

Hello, Spring!!

I cannot believe that spring has sprung! My closets, gardens, windows, lawn mower, and various projects may not be ready, but boy my spirit is! I am loving it!

I worked several evenings this week, catching up on projects, so that I could have this glorious Friday off.... and am I ever glad I did!

I took a walk around our prairie hill this morning, searching out the tulips that have pushed one or two leaves up through the warming soil. 

The daffodils are in full bloom, with their yellow heads dancing and swaying in the warm breeze.

No sign of the asparagus I planted last year, but the irises that are in the adjacent bed have jutted out of the ground, with leaves about a hand high.

I plan to linger just a bit longer in this early thaw, before I kick into gear and officially become a gardener!

Enjoy, everyone!

Lisa

The sound that says "SPRING"!!....

Last night, my husband called to me as he stood at the backdoor, "Come here and listen." I joined him on the back porch, and heard that sweet sound (well,it is still sweet this time of year) - that faint, "eeep.....eeeep...." - the call of the first peepers.


This sound was not part of my childhood. I grew up in a major metropolitan area. But, now that I live on my meadowed farm, I have learned to listen for it - to "listen" for spring.


The peepers generally begin in March, but you never know when. The sound sneaks up on you - I am always surprised and so delighted to hear those first "peeps". 


Sometimes, the peepers are off to a false start; they wake up and start their peeping, only to receive a blast of cold air - which quiets them for the time being. But, you know that they are there - that the lull is brief  - just a rest. And, each time the air warms, the peeps are a bit louder, a bit stronger. By the time the cold blasts have been pushed north for the season, the sound of the peepers is deafening!


So "Good morning" peepers! Wake up, world!
Lisa

This is the day that the Lord has made....

Let us rejoice in it and get busy!!

I took a day off work to catch up and refocus on my goals for this year. First, my husband and I did our Bible study together. Next, I completed our taxes and the FAFSA for my son's admission to college. Then, on to the tasks I love to put off: cleaning bathrooms, calling the plumber, etc. And, as soon as I complete this posting, I am off to do my weekend cooking, (which I love to do!) - chicken vegetable soup and homemade spaghetti sauce. Then, I will work on tasks for three nonprofits I help out. My goal? To get these miscellaneous tasks done so I can focus on my writing - in 3 hours, I want no excuses to stop me from moving ahead with my passions.

I love days when I force myself to stay focused and on task - when I check items off and then reach the time to do "the big stuff" - my time for dreams and goals. The Bible reading starts the day off on the right track - it reminds me Whom I serve and Whom I love most.

What gets you energized? How do you stay focused and productive?

Jump in here!

Blessings -

Lisa

New Adventure -- Grandma!!!

Of all of the "gifts" I received for Christmas, this was by far the best... I am going to be a GRANDMA! What a wonderful, beautiful surprise my daughter has given me. And, the countdown has begun... we will be counting down the weeks until June 15th (perhaps even longer!)... waiting for this baby's arrival! I understand that being a Grandma is just "the best" - you can do all of the fun things with them, make memories, and send them to mom and dad for the hard work. Does it get any better than this? Jump in ladies - this Grandma-in-waiting can use your advice!

Dreams ... and dreams

This blog - "Prairie Dreams" is dedicated to the hopes, dreams, plans, wishes, desires that we all have within us - and how we can take those little seeds, plant them, nurture them, and make them grow.

But what about actual dreams - the types we drift into, where stories in bits and pieces - through odd twists and turns - come to us with little effort on our part. Do they have any meaning? Is our mind or spirit "speaking" to us?

This was the topic of conversation at our breakfast table this morning. It all started when my husband and I realized we had had exactly the same dream - within two days of each other. In the dream, we are in a house which we own, but we have forgotten we owned it, and it has been abandoned for years - yet full of the debris of previous owners. Although we describe the homes in the dreams as very different homes, in both cases we own the homes, we have forgotten about them, they are in disrepair, and we are trying to decide what to do with them.

So, what to make of it? I did a quick search of the Internet to see what dream interpreters would make of such things - not knowing if I believe in such a "science" or not. Homes apparently represent the dreamer - so, it seems they would say that both my husband and I have parts of ourselves we have forgotten and that have been neglected and are coming back to mind. Hmmm....

Do you believe in dreams? Do you ever act on them?
Jump in here!
Lisa

Friendship in Print

One of my challenges this year is to take more time out for friendship. I think the Internet is an absolutely wonderful way of locating old friends, renewing past friendships, staying in touch, and making new friends. But, one of the big dangers I have seen and experienced with "friendship via the Internet" is how easily it is to misinterpret what is said in print. What can appear to be a rather terse note might just be a few words written in a hurry. What can appear to lack compassion or connection might be the result of fatigue on the part of the writer. It is just so hard to tell!

Another danger, I have found is how people often distance themselves from their words when they send emails or texts. That is good when the writer needs the distance to get more in touch with how he or she is really feeling. However, it is not good when people feel free to share things they would never feel comfortable saying to someone in person. I can't tell you how many people I have talked to who have seen friendships dissolve through insensitive posts on Facebook or quickly dashed off emails.

I find myself often trying to clarify what I mean through those ever prevalent emoticons or through an explanation of my tone in brackets "(sarcasm)," or "(I'm smiling while I type this)". But often, that kind of spelling out of emotions breaks the flow of what I am saying - and often just seems silly.

What ways have you found to use the Internet to strengthen these ties - and not harm them? What have you experienced in staying in touch via the Internet?

Warmly, and in friendship :)
Lisa

Snow on the Prairie....

I know it's coming and yet, somehow, I am always surprised and unprepared... snow? SNOW! This time, three-to-four inches of it, with drifts twice that depth.

When the first snow hits, it always reminds me of Christmas in Connecticut - that scene, when Bing Crosby and the two blond leads sing" Snow, snow, snow, snow, snoooow". Of course, they are all indoors looking out the window when they burst out into song. Somehow, I don't think they would have that same gusto if they were outside, with wind gusts of 40 miles an hour and a wind chill of minus 5 degrees, as we were last night when we came home to "snow".

But, just as I was getting caught up in my middle aged grumpiness about shoveling and salt and brrrr.... my dog caught the spirit of new fallen snow - she jumped out of the car and tore through the drifts, zigging and zagging as she went - snow crystals flying in the air as she "led" me up the drifted walk. As I slugged along, snow up to my knees as times, I couldn't help but laugh. 

But, I didn't sing....

Lisa

Plan your work, and work that plan...

...and yes, exercise is part of my plan!


Am I batting a 100% with my resolutions?  No. But, I am moving forward on them, checking them off. For the first time in 27 years, my husband is participating in two of my goals with me: exercise and Bible study. And, it is nice to have a partner.


Speaking of having a partner, I have found that that is one of the secrets of achieving goals and of moving ahead with dreams. What are some other techniques that work for me? 

I find that it is important for me to write down my goals, breaking them into achievable small pieces, and then scheduling the completion of each of those pieces. I have them in my task list in my IPad but I also write them down and check them off. Lastly, I review my goals for the next day each evening so I know what I want to accomplish for the day the moment I wake up.


This mild prairie winter certainly helps! It bolsters my mood and makes spring feel that much closer.


What do you do to achieve your goals? Jump in here and share! I'd love more tips!
Lisa

Energized!!!

Friends - 
Have you ever been ready for a new year? I mean sooooo ready? Emotionally, that is where I am. I am soooo ready to begin again - and grateful for the opportunity!

2011 was an amazingly wonderful year, as most years are. Highlights of the year include: the marriage of my daughter, my daughter's college graduation, turning 50 on Sanibel Island with my whole family there with me, starting college visits with my son, completing the Bible studies I had set out to finish, finding two new authors whose work I love, visiting college campuses with my son, breaking ground on a new community services building at work, attending a writers' workshop, starting new mission projects at church... I could go on and on.


Yet, there are times when I want to start again, reassess my goals, write new ones, and move ahead. What has really energized me this year is that for the first time in 27 years, my husband is excited about the new year and writing his list of goals.  Maybe its catchy?


So here we go: what do I want to accomplish this year and what are my big dreams?

Here are the more routine resolutions - changes/ refinements to my daily routine:


1.  On the heals of my 8 lbs loss last year, I want to reach my goal weight by losing 11 lbs. more.
2.  I want to exercise at least 5 days each week.
3.  I plan to study scripture at least 5 days each week.


My "midsized" goals are:


1.  To redo my vegetable garden, trying new heirloom varieties of plants
2.  To finish editing my book
3.  To develop a new blog - and to do a better job of maintaining this one


My big dream goals are:


1.  To find a publisher for my book
2.  To launch my nonprofit dedicated to helping no kill shelters
3.  To begin a new ministry


... and I am so excited! Big dreams are alive and well in this prairie!


How about you? Send me your goals - your big dreams. Write them down and pledge to achieve them in 2012!