Coming up....Religion and Gardening

What a mix! Actually, I have a lot of thoughts on both topics and will divide and post on both beginning with an open letter to a friend regarding religion, spirituality, beliefs and such.



Dear friend,

We were discussing (as much a discussion as you can have on chat) so me feelings on religion and spirituality. This being a natural topic so close to Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) but you and I often have discussions like these.

When I think of humankind's view of God, I think of a round circle with a smooth, curving slope and cracked surface in the other part of the picture. Many will look at it and think, "Looks like a glacier and mountain range." or "Topographical view" or "Something from Google Earth" but, in fact it is part of a toe and surrounding skin of an elephant. Humankind sees evidence of God is such a tiny, abstract way that there is no way someone could adequately describe God. To think of God in corporeal form (like the stereotypical old guy with long white beard and flowing white robes - Gandolf??) is unthinkable to me. So...by expressing this does it mean that I don't believe in God? No, far from it!! I swim in God. God contains me, I don't contain God. And, I pray to, discuss and argue with God. (and that's the elephant circle's view of my spirituality).

Religion? I choose Judaism. For one, Judaism has a way of relating God more to the above view than a confining view. For another, I do believe that all people have a religion - a somewhat orderly way of relating to God/the universe/life affecting forces. Humankind has found since Early Man that community and orderliness is necessary for existence. All humans seek some sort of order. So, religious order isn't such a bad thing.

I leave you with those snippets and next post will tell you why I pray the Modeh Ani everyday.

Beauty and Style

I own two dresses. I save them both for funerals and then, usually chicken out and wear pants. Me in dresses do not elicit the comments that many dress wearers do, "stunning", "graceful", "stylish". I've never liked dresses and always felt self-conscious. Now that I'm old enough, I realize that comfortable trumps stylish; clean and neat work rather well in most situations. Now, that doesn't mean to say that I don't like dressing up once in a while but the dressing up includes a graceful and stylish pantsuit, thank you very much!

Where we'll be

Every year, come Thanksgiving, I know I'll be at my farm. This year we almost changed our minds but the the farm is where everyone wants to be. It's a very humble little place in the Texas Hill Country but for some reason when people drive through that gate, that peaceful, easy feeling comes over them. My kids love it and the grandkids love it even more. Nieces and nephews come for this one long weekend of family, fun, and surprise.

Of course, there is the usual turkey, dressing, football games, and hayride but, sometimes we get a wild hair and head to Fredericksburg or Llano to shop and dine, Luchenbach to buy souvenirs or to Enchanted Rock (in the pick above) for a great way to walk off the pumpkin pie!


Not far away (and where some of our visitors may be lodging) is Lake Buchanan fed by the Colorado River. At the north feed is the Colorado River canyon, home to 25 wintering bald eagles. Kayaking along that stretch takes you past waterfalls and the eagles. Just as the river stretches into the lake, there is Fall Creek Vineyards with award winning wines, wonderful patio for picnicking, and a play area if children are along for the trip.

For those who came last year, you know the bunkhouse was the project so we could sleep more people. A few weeks ago, we had a freak storm blow through and take half the porch roof off. So, from now til T-day, we'll be scouring Craigslist for material and completely rebuilding the porch. *Sigh* I though we might skate till Thanksgiving without a big project. I hope it's not becoming ANOTHER Thanksgiving tradition!!!