THE TRUE SELF

It's no wonder that when I walk into a beautiful nursery or landscaped yard that I feel at peace. All of my life I have been curious and transformed by plants and nature. I always wanted to take a horticulture class when I was in high school but in those days classes like that didn't exist for me. I was prompted to take college prep courses and also all the classes that would lead to a job (ie: typing, shorthand, etc.). None of those classes meant anything to me. And it didn't matter how long I studied Algebra, it was never going to fulfill my true self.

Last week my granddaughter asked me if we could go to the place with the fish. I realized that she meant High Hand Nursery. Natalie loves this place as well as the rest of us. It evokes a feeling of calm when you arrive. You feel as though you have been transported to another place when you go inside the gates and begin wandering around. Natalie loves the Koi pond and enjoys feeding them when she is there. They actually let you touch their heads when you reach down to give them food.

Baby Mae wasn't as impressed with High Hand as Natalie was but then again, she needs her rest in order to grow. Don't you just love those leggings she has on? This is one case in which it doesn't matter if the legs are a bit chubby to look good in leggings. Anything on a baby always looks just perfect in my opinion.

Maples galore!

"The most visible joy can only reveal itself to us when we've transformed it, within."

Rainier Maria Rilke

I feel at peace in this garden. I imagine that is why it is so successful. In addition to the garden there is an area that houses an art gallery with many works of art in many media. I feel content when I leave this nursery because it feeds my soul. It gives me inspiration for my own garden. And out of the mouths of babes came this comment from Natalie: "This place makes me feel relaxed". Indeed! I hope that she realizes her true calling in life and pursues it.

According to Paul Ferrini in his book "Embracing Our True Self" "Your gift is what you do well without great effort. It comes naturally to you. You enjoy cultivating and giving your gift and others appreciate receiving it." (Page 43) He also says this: "If you want to find your purpose, be clear on what your purpose isn't and refrain from pursuing that direction". (P.44)