This is a beautiful update on life doing its thing. The tree, the one left standing, breaks my heart while at the same time putting it back together. Life!
This felt like a friendly letter from a friend who’s catching me up on her life. I used to write letters often, one of my favorite activities and always appreciated by recipients. I don’t know why I stopped. I might start up again; it’s not about receiving a letter in return—I rarely, if ever, did—but moreso the joy of sharing bits of life with someone dear and faraway.
It is outrageous! My mother told me she wanted to name me Crape Myrtle but kept that wish to herself. I wonder how my life would have been different if she had. Crape Myrtle Frances Mount?
Your crape myrtle is beautiful. We had to cut ours down a few months ago because it turned out to be the plague backup up our septic system (the roots). It was a mature one like yours and was beautiful to look at when it bloomed. Unfortunately the previous owners planted it in the wrong place.
Loved the story of Greg.
Saw so many chanterelles last weekend in east Texas. I'm too chicken to do mushroom foraging!
What a lovely edition of your Substack. Reading your words may me feel like we'd caught up over a cup of coffee. Thank you for letting us be a part of your story. I wept for Greg's tree, and wish it had trees to keep it company. Keep making good trouble!
Happy Solstice! I love reading what's in bloom, going to seed, who's leaving the nest/den, and so on. In the novel I'm working on, there's a pivotal scene with a handkerchief. Not many folks carry them these days. We always made my dad fold his all the way out to check for boogers first, even when he swore it was clean.
Thank you for remembering, and for writing about Greg. He was an incredibly special person. He had a bright light that shone from within him, and he was truly the happiest, most positive person I have ever had the pleasure to know, despite his being a quadriplegic. He deserves to be remembered. I hope Yolanda is well.
Lovely snapshots! I’ll be at the ASLE conference (it’s my home turf!), but only to help folks get to the walking tours at the arboretum. Would be happy to help you out on Wednesday, if you end up needing to piece something together. In any case, would be delighted to meet.
Always grateful for your posts, my friend. It’s morning in Oxford England and I’m sitting by the Cherwell River with many songbirds as my fellow travelers. Over a year ago I was accepted into a six-months study program here … amazing experience in every way. I arrived in January & I’ll be home in Georgia in early July. Not a day goes by when I don’t think of home, not in a homesick way, just remembering how I love the places & people there. Your beautiful descriptions help draw me back with a smile. And sometimes a tear. Both good. Thank you
If there is anything more grounding, more comforting, and sweeter than this issue, I haven't seen it. Everything...the kindness, the suffering and redemption, the sense of harmony with the earth and its creatures...it's all beautiful. And then the photo of Little Fawn and the aged hand of whoever is sitting with her. Do touching. Thank you, Janisse.
the phenology report is so beautiful. I learned about a new plant- georgia wild basil. I suspect it's around here too so now I will look for it!
That Crepe Myrtle is amazing!
This is a beautiful update on life doing its thing. The tree, the one left standing, breaks my heart while at the same time putting it back together. Life!
This felt like a friendly letter from a friend who’s catching me up on her life. I used to write letters often, one of my favorite activities and always appreciated by recipients. I don’t know why I stopped. I might start up again; it’s not about receiving a letter in return—I rarely, if ever, did—but moreso the joy of sharing bits of life with someone dear and faraway.
The crepe myrtle is amazing!!
It is outrageous! My mother told me she wanted to name me Crape Myrtle but kept that wish to herself. I wonder how my life would have been different if she had. Crape Myrtle Frances Mount?
Truly, Janice.
Your crape myrtle is beautiful. We had to cut ours down a few months ago because it turned out to be the plague backup up our septic system (the roots). It was a mature one like yours and was beautiful to look at when it bloomed. Unfortunately the previous owners planted it in the wrong place.
Loved the story of Greg.
Saw so many chanterelles last weekend in east Texas. I'm too chicken to do mushroom foraging!
Plant another one!
Thank you for the update. It sounds like a wonderful kind of busy.
What a lovely edition of your Substack. Reading your words may me feel like we'd caught up over a cup of coffee. Thank you for letting us be a part of your story. I wept for Greg's tree, and wish it had trees to keep it company. Keep making good trouble!
Deb, I meant to say that the tree is lonely. It misses Greg & it misses its forest.
love every single word and the feelings they bring forth. yours… and in the comments, too. thanks, all.🫶
Happy Solstice! I love reading what's in bloom, going to seed, who's leaving the nest/den, and so on. In the novel I'm working on, there's a pivotal scene with a handkerchief. Not many folks carry them these days. We always made my dad fold his all the way out to check for boogers first, even when he swore it was clean.
snickering
Thank you for remembering, and for writing about Greg. He was an incredibly special person. He had a bright light that shone from within him, and he was truly the happiest, most positive person I have ever had the pleasure to know, despite his being a quadriplegic. He deserves to be remembered. I hope Yolanda is well.
Pat told me that Yolanda still calls and talks about Greg. She lives in Augusta now.
Lovely snapshots! I’ll be at the ASLE conference (it’s my home turf!), but only to help folks get to the walking tours at the arboretum. Would be happy to help you out on Wednesday, if you end up needing to piece something together. In any case, would be delighted to meet.
Julie, I'd love to meet you! Amen & hallelujah.
We’ll make it happen! Apologies in advance for how hot and steamy it’s likely to be. 🥵
Enjoyable read!
Always grateful for your posts, my friend. It’s morning in Oxford England and I’m sitting by the Cherwell River with many songbirds as my fellow travelers. Over a year ago I was accepted into a six-months study program here … amazing experience in every way. I arrived in January & I’ll be home in Georgia in early July. Not a day goes by when I don’t think of home, not in a homesick way, just remembering how I love the places & people there. Your beautiful descriptions help draw me back with a smile. And sometimes a tear. Both good. Thank you
Susan, so many congratulations on this beautiful residency of yours. Lucky lucky you. Your home will be very glad to see you in July. All the best!!!
If there is anything more grounding, more comforting, and sweeter than this issue, I haven't seen it. Everything...the kindness, the suffering and redemption, the sense of harmony with the earth and its creatures...it's all beautiful. And then the photo of Little Fawn and the aged hand of whoever is sitting with her. Do touching. Thank you, Janisse.
Thank you for sharing