“Don’t allow your mind to tell your heart what to do. The mind gives up easily”
Paulo Coelho
If I had not heeded this quote three years ago today, I would never have pushed the “Publish” button on my first post. And I would not have met all you wonderful readers who have become lovely friends and supporters journeying with me as I ramble through my life and garden.
My original intent was to use this blog to post about life’s lessons as I had been experiencing them through my garden. But it has become so 
much more with my addition of more gardening posts, and my own meme celebrating the change of seasons called, Seasonal Celebrations. There is still time to join in, just scroll to the end to see how to join in before the equinox.
I made a promise to myself and readers that I would post at least weekly on a Monday, and I have never missed a post (even when I was sick I managed a short post explaining why there was no post). This commitment is largely for me as I have developed a weekly habit of writing, photographing and assessing my garden and my life (although not as frequently). Funny how I still struggle with other commitments, but none are as loved by me as writing and gardening.
If you read the first several posts, published in the fall of 2010, you will see I shared many stories and lessons. But the quotes didn’t come until much later around the middle of December. And I did not even know much about or follow many garden blogs. That all came about due in part to Blotanical and Jean@Jean’s Garden and her wonderful review of my blog. I will always remain eternally grateful to Jean for her support.
I have put out 215 posts in three years. Mine is not a big following, but a modest one. And as I have said before, I really don’t care about the stats. If you come and visit then I am grateful to you. If you then leave a comment, I am beholden to you and will always leave an answer that will come to you in an email to let you know I have replied. That to me is what I love about blogging. The communication, conversations and relationships it builds.
As I sit here writing this post, the cool 64 degree breeze is wafting through my window regaling me with scents of summer mixed with fall. The garden is a mass of seed heads with blooms popping up here and there. Birds are making lovely sounds and the rustle of leaves is soothing. These are the views from my garden that I love to share.
And as my garden wanes, it is time to start making plans for next year both in the garden, in my life and with my blog. I have been thinking long
about these, and am making another commitment to myself. As I clear, rearrange and get ready for a long winter’s nap, I am working on my design business. I had to put my business, Purple Door Garden Designs, on hold due to my day job. But I plan to finish some necessary steps so I can roll it out come spring.
And with aging and retirement comes the pull to do those things we continue to put off….I plan to retire from that day job in June. This may or may not happen, and the variables are too great to know if all the planets will align finally. But I have made some plans to travel in spring regardless. Travel is one of those things I always seem to put off.
So with more travel there comes less gardening or perhaps certain aspects of gardening like veggies or lots of containers. We shall see what I can give up if anything, but these things will be calculated into my plans…although I don’t know how I could do less veg gardening as I am adding another bed. Well perhaps travel will be only for a week or so here and there during the height of veg gardening time.
And with a change in life comes closure. Without closure and celebrating what we have accomplished we cannot move forward to the next new beginning. So this post serves as closure and celebration. I have completed 3 years with the blog, and I plan to continue writing posts. I am working on changing the appearance of the blog and adding some pages for some of my series and plant profiles, but that takes time.
I also am launching into a series of posts in January partnering with a local native plant nursery. I am a big advocate of using local merchants, 
and I want to promote those local native plant nurseries that also can ship to many areas of the US. I also was recently accepted into the Garden Writers Association. Thanks to Judith@Lavender Cottage for her support, encouragement and endorsement in this endeavor.
And I have been asked to guest post on a marvelous blog, Vision and Verb. That post will be published on September 24th. I hope you stop by to read it. If you have not visited this blog, I encourage you to do so. The amazing women from around the world that write for this blog have been a source of strength and encouragement for me.
I also will be embarking on a personal writing journey. It will take time, but I feel it is time to launch into this project. I have many such starts with writing projects that have been placed on hold, but this one I feel is the one to continue with. But more about that later.
So it seems as I start my 4th year in the world of blogging, the sky really is the limit. I am taking this journey one week at a time. I hope you will continue to follow along wherever the journey leads. I am so happy to have you along as my companions. Thank you for all your support and here’s to the next new beginning at Gardens Eye View!
***I am using pictures of sunflowers, both perennial and annual, as they represent gratitude and appreciation!!
“Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.” ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower
Come Join Us:
Seasonal Celebrations is a time for marking the change of seasons and what is happening in your part of the world during this time. I hope you will join in by creating a post telling us how you celebrate this time of year whether summer or winter or something else. Share your traditions, holidays, gardens and celebrations in pictures, poetry or words starting September 1st.
And it seems so appropriate to collaborate with Beth and her Lessons Learned meme. What lessons have you learned this past season of summer here in the North and winter in the South. Then tell us about your wishes, desires and dreams for this new season.The rules are simple. Just create a post that talks about lessons learned 
and/or seasonal celebrations. If you are joining in for both memes please leave a comment on both our blog posts. Or if you are choosing to join only one meme, leave a comment on that blog post. Make sure to include a link with your comment.
Beth and I will do a summary post of our respective memes on the equinox (the 22nd of September). And we will keep those posts linked on a page on our blog. Your post should be linked in the weekend before the equinox to give us enough time to include your post in our summary. And if you link in a bit late, never fear we will include it on the special blog page (which I still have to create). The badges here can be used in your post. So won’t you join in the celebration!!
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Next up on the blog: Monday brings another Garden Bloggers Bloom Day post intermingled with Garden Lessons Learned.
I hope you will join me for my posts once a month at Beautiful Wildlife Garden. See my most current post now. Most recent post is up.
Please remember, to comment click on the title of the post and the page will reload with the comments section.
Congratulations! You have so many exciting projects ahead of you. I always enjoy learning from your experiences and inspirational thoughts. Travel is something I always put off too and when I do go away my garden reminds me that I am missed. I look forward to many more years of your friendship!
Karin your friendship has meant so much these last few years. I am so happy you enjoy the posts and find them inspiring. Perhaps will will finally meet up one day 🙂
Life is just as busy, if not more busy, after retirement. Well done, on acceptance to the Writer’s Guild. Looking forward to your upcoming articles on your blog.
Thank you Linda!! I look forward to a busy retirement doing what I choose more so than doing what I have to…I am realizing this and can certainly fill up those joyous days!!
Yes, dream big! Keep a bucket list and actually do the things on the list! And welcome to the GWA! Maybe one of your travels next year will be to attend the symposium in Pittsburgh?
I am hoping to make it at some point Kathy. Depends on the dates and work…but I look forward to t…I have never written the bucket list but perhaps it is time so I have these goals front and center…
Congrats to you! I have enjoyed your blog and your articles in the Beautiful Wildlife Garden. You learn a lot about yourself when writing. I wish you a great upcoming year of blogging!
Thanks Brenda…I also believe that I have learned so much from my writing…and how wonderful you have enjoyed my posts on BWG.
Wow Donna–congratulations on several fronts! I’m glad you took the opportunity of this three year celebration to include your “first post.” It was wonderful to read. Also, I recognized so many themes that were in my very first “welcome.” We have the same heart’s desire. I couldn’t believe the similarities. It is a pleasure and honor now to follow you into the next phase. Oh, by the way, based on your post, I went on over to Verb and Vision and subscribed after reading several pieces. Thank you for introducing me to that marvelous blog.
I could tell we were kindred spirits on many fronts Susie!! Yes you will love Vision and Verb. I had been reading and commenting for a while, and was surprised and elated when I was asked to contribute.
Congrats on three years! Hardly seems like it! Enjoy that cool weather. Cooler here but still sweating type weather in the garden.
Thank you Tina. I am reveling in the cooler weather!!
Happy, happy blogaversary. It sounds like you will be busier than ever! Good luck on all your planned projects, and I hope you get to travel far and wide and see and experience as much of the world as you wish. Very exciting times ahead for you!
Thanks Holley…busy doing the things I love is the best kind of busy!!
Congratulations Donna! I always enjoy reading your posts so much and look forward to another year of lovely photos, quotes and wisdoms. All the best for your future plans!
Thanks so much Cathy and thank you for all your support!!!
Donna, three years can pass by quickly can’t it? You began blogging a few months ahead of me. I really enjoy your pictures and point-of-view. Congratulations on your blogging anniversary and on having all the planning underway. Best, Susie
Wow Susie…time flies and I am so glad I found your blog!!! Thanks for your good wishes 🙂
happy blogaversary Donna, I’m glad you published that first post and that I met you through blotanical, congratulations on all your acomplishments and good wishes for all your future projects, Frances x
Frances thank you so much!! I am glad I met you as well….I miss Blotanical but hope to ease back over there especially when the changes are done.
Being part of your community has been a real blessing, an encouragement and an inspiration.
Now isn’t that the nicest thing you could have said!!! I am so glad you are here and that we have found each other’s communities. You too have been a real inspiration to me as well!!
Donna, welcome to the GWA, and although you’re in a different region than me, we’re all one big happy group.
You have been an excellent garden communicator all along and your membership should open some pleasant opportunities for you.
I like how you have recounted what blogging means to you, and I feel the same. We meet the nicest people, and when you have things in common, a friendship begins.
Congratulations on your blog anniversary and good luck with the projects you are pursuing.
Judith
Thank you Judith as your friendship and support has meant so much to me!! I look forward to meeting more of the GWA members.
Congratulations on the blogging milestone! Wishing you many more years of happy blogging. Looking forward to seeing the new design you come up with. Enjoy the weekend. 🙂
Thanks so much Gail…the weekend has been filled with blogging and gardening…pure bliss!
Oh congrats Donna… I learn so much…. I didn’t realize that Seasonal Celebrations was your meme alone. I don’t know how I missed that. I am hesitant to participate in memes where there are people who are experienced in their hobby until I feel as though I can do it justice… But I will.
I see your retirement is pushed back? I hope this is ok with you…. Michelle
I am accepting my delayed retirement for now but am working toward the new date and hoping it all works out finally. I am more perturbed with the crazy amount of work that is just not letting up this month either.
The reason I love my meme is there is no experience needed and you can express yourself in pictures, poems, words or stories. I love the variety of expression. I do hope you can join in this season.
Congrats on three years of blogging, and all the wonderful friends you have made and new endeavors begun. Lots of changes, lots of new starts — and here’s to eventually retiring!!
Thanks so much Laurrie…lots of fun ahead this year no matter which way the wind blows.
Congratulations, Donna. I applaud your commitment. I enjoy your blog and look forward to the next chapter.
Amy how very nice of you to say so….I look forward to the next chapters and having so many supporters along for the ride!
Hi Donna, and congrats on the blogiversary..way to go.
So much of what you write about blogging resonates with my feelings also…it’s a great thing to be into.
And your upcoming seasons sound very busy indeed. I wish you the very best with your new endeavors.
Jen
Thanks so much Jen…it is a great thing to be into isn’t it!!
Congratulations on three years in the blogosphere! That is quite an accomplishment. I remember well how I first came to your blog through Jean! I am grateful to her, for I always look forward to your posts. You have some exciting projects coming up, and I wish you well on your future endeavors.
Deborah how wonderful that you found me through Jean….I am thankful and grateful to you for your continued support of my blog.
Donna:
Happy, happy blogoversary! I am so thrilled that your life and your adventures are expanding. I wish you success in all that you do!
Best,
Kevin
Thank you so much Kevin….I appreciate the good wishes!
The sunflowers are beautiful. Congratulations on 3 years of blogging! Best of luck in all your new endeavors 🙂
Thank you for such sweet thoughts Loredana!!
Donna, You have many exciting things to look forward to. Good luck to you! It has been a pleasure to read your blog and e-mail back and forth.
Hugs, Beth
I have also enjoyed getting to know you Beth!! Thanks for extending your hand in friendship.
Hello Donna, whatever you do as long as you still blog I will be with you, haha! Yes you are one of the most diligent in posting, unlike I who often miss posts and linking to memes, most specially commenting back to others. These are not intentional, but i just can’t do all of them in a very organized way. I just realized i am older in blogging than you, however, i am not making progress as you are! Someone asked me always to write for her site, howeve it is disappointing as it seems nobody is commenting in her site, haha!
I always appreciate you for visiting all my posts in my two blogs, and if i can’t return all the favors, i am so sorry, not intentional at all. More power to you and best regards.
You always make me feel better when I read your comments Andrea…your posts on “two” blogs are an inspiration. I am only bloggin on one so I understand when you do not post as often or comment back…just the act of posting to 2 blogs is amazing. Likewise I will always follow your posts as well my friend!!
Congratulations on three years, Donna! It has been fun to take this journey together. I hope we’ll have many more years of “journeying” together, and I wish you all the best!
You know we have only just begun “journeying” Beth…here’s to many more years and adventures!
I’m so glad you stuck with it. 🙂 You teach us all through the kindness and sweet spirit that emanates from your writing. I’m looking forward to future posts.
Always the teacher…I am so glad you have enjoyed the posts and thank you for such kind words!
Good for you, Donna! Congratulations on your blogversary. You’ve certainly come a long way in just 3 years. I agree that the heart is core. Here in our country heart translates to “puso” and it has become a sort of battle cry of late. “Puso!” Do everything with heart, everything with passion and you will succeed. Your passion about gardening and blogging shows and that is why you are a success.
I love this…”puso”…do everything with heart. Wonderful words to live by. Thank you also for such inspiring words as I move along my journey!!
Congratulations on three years of blogging, Donna. I’m inspired that you see the sky is the limit for year four! I wish you all the best in this exciting life transition.
Thanks so much Sandra and thanks for your inspiration!
Congrats on your three years. I wish you many years of happy travels, literally and metaphorically.
I hope to meet up with you soon Donna and continue those travels!!
Congratulations on your third blogaversary! I very much look forward to following your writing, as life gives you more time for it.
Thank you Diana…your support is very special for me as you were one of the first bloggers to reach out to me when I first began on Blotanical.
Donna – Congratulations on your third blog anniversary – you’re a grown-up blogger now. It sounds like you’ve got some exciting plans ahead – I’d better keep following.
Thanks do much B-A-G and especially for all your support these last 3 years!!