Posted on by Donna

A Perfect Spot to Start Again…

“True life is lived when tiny changes occur.”  ~Leo Tolstoy

 

My goodness it has been a long time since I have been here on these pages….in this blogging community.  It has been an interesting journey for me being away.  One where I was sure, at one point, that I was not going to return to this blog….or both my blogs in fact.  

I was tired of blogging.  My body was rebelling.  And every time I thought about coming back….even tried….my injured shoulder would shout again.  Oh no you are not!  You will rest for as long as it takes.  And so I surrendered to my body’s wishes.  It has taken 11 months to heal this body…this mind….and this soul.  Eleven months I wouldn’t change for anything….even with the pain, the anguish, the frustration.

It was a coming home for me.  A reconnection to my soul, my true self, my bliss, my purpose.  You see I had lost my way….lost touch with myself, but more on that later.  I am back with butterflies in my stomach…with such excitement to start again.  I have missed writing here, but most of all I have missed the connections….those oh so precious connections to all of you!

I can’t say I will return full-time or join in lots of memes or even be able to visit and comment to the degree had before….it will depend on my body.  I am still slowly moving forward so as not to undo all the progress I have made.  But I will be here.

 

Changes are Afoot

 

One decision I wrestled with in these last 11 months was how I wanted to return.  And my decision is, I am returning to my roots.  The reason I started this blog was always to share my observations and stories about life through the lessons and eyes of my garden.  It is a commitment I must keep for myself….for my soul’s happiness.  

I have never considered myself anything more than an amateur gardener who loves to putter and plunk.  And I have learned so much about myself and my gardening skills, or lack there of, through blogging.  I have shared my garden, its progress or shortfalls, its blooms and critters…..and I will continue to share them, but the prose and poetry will be more about my observations about life.

I learned a wonderful phrase recently coined by, Rob Bell….

Finding the Infinite in the Everyday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isn’t that an amazing phrase to ponder.  It has led me recently to share daily photos of my garden, my life on Facebook and Instagram.  I love these opportunities to share small snippets of what gives me pause.  Feel free to join me if you happen to be on social media to see some of these everyday moments.

I thought I would share a couple of the small moments that I posted recently on social media.  These are pictures of a vase of peonies finally opening late.  I took the pictures with my Ipod Touch which has a very simple camera that does not take great pictures.  But I run the pictures through one or two free apps, namely Pixlr and Prisma.  I love the effects…it’s like creating art, which I enjoy doing daily. 

And because this is a vase, I will join all the wonderful bloggers who create vases on Monday.  I actually created 31 vases in May and shared them on Facebook.  I will share some of them here at some point too.  I want to thank Cathy@Rambling in the Garden for her inspiration each week to bring some of your garden inside and savor it in a vase for the week.

So for now I will be posting from time to time about what amazing things I am seeing in my garden, in my life.  I hope you will join me for the journey.  And yes I will be posting mostly poetry on my other blog, Living From Happiness soon.      

 

All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Gardens Eye View, 2010-2017.  Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.

59 Replies to “A Perfect Spot to Start Again…”

  1. How lovely to have you back Donna! Your peonies are beautiful. They almost look like paper in the second photo. It is good to hear you are well and I look forward to reading future posts!

  2. It is good to hear that you are feeling stronger. I think we all have to put our lives first before blogging or social media which seems to me to be even more insidious in robbing us of our precious time. Lovely peonies.

    1. Thanks Christina….I agree with you….social media has helped me stay in touch with many folks, but I limit my time. I actually stayed away from it for months as I was healing.

  3. So nice to see an update from you in my inbox, Donna! Your positive take on your personal growth this past year is inspiring. Good things can come out of our ‘dark nights of the soul.’ The infinite really is present in the everyday.

  4. Welcome back Donna! I am so glad you are reconnected to the garden, happiness, soul, and us. I can sense the healing. Lovely peonies. I just visited with my folks and my mom had peonies cut and in my grandmother’s vase and they were so beautiful. How is it that I do not have a single peony in my garden? That has to change. Change and growing are sometimes painful but it is rejuvenating to see you here whether a little or more often. I don’t blog nearly as much as I used to. I am coming back on my own journey. I do so enjoy your instagram posts!

    1. It has been such a pleasure to see all your wonderful art Kathy, and to share your journey too! You definitely need to plant just one peony….it will grow big and lovely in no time. Make sure it is one that has a wonderful flower and fragrance….I have several that have no fragrance and was disappointed, but their flowers make up for it. And so glad you are enjoying my IG photos.

  5. What a poignant post, Donna. Being true to yourself is the only to be comfortable in life, I believe, and I look forward to hearing and seing more from you whenever the time is right.Finding the balance between body, mind and soul is so important. Thank you for sharing some of your peonies today

    1. Thanks so much Cathy….you are so correct and it is so important to find that balance….glad you enjoyed the peonies….they make such a glorious vase.

  6. I’ve missed you, Donna. Welcome back! Fabulous peonies. Mine are over now, and my garden is taking a rest before the July onslaught of cottage-garden blooms. I’m glad you are feeling stronger, but don’t overdo it, dear friend; just take it easy. P. x

    1. And I have missed you too Pam…with our crazy weather it seems my garden never is at rest until winter….some flowers have lingered with cooler temps making for interesting companions this year. I promise not to over do it.

  8. I’m so pleased to see you’re back, Donna. I’ve been questioning my long-term commitment to blogging too and imagining a shift in the form it may take in the future too. But, as you described, I enjoy all the moments in my garden and sharing them, even virtually, is part of the continuous celebration of what it gives to me. I look forward to seeing snippets from your garden whenever you choose to share them. As to the peonies, they’re glorious and, as it seems impossible for me to grow them here, I appreciate any opportunity to see them. Best wishes.

    1. Funny how our blogging takes on a change as we change but it is hard to walk away….I look forward to seeing your garden again and I am happy I can share my peonies with you!

  9. I have taken a step back, with a post every 10 days, instead of every week.
    Today the garden won, but wintry – and now I am glad to be with laptop and a fire.

    Welcome back – and so glad your shoulder is fit again.

    1. 10 days seems a good interval…not sure what I will decide on but just getting back is half the battle….thanks so much Diana!

  10. It’s good to see you back. I had to take a bit of a break last year too, for health reasons, although I did keep a toe in by participating in a couple of memes. The garden took a big hit, though, I let it go to pot. I’m glad your shoulder is feeling better. Remembering why you started blogging in the first place is a good thing.

    1. Thanks so much Alison….my garden is just choked with weeds after many years of neglect due to health reasons for so many years or too much time at work before I retired…it will be a miracle if I ever get it back, but I will try.

  11. Lovely to see you back in the blogosphere.
    I hope your healing (physical, mental, and emotional) continues.
    And the garden is a lovely vignette of life.
    I am jealous (a tad) of your peonies though. They are something I have not yet succeed in growing…

    1. Thanks so much Soosie….peonies are picky and do prefer a cooler climate….but I am glad you got to enjoy mine.

  12. Welcome back, Donna! I enjoyed your post and beautiful photos. I know what you mean. I get tired of blogging too and take breaks now and again. Do what you can and don’t put pressure on yourself. Those of us who have a connection with you will always be here to follow you. Take good care, my friend! 🙂

    1. Thanks Beth….my dear friends, like you, will figure closely in that journey and for that I am grateful dear Beth!

  14. Good to see you back and glad to hear your health has returned as well. Take it easy of course and I hope to see some great things showing up here again!

  15. Welcome back, and hope you continue healing and feeling better! Do what is best for you, and oftentimes that is taking a much needed rest. Your peonies are gorgeous, and your words so insightful as always.

  18. How good that you are back in this way, Donna, renewed and re-energized for the Journey ahead. Sometimes we forget about how much we need to take care of ourselves. Interestingly, I have played around with NOT blogging for awhile…but not sure WHEN or IF that will happen. I think that after so many years, we DO need to give ourselves a break, no matter what the reason. Sometimes our bodies do it for us! Anyway, I’m thrilled to see you here again and trust your shoulder will take care of you, and vice versa.

  19. Welcome back, Donna! I’m glad to hear that you are doing better and feeling refreshed. Sometimes I think that social media gets in the way of actually living and enjoying the moment for its own sake. Still, it is fun to share with others when we can. Love the quote–my goal each day is to be more mindful and appreciate each moment we are given. Looking forward to reading more of your insightful observations.

  20. Oh, it’s so good to see you back! It’s hard to keep up with the commitment to blog.. ask me how I know! Keep it easy for yourself Donna. A more leisurely routine works well and lets you stay motivated rather than it becoming a millstone around your neck.

  22. Lovely to have you back again. We all need a rest from blogging from time to time, I know I do. I write posts when I feel the garden has something to offer. I will look forward to your future posts.

  23. Welcome back, Donna. I loved those early posts that used observations in the garden as a doorway to life lessons, so I’m delighted to hear that you are planning a similar focus for the near future.

    1. I remember your wonderful review of those earlier posts, Jean, and am pleased you are as delighted as I am to return to them. I may even repost a few that are my favorites.

  24. Welcome back, Donna! I am so happy to see you returning to your roots. I love the quotes you have shared over time, as well as your lovely garden photos and observations. Your image of the peonies in the vase ( with your gazebo in he background) is wonderful. Take care!

    1. Thanks so much Deb….it means the world to me that you have enjoyed what I have shared! And your friendship has meant so much to me!

  25. Oh how good to see you again Donna and hope that it is not as long before you are back again. You took the right course of action listening to your body even though it may have been difficult. Your peony photos are exquisite. Take care.

    1. Oh Anna how lovely to hear from you….I am being careful and planning it so I can return from time to time without overdoing it.

  27. I’m in the same place, Donna. So I , like you blog and engage when I can. And I must say, it’s a treat to see you beautiful flower images every time.

  28. Hi Donna, happens to me as well from time to time, I think I’m just tired of the world and social media then and I just listen to my body and soul and quit for a while. It’s not a slave ship, is it. 😉 Take good care of yourself and have a lovely summer with plenty of inspiration. Best x

    1. I love that….not a slave ship. The key is listening to our bodies…..wishing you a lovely summer too Annette!

  29. Hi Donna,
    I am Anna and I am also a gardener and mother of two cute children.
    Love to see you back again and wait for the new post on your blog.
    I found out so much useful information here.
    Thank you,

    1. Glad to have you visiting Anna….I am coming back slowly and have been posting here and there this month….hope you can stop by again!

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