Heirloombulbgirl

Tag: reading

  • Sometimes It’s Best To Just Buy The Book

    After 10 months of pure regret, I finally found it. I had the chance to buy the beautiful book in a delightful little bookstore in Cornwall, England, but no. I had to sit in my regret for 10 long months, pining after the book I should’ve bought. Searching endlessly for a book that had “beautiful flowers and drawings of wildflowers in Cornwall” (the only information I remembered about a book with an unknown title or author).
    I had *almost* given up the search until Amazon swooped in and saved the day. In my quest to save a penny while on vacation, I ended up buying not just one, but two gorgeous books…plus shipping and handling. I should’ve just bought the book while in England.

    I’m not materialistic. I like my simple treasures that I collect…heirloom bulbs and heirloom china, unique floral books and violin music books. I like old pottery bowls and flower pots too, but my husband thinks I have enough (which is quite true). After I lost my original flower book collection, I have enjoyed slowly adding back. My perspective on “things” changed. I must have meaning behind each item I purchase. Nothing frivolous can enter my home. In fact, each time I purchase something, the question of “Is this a necessity or just a frivolous find” enters my mind. Unfortunately, my love of thrift store shopping doesn’t have any kind of discernment. It’s all fun and fabulously frivolous. There is a hidden price tag for everything, whether monetary or a disapproving glance from my minimalist husband.

    So I didn’t buy the book in the quaint, little bookstore in England, which was a completely dumb choice.

    A book like this is more than a simple purchase. This book represents time spent along the beach with my Mother and daughter. This book represents chatting with a group of older Cornish women about their gardens and ponds, while sipping hot tea. This book represents the beautiful walks we took throughout Penryn and the countless little bulbs that grew right out of ancient rock walls. This book holds my trip to Cornwall close to my heart. I can now revisit this beautiful part of the world in in a moments notice. My soul is filled.


    Next time you have a chance to buy that special book that delights your soul, just do it.

    Just buy the book.

    You will never regret the moments spent reading a good book. Then go outside and dig. Digging is also good for your soul 🙂

    Happy Gardening, my friends!

  • Take a Walk on the Wild Side

    Yes….that’s me.
    A small, little version of “Scout” from To Kill a Mockingbird.

    My parents recognized my early desire to be in the dirt, and never squelched my imagination. I was given my own little garden to tend in our backyard. I spent hours dreaming, planting, eating lilacs and wild mushrooms, or simply digging to China. My Dad once told me that the day I stopped gardening with him on Saturday mornings was the day he lost his little girl. Childhood is fleeting. Children do grow up and the time to walk among the wild things becomes more limited. Realism takes over, and imagination becomes squelched. As children become adults, many see less wonder in a butterfly or the random bloom of a field lily, and more necessity in the competitive rush to keep up. A walk among the wild things is like a reboot for the human condition, young and old.

    Studies show the importance of nature, and how it affects the overall well-being of a child. Mental health issues like the “nature deficit syndrome” are rising at alarming rates. Too much time plugged in can radically affect your mood. There are now schools that provide children with simple outdoor play, which used to be a childhood norm. One of my favorite books, “Last Child in the Woods” by Richard Louv, gives a startling look at the issues children face with too much screen time. Mr. Louv also gives simple, realistic ideas to provide children unrushed time in nature. In an ever-anxious, fast-paced society, finding time in the garden becomes more important than ever.

    Another great book is “Sunflower Houses” by Sharon Lovejoy. In fact, all of Ms. Lovejoy’s books are wonderful resources to help children fall in love with gardening. Her books are full of old-fashioned projects to do with children. There were many years I grew Poppies just so my girls could make Poppyhead Dolls. I honestly can’t remember a time when I didn’t have a garden, but I also can’t remember ever having that one moment of pintrist-perfection within the garden either. Gardens are messy and so are children. Our goals need to shift from a momentary gardening photo shoot to a lifetime of digging. Instill a life-long love of being among the wild things.

    Happy Gardening, my friends. Enjoy your precious, unplugged moments with your children. Dig a garden plot just for them. Set free the imagination to explore the incredible wonders of nature.
    Love, Keenan at Heirloombulbgirl