Garden Shift: Finding New Places to Blossom

My war with the squirrels took a recent turn. Here’s why. I planted; they nibbled until the new blooms disappeared. They munched on the Shasta Daisy leaves until only stubs remained. Oh and the botanist who insisted that marigolds repeal squirrels, not true.

Those little devils uprooted the plants, nibbled on the roots, and then devoured the petals and flowers. After their hearty lunch, the vermin stretched out on the lawn for what I’m convinced was an after meal belch. 

So, my husband and I went into full plant rescue mode. We moved skeletal potted plants to the front yard, and I whispered, “Live, live.” I uprooted the Shasta daisy remains and tucked them into soft front flowerbed soil. And that ice plant intended for my new garden plot? “No way!” I fumed. “It’s going up front.” 

As the summer sun sank behind a ribbon of pink, I brushed off my knees, stood up, and admired my earth art. 

Then the thought occurred to me. This squirrel war has forced me to shift my garden elsewhere. Now those passing by can enjoy the beauty of my creative efforts. 

This morning I ponder those times when people and/or circumstances block our innovative efforts. Although disappointing, these situations force us to take our The Reverend Mother’s admonishment to Maria in the Sound of Music comes to mind: 

“When God closes a door
He opens a window.”

Yet to reach the new opportunity, we must sprout wings. Thus, we cocoon for a season and develop talents that in time, we can share with others who will appreciate our efforts.

Creativity lifts us up and away from the ravaged place, and we fly into new possibilities. In time our talents blossom.

Had all my ambitions in my former marriage, ministry, business, or current field of education came true, I never would have developed my writing, art, and websites. Yet because I felt stymied, I shifted my creative garden.

For years, I planted artistry in seclusion and in time, the seeds sprouted into plants that now blossom. By summer’s end, I completed my first self-published book.

My ambition is for these seeds of creativity to find their way into the gardens of other people’s lives. Perhaps I can point to the open window.

I believe you have a unique destiny, and I hope to be a part of your journey! 

I create resources to ignite creativity, and help people develop their God-given talents.If you’d like a monthly infusion of inspiration, links to free resources, and tips for making art easy, sign up for my newsletter: Release your Full Artistic Potential.