Wanda's Garden

Wanda Purcell

Last Thursday evening I was in the kitchen making chili.  Blue our 11 year old collie was tied out front and barking - a lot.  I went to the front door to try and settle her down when my neighbor Wanda Purcell came through the front bushes sweet talking to Blue. 

As is her custom, the dog will frequently greet neighbors and visitors with her Lassie-type, high pitched barking.  Blue is hard to ignore.  Our neighbors often come to say hello to Blue who immediately settles down once they have said hello, and can go on their way.  Wanda came over to visit with Blue and joined me inside for a visit before she headed back home. 

Wanda was in a delightful mood.  She and Jim were celebrating - that the siding on their house was completed that day.  Indeed it looks grand.  Wanda was debating about trimming back the Butterfly, Rose,  & Hydrangea bushes that grow gloriously in their front yard.  I have the best view in the neighborhood of  the flowers because  my office window overlooks Wanda's garden.  Every spring and summer I enjoy watching the seasons unfold through the gift of Wanda's green thumb.

 "The house looks so good." she'd said," Jim and I are thinking of cutting back the flowers so it can be seen from the road." 
I laughed and said, "They'll only grow back. I remember how you cut all those bushes back last fall.  They are bigger than ever now.   Everything you touch explodes with life!"

Her green thumb and my lack there of was a joke between us.  I can plant daisies and they will not take.  Wanda would plant daisies and they multiply.  She had pansies that actually bloomed in January!  Our yards are across the street from eachother.  Does ten feet really make that much difference?  Wanda would say, "Denise, you don't fertilize and there isn't enough sun shining there."

Wanda tasted my chili and advised me about adding a few spices.  I had them all on hand and I was happy to follow her instructions.  She took the spoon out of my hand and started stirring the pot on the stove- "This is how you do it" she said, "Don't worry, I won't make a mess."  Then we laughed as the chili splattered all over the counter and stovetop.  It was a great visit that ended with a hug.  Wanda left making me promise to give her a taste of the chili on Friday for lunch. "You've got a deal, Wanda.  I'll see you tomorrow." 

My friend and neighbor Wanda died suddenly on Thursday night. While I ate lunch on Friday, my Vinny was driving Wanda's Jim to Boston to pick up their son.  I miss her already.

Wanda lit up this neighborhood with her singing, her stories, her flowers and warmth.  I can't grasp that she is gone.  Rest in peace sweet friend.  I am so thankful that you were my neighbor these last 10 years. 

Hand Made Tag Art July 2010

June/July 2010

I made these tags in a 5 hour class with several other artists - Time flies!

Enjoy Life - It Goes Quickly

Life is too short to not enjoy it. I am spending my remaining years learning how to enjoy something every single day.  It doesn't have to be a big thing, it may be a conscious moment sipping a cup of tea.  I could be having a conversation with a friend or listening to music.  I will confess that on the top of my list is this:  I love to spend time with Vinnie - my husband of 38 years.   You know, I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. There are moments when I think we are still in our early twenties - that delusion doesn't last very long but I cherish the moments anyway. 

I have known Vinnie for 40 years.  We started going out when I was still in high school and we have been together ever since.  I was watching him sleep the other night thinking how at times he still looks the same to me. I find that amazing.  There have been days when  I would look in the mirror and think I have not changed either - especially since Vin would often say so.  That is until this past winter when he got a new pair of glasses.  It was funny when he commented on a few lines around the eyes we both have that he'd never seen before. "Quick" I said.  "Take the glasses off!"

When I need a break and its time to play solo - I write, or photograph something.  I love to bring my camera with me when I take walks.  Creating a scrap book pages or making hand made greeting cards ofen grounds me and feeds my soul.  I may start on a project and find that hours have passed before I have a finished piece.  Artist time flies for me. Tell me what makes time fly for you?