Friday, May 28, 2021

Purpose

Now that I am fully vaccinated, I have started back to volunteering at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. I do a couple different things there. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings I do maintenance in the Gardener’s Showhouse. That really means I am the cleaning lady. I sweep, clean up dropped blossoms, prune dead leaves from plants, and this morning I started feeding and watering the African Violets. It may not sound that exciting, but I love it! The first thing I do when I get there is walk through the Showhouse to see what has changed and what needs my attention. There is always something new blooming or some new arrangement that the horticulturist has added. I can’t think of a more beautiful work environment.
What really occurred to me this morning, is how much stronger and healthier I am feeling now that I am back to working outside of my home. Having a purpose is so important to both my mental and physical health. I know that I have been blessed during this pandemic. I have stayed healthy. I have a comfortable home. I have food and clothing. I was grateful that I didn’t have to put myself in a dangerous situation by possibly exposing myself to Covid. The isolation, however, was very hard. On March 13, 2020, I left school for spring break. Because of the pandemic, I never went back, other than to pack up my things. After 30 years of teaching and being part of the Phillips Community, everything was changed. At the same time that I was thankful that I was not under the pressure my friends were, I felt lost. It affirmed for me how important it is to have a purpose in life.
I am so grateful to have that back through my work at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and the Enabling Garden in Altoona. Having a purpose means that I am helping others, but I am the one who is really rewarded by being able to contribute to these beautiful places.

Friday, January 1, 2021

Embroidered Cards




 It's a brand new year, and in spite of the pandemic, it is still an opportunity for new goals and new endeavors.  I had expected to be spending a lot of time at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Center.  I haven't been able to do that, but I am still taking classes, learning new things, and volunteering from home.  Right now I am learning how to make embroidered botanical cards.  I used to do quite a bit of embroidery, but always on fabric.  It never occurred to me that you could embroider a card.  This last week I learned how.  I participated in a training with other volunteers to learn how to do this, and it is fun!  Eventually our cards will be sold in the Botanical Garden gift shop.  Here is my very first attempt.

My Gratitude for Today

1. The opportunity to learn new things.

2. Being creative.

3.  My comfortable home.