Lenora, Lenora, how does your garden grow? Patio garden progress and a little crafty DIY

Hello my little sun-lovin' bunnies!

I've been enjoying everyone's feedback and interaction in regards to my garden project, so I thought I'd share another update!

After a few more set backs- including a very vindictive stray cat who dug up  all the pots that were big enough for him to fit into, our garden is growing wonderfully and I am just so proud!

As you can see, I expanded the garden down the stairs...

We've had to add extra trellace and LOTS of bamboo skewers to deter the darn cat from digging, so the greenery isn't the prettiest to look at right now. We'd rather the skewers to using chemicals to deter him.
Our plants are dong great- especially our spinach and various pepper plants. We also have lots of new seedlings started in our little greenhouse (that does not have it's green-house-y plastic covering on for these photos- it was too hot!)

You may have noticed a few little jars in these photos- they are my latest little DYI.

I made outdoor photo jars!

I adore them! Not only are they cute, interesting little additions to our patio, they are a great way to use up some of the empty glass jars that have been taking over our pantry!

I just put some marbles and faux pearl beads into some empty glass jars, put in an old photo (from a haul of old 1890s-1950s photos from a farming family I picked up at a fleamartket), closed the jar tightly and decorated with some twine.  I made one that hangs with wire,  and one that says "welcome" for the front step.  Very happy with them!

How is everyone's garden growing?

xox
Lenora

Happy Solstice!

Hello my darling bunnies, and happy Summer Solstice!

Whether you celebrate the Solstice or not, you  have to admit today is a beautiful day here on the East Coast! The longest day of the year, the warmest, and a day to give thanks. It is also a day to  pass along blessings and well-wishes to others.


For me, the Summer Solstice is very special.  I have my yearly semi-Pagan traditions I have practiced since I was a child. They have been adapted from various old Wiccan/Pagan practices, made my own, and ever-evolving over the years. 


I spent the morning tending my garden as usual, and spending time with the baby chickadees , who have learned that I am a friend, and will sit with me while I have my morning tea. Afterwards, I gathered a few items together that are dear to me- photographs of family, friends, and my lover, feathers from my darling pet birds (present and past), crystals given to me by my mother when I was a teenager, etc. I set them outside with me for good juju , so to speak... to honor them, to keep them with me in love while I celebrated the coming of summer. 

I then sat down with some paper, a pen, and some string. I spent the next hour reflecting and giving thanks for the beautiful things in my life, and began to write down little "Dear Universe" notes... 
These little notes gave blessings to loved ones, troubled ones, and lost ones, and were tied to our elm tree. 


Little red notes dancing in the wind, asking for compassion for all. Asking for those who have empty bellies and empty hearts to be full, and satiated. Wishing those close, and far, progress, adventure, and happiness.

 These notes will stay until they are blown away, or the 1st rain. For me, summer has officially started.

Tonight, I'm having friends over for a few drinks on the patio, so share the love!

Do any of you have any summer rituals? Either spiritual or not?  Is it simply not summer until you've gone to the cottage? Berry picking?

XO
Lenora