Rediscovering Pema

[Dances With Trees]

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

I white-knuckled through 30 years of my life reciting these lines. About two years ago, I stopped hiding from myself. I haven't had the urge to recite those lines since then.

[Sephirah]

I white-knuckled through 30 years of my life reciting these lines. About two years ago, I stopped hiding from myself. I haven't had the urge to recite those lines since then.

That's fair. Not everyone is you, though. It still helps some people.

[Dances With Trees]

It still helps some people

It helped me. And I don't mean to commandeer Pema's blog, but I have no doubt those words will help her, too. White-knuckling was so much better than the alternatives. Your advice was good, Sephirah. I would never discount a single word you say. The 'Serenity Prayer' triggers so many memories of a time when darkness was the norm and those words were the only light I could cling to. I apologize for responding without context.

[Pema]

@Dances With Trees and @Sephirah, you both are welcome to contribute here anytime you want. Your voices make it feel like more of a home than a diary.

[Pema]

Annika, in what I consider her unofficial blog, requested a photo from my garden:

I would love to see a picture of your calla dancing with peonies.

I took this as a challenge to work out how to post images on the forum, and I figured I might as well do a few others (assuming I succeed). So here goes...



It's either a very dramatic dance or they've already exhausted themselves.

Annika, you mentioned that lilies might not thrive in your Zone 4/5 climate. Callas likely wouldn't, but Asiatic lilies should, maybe something like this:



Annika also said:

I am more comfortable in the company of trees and flowers than in the company of men or even women.

Yes! That's exactly why I live here and do this:







There are people whom I love dearly, but I frequently experience a struggle to find harmony in human relationships. I don't experience that with plants; I can go out into the garden or the forest and immediately be at ease, at home.

[tgirlamg]

There are people whom I love dearly, but I frequently experience a struggle to find harmony in human relationships. I don't experience that with plants; I can go out into the garden or the forest and immediately be at ease, at home.

Pema!

How very spectacular sister!... Gorgeousness abounds!... 💕🤗💕

I too have found that even when life's other connections can be a bit elusive... our connection with natures beauty is always there waiting for us... I look forward so much to my walks along the beach and just got back into my running along the coastal trails this last month. 💕

Thanks for sharing the beauty you helped user into the world sister!🌸

Onward!

Ashley 💕

[Dances With Trees]

Pema, your flowers and gardens are stunning! Thanks so much for sharing. Considering the elegance and grace with which everything from paths to trellises are arranged, I'm guessing you do garden landscaping. If you don't...well, there's nothing like free career advice. Again, thanks.

[Lori Dee]

Wow, Pema. Gorgeous photos. Thanks for sharing!

I think that if I had a garden like that, I would never want to go indoors. Just park a hammock in the trees, and I would love it.

Thanks again.

[Pema]

Lori, my wife and I feel the same way - which is why we do exactly that.



We sleep in hammocks under a tarp in the forest and have nearly every night for more than 5 years. Our "bedroom" lies about 200 feet beyond the fenced-in garden. It changes your whole perspective on what "nature" is and what "being inside" is really intended for.

We have a nearly identical setup that we take backpacking.

[Lori Dee]

Lori, my wife and I feel the same way - which is why we do exactly that.



We sleep in hammocks under a tarp in the forest and have nearly every night for more than 5 years. Our "bedroom" lies about 200 feet beyond the fenced-in garden. It changes your whole perspective on what "nature" is and what "being inside" is really intended for.

We have a nearly identical setup that we take backpacking.

I love it!

[tgirlamg]

Lori, my wife and I feel the same way - which is why we do exactly that.



We sleep in hammocks under a tarp in the forest and have nearly every night for more than 5 years. Our "bedroom" lies about 200 feet beyond the fenced-in garden. It changes your whole perspective on what "nature" is and what "being inside" is really intended for.

We have a nearly identical setup that we take backpacking.

I Love It Too!!!... You two are doing life the right way sister!!! 🤗

[Dances With Trees]

We sleep in hammocks under a tarp in the forest and have nearly every night for more than 5 years. Our "bedroom" lies about 200 feet beyond the fenced-in garden. It changes your whole perspective on what "nature" is and what "being inside" is really intended for.

I am left speechless! Pema, you live the way I dream.

[Pema]

It's so amazing, Annika. The fresh air, the moon and stars on the walk down, the cradle-like cocoon, the sounds of the owls, the rain (and occasional snow)... It feels closer to the way I think we're "supposed to live."