Small Comforts
Posted on Mar 11th, 2011 by Allison (Family/Friends, In the Garden)

Yes, I still have one more Costa Rica post for you. But not yet.

You may, or may not, be aware that I’ve had a rough week. Schizophrenia is such a cruel disease – one that has robbed me of my father – and dealing with its repercussions and impact is emotionally draining. And very frustrating when decisions need to be made and there are no good solutions to be had. My siblings and I just keep going around in circles trying to determine what action, if any, we should be taking for our father’s emotional, mental and physical well-being since he is refusing any treatment…

But through it all I’ve felt very supported by family and friends and appreciate the concerned calls and emails and messages. Thank you.

And, I’ve taken comfort in the simple joys of my spring garden. Like the tiny tête-à-tête daffodils blooming among the bright green moss.

And the sweet little bushtits that swarm my suet feeder several times a day. And the cute chickadees, juncos and and other birds at the seed feeder.

And the fat squirrel that won’t give up on trying to find a way to reach the suet feeder. I felt kind of bad moving it where he can’t reach it so tossed him some raw almonds… I think I’ve made a friend for life. (See video)

And discovering this cute garter snake warming himself in the sun. I’m so happy to see him – because it means I have a healthy ecosystem in my garden…. plus, he’ll eat the slugs!

Simple joys are simply the best.

So, how are you doing?

(13) Comments    Read More   

Comments

Kristin on March 11th, 2011 at 2:24 am

🙂

I love your happy little garden. The snake is cute, the birds are delightful and that squirrel is very funny.

I’m happy you are taking pleasure in these simple joys. You have really had a rough week.


Michelle on March 11th, 2011 at 9:10 am

Very rough week indeed, and like you, i have witnessed up close and personal the horrible repercussions of mental illness.

Your sweet little garden is such a joy. Glad you are finding comfort there.

Love u.


Jean on March 11th, 2011 at 9:21 am

I love you Allison and I know it has been a really hard and frustrating week. So happy that you and Jeston and Kristin are so close both emotionally and geographically.

The ability to find joy in simple things is a blessing. Thank you for sharing these sweet things with us. Mental Illness is horrible and it robbed you of your father and me of my brother. My heart aches for him and for the life he is missing because he is trapped inside his own mind.


Jennifer Pearce on March 11th, 2011 at 10:26 am

Cute little garden and animals. 🙂 Amazing how much cute little things like that really make a difference. We have been thinking about you a lot lately and the whole mental illness issue. It is just such a sad situation and I know you want to do what’s best for him, but what is that exactly, and it is seems hard to try to make him do things against his will.


Brandon on March 11th, 2011 at 10:31 am

I love these photos! Such a sweet little garden you have. That squirrel makes me happy. It’s great to be able to focus on other things…


Kennedy on March 11th, 2011 at 5:58 pm

You posted a great video for me to watch. You are the best grandma that I have. You are very nice. I really love you so much. I really want to see you in Seattle, Washington, and I want to see you right now. In fact, I love you so very much. In my state, today I went to school and I had a very nice time! I hope you have a fantastic time in Seattle. Alright?


Ashley Rae on March 11th, 2011 at 6:00 pm

I LOVE that little squirrel. He is so darling. It’s wonderful that you have such beautiful things in your garden/yard which can keep you happy during times of stress… I love you and I am so sorry that you’ve had to deal with all of this. I wish I were there to help. In the meantime, maybe Mr. Squirrel can be there for you to talk to 🙂


paul on March 12th, 2011 at 2:41 pm

I’m sorry you’re going through hard times, but i’m glad you’re finding joy in your garden,and all your outdoor pets. I’ve never seen a squirrel that color. We have greys and reds here but this one looks a little like both.


Aunt Kathy on March 22nd, 2011 at 10:13 am

I’m so sorry I’m always late to the party. I love you and want only good things for you in your life, since that rarely happens to any of us, just know that I think of you constantly and hopng for a positive outcome.
I love your posts, pictures and slide shows. I’m constantly amazed that as busy as you are, you find the time to share beautiful things with us. Thank you. xxx


Chris on March 22nd, 2011 at 1:18 pm

Allison, I am so sorry about your Dad, I know whatever I can say is not going to even begin to address how you and Kristin and Jeston feel, but I admire you all. And anyone that has to deal with a situation like that. Where is your Dad now, and what did you guys decide?

Your garden is beautiful, and that is why we have gardens, to give us some peace in this crazy world. Mine is full of weeds, so it gives me more stress. lol.


Anne Heartsong on March 26th, 2011 at 9:29 pm

Such sweetness!


Cary Hill on March 31st, 2011 at 6:26 am

I was going to build a garden. Yours will do…


emily on April 3rd, 2011 at 9:54 am

hello i have a new post on my blog. I like your post i like the bird video.


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