A misty morning view of the front yard gardens – 8/12/2021, 5:59 am.
*
How we treat the world around us
expresses profound differences
in what we learned to value
by forces outside of our control
*
A sunny midday view from the back yard – 8/25/2021, 12:23 pm.
*
The challenge remains how to peacefully
and patiently coexist with others
whose values are not the same
for reasons outside of their control
Voices from the Margins 
So true, Carol. Your front yard garden is beautiful and healthy 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
It’s so good to hear from you, Rosaliene! Thank you so much for your kind words. The gardens have been incredibly bountiful despite the drought this summer. Fortunately, we live by a huge lake and are able to water plants, bushes, and trees to keep them alive. Communities just to the north of us, though, are affected by forest fires and the smoke here sometimes makes the air unbreathable. I can only imagine what it’s like in the west and northwest U.S. I hope you are safe and far away from fires. 💜
LikeLiked by 4 people
Carol, so far there are no major fires near us, though our air quality does fluctuate depending upon the winds. My garden is suffering from our latest two-year drought. I’ve cut back on watering as our governor have asked us to reduce our water usage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have read some of the alarming news about water issues in the western states. Areas of Minnesota are affected, too, as are so are many other parts of the country, while other locations are flooding from serious storms and too much rain. These are challenging times. It’s so hard to figure out how to prepare the next generation for future times when so much is uncertain…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Neighbors, well, there is much that can be said,
good and not so good.
You just want to send them blessings, constantly.
What a beautiful garden Carol, lots of hard work there!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Such a diplomatic observation about neighbors, Eddie. 😀 Thank you for your always thoughtful comments, dear friend. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carol, I don’t know if you heard this weaher prediction last year about where to live with some stability in climate? It said Duluth, MN and Buffalo, NY. Both of course on Great Lakes waterways. I miss you and miss Duluth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always good to hear from you, Trace! Actually, one of my students in the research class I taught a couple years ago looked at climate migration as an issue that Duluth needed to consider because of an article she read in “The New York Times.” This year, we have continued to focus the research and community practice classes on the connection between access to “safe” water and community health. In the past, students questioned the focus. This year, no one questioned the relevance.
Interestingly, the housing market in Duluth has been crazy this year, with houses selling within a week with cash offers often many thousands of dollars over the asking price. I am not sure what sparked the market, but decided not to sell my house and have focused on fixing up what I can one piece at a time this summer.
I hope you are doing well and send love, dear friend. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a profound statement and question, Carol. Many are struggling with to find that patience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always a gift to hear from you, Diana. Prepping for the research class I teach always helps me remember to pay more attention to things and contemplate “why” questions. It helps me focus and detach from judgmental emotional reactions. I wish it wasn’t such a difficult thing to remember and do. Writing about it sometimes helps… Sending gentle hugs and gratitude to you. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I admire your Zen-like point of view. It reminds me that being calm and empathetic is a choice too. 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words, Stacey. It’s actually so much easier to find a wiser way to view things one cannot change. 😊
LikeLike