THANK YOU NOTES

A Few Thank Yous from My Garden

My garden gives me food, herbs, and beautiful flowers and reminds me to take time to give thanks every day.

My garden is not fancy. It’s tucked in an alley behind the unsightly backs of commercial buildings and the post office. It can be seen from the only street that takes traffic through town.

So there, amidst cracked asphalt and concrete, my garden greats everyone who comes to my little town. I’m thankful for the passers-by and their fondness for my garden.

I grow my food from this small spot, and herbs to keep me healthy. It’s a joy to tend the plants and share their gifts. Whatever I grow provides for me and many others. I preserve green beans, tomatoes, root crops, and peppers. I dry herbs for winter use and to make my healthy potions and tonics.

Mornings are my favorite time of day. I get up early and listen for the birds to begin their morning chatter. I write in my garden journal and sip coffee, surrounded by the plants in containers on my driveway.

Before doing garden chores, I walk about and gather vegetables for my meal. After this pleasant meander, I gather vegetables, herbs, and flowers to share with anyone passing by.

I have much to be thankful for.

Thank You # One

Sun, moon, earth, wind, water, and all of nature; thank you for providing for my needs and keeping me healthy. I especially love those mornings when you gift me with a gentle breeze that carries the fragrances from the garden. I like how you change things up, so each day is special — each season unique.

Thank you for the little critters that make their home in my garden. The bees and hummingbirds never seem to rest. When the squirrel visits at ten, I smile.

I find it delightful how vegetables grow hidden among the flowers.

Thank You # Two

The Professor stopped this morning and gave me $100 towards my water bill. I tried to refuse it, but he said, “Nope, it’s for the garden.” My income is low, especially after losing my job because of COVID. I purchase little, but somehow whatever is needed is provided.

Sometimes I find old flower pots or shepherds hooks in my driveway. If I watch the news, it seems people are unkind. I’m thankful that in my garden, people are kind and generous.

Thank You #Three

Each day of the year, I have food from my tiny garden. I don't need to purchase soda because I have beverages I make from the plants I grow. I’m thankful for all the nourishment I'm given and the meals I create in simple ways. My garden keeps me healthy, so I don’t need doctors or medicine.

We’re blessed if we’re healthy. I’m thankful I am.

My garden is small and tucked into an unsightly part of town. But its floral bouquets greats everyone who comes to my little town. Many come to visit and share their stories and woes. They leave with their portion of whatever I’ve grown.

Spending mornings with the plants and visitors is a simple pleasure. Tending the garden and making my meals from what I grow keeps me healthy. Thank you to all that is, for my simple not-so-fancy garden and all who visit me there.

Thank you, Trista Signe Ainsworth, for creating this magical publication that reminds us to pause and give thanks. Thank you, readers, for your gift of time reading my simple words.