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Health & Fitness

The Garden of Community

Dig deep into that rich soil and watch your world grow.

Let's face it, we all have hectic schedules.  There never seems to be enough hours in a day to accomplish the to-do (mow the lawn), the have-to's (bills) or the want-to's (ride your bike) lists.  

We lay awake at night thinking of all the things we might have forgotten, writing that birthday card to your friend or perhaps dreaming of your next project that you love.  For me, it's always photography.  Ideas swirl around my head and consume my thoughts.  

Every chance I get, when I'm not working, I always have my camera in tow ready to capture that moment, whether it be a blossom drenched from the latest rains or the perfect light at the end of day.  No matter what it is, I don't want to miss a moment.  Primarily because moments slip by so quickly and they are so precious ... that I don't want to forget. Photos tell a story.  Some of my ideas are about creating a story from what I witness.  

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Yesterday, I was invited to a woman's brunch in Collinsville.  I was excited to dig some wild leeks and make a delicious frittata, my contribution to the gathering.  A large gathering of beautiful, talented woman met me with open arms. Each woman brought their gift to the table and we all shared a delicious meal together. Fine food and companionship.  Meeting new friends and revisiting old, familiar relationships. Tending relationships by watering the garden, adding a dash of sunlight and good cheer.

It was a reminder that I have not tended to my most precious friendships because I have been wrapped up in my own interests and responsibilities.  I am blessed to have close relationships where there is no guilt when you don't see or hear from someone in a long time.  Time in fact becomes a vacuum and it's as if you just saw your best friend yesterday. Feeling that warmth ignite inside of you when you make contact with their eyes and see their face light up with a smile. It’s a knowing and recognition. That is the sunlight, the warmth that feeds the garden of community.

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I brought my camera and in between conversations, trying not to be rude, I would excuse myself for a moment,  snap a few shots, and then resume the conversation. It's so important to make people feel like they are listened to and heard.  Especially in the days of texting, cell phone conversations and computers.  Eye contact and body language sends a volume louder than words.

Later in the evening, I joined another group of friends to celebrate a dear friend's birthday. I felt guilty for not seeing him as often, but soon, that old familiar feeling rose again and time once again became a vacuum.  No guilt, just true joy in being in the moment.  That happy smile and warm hug.

Yesterday was a very busy day, but I made the time to squeeze in those precious moments with friends.  Memories to last a lifetime!  As a gardener, each time you tend to your garden, you will be rewarded.  Dig deep into that rich soil and watch your world grow.  

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