Optimism

[vaneramos]

Last week Brenda and Judy asked if Les isn't using me, could they? They do light contract work and have "enough work to keep us busy until Christmas," a lot of it for other members of the Rainbow Chorus. Considering my recent panic over the slow-down in organ work, this came as a tremendous relief. Then I realized I would be earning an additional few bucks an hour. This opens all kinds of possibilities. I could possibly afford to work four days a week, freeing one for creative endeavours. But for now there are bills to pay. Besides, Brenda and Judy are two of the most enjoyable characters I know. This afternoon we started renovating a store for a friend to move in June 1.

Yesterday I heard that two doctors at a big, new medical clinic in town have started accepting new patients. This morning I drove over and submitted an application. There's no guarantee, but at least there's hope. There has been a shortage of doctors in Guelph, and this is the first opening I've found in several years of searching.

Monday I had off, so went shopping at the greenhouse and hardware, then came home and planted a small garden outside my front door. I had one a few years back, but the barbarians upstairs trampled, dropped cigarette butts and let their dogs shit there. Now that they are gone, I have hope of starting anew. Emphasizing white and purple, I planted a few typical rock garden species: creeping phlox, a Sempervivum, two Pulsatillas, two white Echinaceas and several species of thyme. As opportunities present themselves I will introduce natives suited to dry soil and full sun, like Sysirinchium (blue-eyed grass).

Meetings with Sarah D. have been productive, and my creative work habits are changing by nudge and by grudge. It seems an unfortunate winter has been followed by a fortunate spring.

On Saturday the memorial gathering for Mom will occur at John R. Park Homestead, where Dad has been volunteering. I look forward to a reunion with various relatives, particularly some cousins I haven't seen in years. Danny is coming, and I can hardly wait to share with him the beauty of Poplar Bluff in May.

Comments

[justapostcard.livejournal.com]

Sweet little flower bed! I love the rocks. I'm so glad Danny is going with you....

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Me too. His company will be comforting. Those rocks were excavated from under the sidewalk by hydro workers during the winter. I like to be resourceful with what's on hand!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks Mark. Just dropping in really, to let everyone know I'm well and thinking about you. How are you?

[bachelor-farmer.livejournal.com]

Blue-eyed grass is an elegant, knockout, uncommon plant.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I once lived in a house situated on two acres of old meadow, and there had my first encounter with blue-eyed grass and pussytoes in their native habitat. I was captivated.

Hello and welcome. I don't believe we have met until now. How did you stumble upon my quiet corner of LJ?

[bachelor-farmer.livejournal.com]

I was browsing the Friends of Friends page. I used to follow your exploits when I used LJ more. There were pictures of a walk in a park.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I still walk and take photographs there! I, too, have been spending less time on LJ. Your Outpost Project interests me.

[missprune.livejournal.com]

Hi Van, it's just so nice to read of all the good things going on in your springtime!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

My dear, I read about your new bout of illness a couple weeks back, and I neglected to say anything, but my thoughts have been with you. I see your most recent update now. I think it doesn't matter what makes us feel the way we feel; those feelings are real regardless, and the present is better to hold onto than past or future. I hope your present is filled with grace.

[missprune.livejournal.com]

Thank you Van! Good words.

[djjo.livejournal.com]

The garden is looking lovely Van. Looking forward to getting to see if more over the summer.

I'm looking forward to the weekend. It'll be strange meeting all these new people, but there are enough I know that it will be fine.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's going to be strange for me, too. We're expecting about 10 first cousins on Mom's side and four on Dad's side, most of whom I haven't seen in at least 15 years.

I'll call you a little later.

[marian-w.livejournal.com]

I'm glad things are picking up! It really has been a fortunate spring, see you Saturday =)
-Marian

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Good things are turning up all around! Looking forward to seeing you.