Happy Valley Farm with ASk

Yesterday, I met with ASk at the home of a recently departed friend, colleague and student. Marsha was known for her beautiful garden, warm smile and generous personality. The sketchers cherish every opportunity they have had to enjoy the grounds at Happy Valley Farms and record it in their sketchbooks. I know that you will see what I mean when you view the brief record of that marvelous day in my photos below. More about Happy Valley Farm and the day of sketching with Anacortes Sketchers here.

I was charmed by the vibrant colors in the sunlight

The sunny side with the fuchsia door and roses

We wandered through the shade in the orchard or by the pond. Apples are beginning to fall from the old trees. Every once in a while, one of us would pick one up and place it on the bench.

 

We found a bronze memorial plaque in the seat of the bench.

It was a serene day: end of summer in the quiet countryside, warm sun, warm memories.

Forget Me Not

Forget-me-not flowers

I'm thinking of two of my favorite gardeners today, my grandmother, whose favorite flowers these were, and Marsha. May you both rest in peace.

Feeling Blue

Is it possible to feel happiness and sadness at the same time? Or perhaps warm gratitude for acquaintanceship, yet sorrow at missing out on the future companionship of someone? You know the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

I prefer the thought of a friendship as a garden, being cultivated with time, growing, blossoming....yet knowing that winter will come, when everything must rest. Looking back on the summer is a special kind of daydream. I am warm with reminiscing. I think one of my favorite gardeners would agree that life gives us challenges as gardens give us weeds. I admire the way she dealt with them.

"Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them." -A.A.Milne