Tree of Life
12 inch block
with a leaf out of place. Ooops!
In 2015 I made 12 blocks.
In 2018 my forest grew 6 more trees.
This week I made these 7 trees and after I fix two blocks I'll assemble the top because this month in my sewing space the theme to move UFOs forward is "oldies and biggies". This is definitely an oldie. It will be nice to empty this box that had 18 blocks plus leafy fabrics plus a few tree trunk fabrics and blue solids.
And sew on...
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CELEBRATE! (my word of the year)
Nov. 13 - I received another shipment of seeds from two different companies. I'm getting ready for some winter sowing in January. A lot of this batch of seeds is for my new Goth/Moonlight Garden that I hope will be full of mostly black and white flowers with a few pops of pink. My oldest son, father of my granddaughter Kayla who passed away unexpectedly several years ago was suffering a severe bought of depression after her death. Then he had a wound on his foot that would not heal and found out he was diabetic and had to have part of his foot amputated. Then he became even more depressed. One day I mentioned to him that I was thinking of clearing an area out back that had become overgrown with mostly honeysuckle, stinging nettle, black raspberries and wild grape. I told him the reason I wanted to clear it was for a Goth/Moonlight garden in memory of Kayla who was "perky goth". I have been watching a couple of British gardening shows where they frequently visit community gardens aimed at helping folks with both physical and mental illnesses and I know that gardening certainly keeps me grounded (haha) so I thought I'd tell him I needed his help with the project. He was eager to help and ended up clearing the whole area himself. He worked on it a little each day. After that he asked me for more outside chores and his attitude and appearance have changed a bit.
I didn't know Cornflowers ever came in a blackish color. They are one of my favorite flowers but I don't have any luck planting the seeds. I'm glad your son is helping you. Maybe between the 2 of you the overgrown areas will become tidy again.
ReplyDeleteWonderful job engaging your son and honoring your granddaughter! Best of luck, I enjoy your blog!
ReplyDeleteYour goth/moonlight garden sounds intriguing. Good for you and your son.
ReplyDeleteSo much therapy to be had connecting with the earth. I did a ton of gardening after Dad died and then Mom 13y later. Not a blade of grass left here ;-)
ReplyDeleteYay for providing him the therapy and may you both enjoy the fruits of your labor.
What a wonderful way to remember Kayla. Your blocks are great. Are they your oldest WIP/UFO?
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of a midnight goth garden, but it certainly seems just the thing to honour your beloved granddaughter. And the fact that creating it is helping your son too is certainly a bonus.
ReplyDeleteI admire you for making the tree of life blocks, too many small pieces for me to cope with, I'm afraid.
Good for you for finding a way to engage your son in your garden effort. You both benefit while finding a way to honor Kayla.
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I hope you’ve sewn the seeds for your son to work through his grief and depression. What an inspired idea you hit on, asking him to help. It seems a perfect way to remember Kayla and honor her memory.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear that gardening is helping your son. I also have a son suffering from depression so, I can relate and understand your desire to keep him focus on something positive. Love your trees. Will you set them on point as they usually are? Take care. ;^)
ReplyDeleteI love the tree blocks, I love your moonlight garden idea, I love the memory of your granddaughter, I love your son's willingness to dig, I love the hope and joy you create. You are brilliant. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to know that the new garden to honor Kayla has been such a help to your son and that his efforts have been such a help for you. Definitely worth celebrating.
ReplyDeleteCan’t wait to see your and your son’s garden bloom next year! Beth in AL
ReplyDeleteThat is definitely something to celebrate about. I am looking forward to hearing more about his recovery from depression and his new found joy to celebrate the memory of his daughter and your granddaughter. That is so special. You only have a little over a month left with your word of the year "celebrate." I'm wondering what your next year's word will be. This one has certainly been profound. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYour cleverness extends from sewing to gardening to helping hearts heal! The moonlight garden in honor of Kayla sounds beautiful. May it help both you and your son find joy and solace.
ReplyDeleteIve never tried winter sowing, so I’ll be interested to follow your progress!
What a great idea for gardening with your son and honoring your granddaughter. Glad to hear he is participating. So sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI love white flowers because they can be seen at dawn and dusk! The midnight garden will be lovely in more than one way...you have your son back! ❤️
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