"The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.”
~Henry Miller
It’s a day of pure joy. When the wind blows and sets the whole green forest to dancing, I’m sure my soul can no longer fit within its boundaries, but must go out and share.
Do you know the feeling I’m talking about?
(from "riches", April 2010)

While that question is probably a little difficult to answer in a paragraph (or even in a lifetime), I can tell you that my name is Meredith, and that I love to ponder life's mystery and beauty and joys and then write about them. This blog is all about my interactions with Nature during my walks in the woods, visits to Botanical Gardens, in my own small, organic kitchen garden -- and anywhere else I happen to be when inspiration strikes.

Emeril knows what he’s talking about!
Wendy´s last blog ..Profile of a volunteer
I assume so. I’ve only seen his show a couple of times, but his passion for good food was evident!
So true…and just one of many reasons to grow your own!
Curbstone Valley Farm´s last blog ..Raised Garden Boxes
I could probably think of dozens by now, Clare, but this one remains one of my favorites.
Isn’t there an old saying that we eat with our eyes first? I love the photo – how could you not want to savor the flavor of something so beautiful? Emeril’s a smart guy!
Talon´s last blog ..The Witch of the Cliffs (Short Story)
Oh, I like that, Talon, although I’ve never heard it. Isn’t that a lovely lettuce? Yum.
You find the best quotes, and gosh that does look yummy.
Gillian´s last blog ..Pigeon pea shade
Gillian, one of my favorite sources for quotes is The Quote Garden. For some reason, the way they’ve set up their site works very well for me intuitively when writing articles.
thanks so much for that Meredith – I got lost for about an hour on that site!
Gillian´s last blog ..Pigeon pea shade
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Gillian.
Emeril has a point.
Lynn´s last blog ..Visit, satisfaction and warbling
He does, Lynn!
Absolutely true.

Plus growing you own can also lead to contact with the most beautiful people
(Thank you for the e-mail) xx
carrie´s last blog ..I’m still here and I shall win
Aw, Carrie, what a sweet thing to say! And you’re very welcome.
Perfect quote to go with that picture. We ate the first of our harvest last night: one–that’s right, one–cherry tomato. It was yummy, so hope more follow soon!
Kathy´s last blog ..Do Less in More Time
That first cherry tomato is a delight, Kathy! I hope you enjoyed it thoroughly. Here, it got so cold that I was glad I had yet to transplant most of the plants. Only four had to sit outside with cold, wet feet the last few nights, and I do hope they recover.
I very much agree with Emeril on that one! And speaking of Emeril, I really like some of his recipes on FoodNetwork.com – like chocolate cheesecake.
We’ve been eating a LOT more salad the past few months because I’ve grown all of it – almost $40 worth. It’s such a great experience to see it grow from a tiny seed, into a lovely rosette. And finally into a salad in my bowl. I made the fanciest salad ever last night with strawberries and a homemade citrus dressing with honey and lemons from my tree. So good!
Jackie´s last blog ..Orchid and Garden show in Carmel Valley – this weekend!
Yum, Jackie. That salad description had me salivating. We’re definitely enjoying our “greens,” (altho some of the lettuces aren’t so green) if a bit disappointed that the radishes don’t seem to be doing much in this weird spring/summer/autumn weather. I’m especially pleased with the addition of fresh herbs and spring onions and wildflowers to the salads of late.
I probably need to stay away from any recipe with the word “cheesecake” in it. F. prefers a European-style cheesecake (which doesn’t deserve the name, in my opinion), and so American-style cheesecake is left all to little ol’ me to finish — not an ideal situation.
I’ve been telling folks for years that lettuce is decorative enough to plant in flower beds. And I do believe we eat with our eyes first. I know I do.
PS love the header photo with the spider!
villager´s last blog ..Chive Blossom Vinegar
Oh, I’d definitely plant lettuce in among the flowers, villager.
Glad you like the new header photo!
Oh I totally agree! What beautiful lettuce leaves. I bet they taste delicious.
Noelle / azplantlady´s last blog ..A Gathering of Bees
All this year’s lettuce has been wonderful, Noelle, and the harvest has lasted longer than usual thanks to this lingering cool weather.
aloha meredith
wow that’s a great plant,gorgeous!…come and submit it to my hot meme, i’ve posted the linky on my site already!
noel´s last blog ..The Hot, the Loud and the Proud #2
Noel, believe it or not I have plans for the meme. It’s so easy to remember, coming at month’s end, and it’s one of the very few I participate in. I’ve gathered a few suitable shots, which I’ll post tomorrow, time permitting.
It looks good enough to be added to our vegge garden. jim
Jim Groble´s last blog ..we got pumpkins, we got pumpkins
Oh, do you have looks considerations for the vegetable garden, Jim? It must be a beauty. I’ll have to see it at peak this summer.