I was first inspired by art and nature’s beauty in my Grandma Ferne’s home and magical backyard garden.
My maternal grandma and grandpa’s white, 1905 farmhouse and detached tandem garage sat on a long, narrow lot nestled in a block of modest homes. After entering through the front door of their house and giving hugs, I went to my grandma’s art nook off the kitchen to see what new, delicate ceramic figure she was expertly painting. I was careful not to touch. After checking the cookie canisters on the kitchen counter, I often slipped out the back door, which was at the back left corner of the house. A few steps went down from the back door and onto the driveway. The garage set slightly back from the house.
Rounding the back corner of the house deposited me into the back yard. Next to the garage, a mimosa tree offered delicate, fern-like leaves, and a tulip tree held large, silky petals. I gently caressed them between my fingers, then walked to the opposite side of the narrow yard. There, the property line included a canopy of trees, Rose of Sharon bushes, ferns, day lilies, Lily of the Valley, and various other flowers tucked in between green vegetation and a bird bath. Happy birds chirped and fluttered, some hidden in the lush layers of plants and trees, some gliding over the treetops as if enjoying the view from above.
I reached out my hand to touch the foliage as I strolled further to the back of the yard, which wrapped behind the garage. When I rounded the curve, I gasped at the tiered garden which had been hidden from view – masses of colorful, sun-loving flowers: iris, lilies, poppies, peonies, coreopsis, roses, and more.
I sat among the flowers and breathed deeply, closed my eyes and tilted my head to feel the warm sun on my face. It was a private, peaceful sanctuary. It felt sacred, and was the beginning of my love of nature.
My sweet grandma had built a little wonderland through her art and gardens. She and my grandpa both passed away when I was only nine, but I’d go on to recreate that feeling, that experience, the appreciation of nature and art in my own gardens and home.
Life can be busy and hectic. We can feel overwhelmed by the pressures of life. It’s my hope that with my art, products, and books, I can help us to remember to slip outside and wonder at the beauty all around us, or to create something lovely. It’s good for our well-being.
May we all be inspired by beauty wherever we are today.
With love,
Laura
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