Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Interactions and Affirmation

A garden is a public service and having one a public duty.  It is a man's contribution to the community.
-  Richardson Wright, Truly Rural, 1922 - 

Today I went to The Secret Garden to see how things are faring since we were there on Saturday.
Are you sick of garbage yet?
Yeh, me, too.  Unfortunately, it is a part of my life anytime I step outside the house.
The good news is I only had to pick up a grocery bag's worth.
It's easy sometimes to get discouraged when gardening in a public space.  My friend, Rene, made these beautiful hanging decorations for the shed that we hung up a couple of months ago.
Unfortunately, those dangling decorations became too much for someone's hands to resist.
And more recently, one of the crocheted bench backs was burned off by boys who smoke.
But I have to admit, that almost every single time I am at the garden, I have a positive encounter with a stranger.  Someone who comes over and asks questions because they are curious about what I'm doing.  Today two separate ladies stopped to talk with me.  We had great conversations and they were very grateful and encouraging.  It is those types of interactions that affirm my belief that we truly are making a difference out there, little by little.

The man who has planted a garden feels that he has done something for the good of the world.
-  Charles Dudley Warner -

Happy Tuesday!

14 comments:

Betsy said...

Yes, my friend, you are making a difference. As discouraging as the garbage and the vandalism can be, you never know when you're touching just one life. And one life makes a huge difference. I personally thank you for everything you do. You're an inspiration to all of us. Blessings always my sweet friend, Betsy

Sue McQ said...

Tammy,
How sweet it would be to meet you at the Garden and have a cup of tea or glass of iced tea! Thank you for taking the time and sharing your gift with making a part of this world a lovely respite. Nay nay on all those who cannot appreciate the beauty. They are the sorry ones who cannot respect and feel good about it.

Gracie Saylor said...

Well said in quotes, photos, and narrative, Tammy. Thank you for making a positive difference around you and in me. xx

Linda said...

Bless you, in your efforts. ♥

Tanna said...

You just have to focus on the good. Mercy me. There's enough of the negative out there to take you down if you let it. YOU are a ray of sunshine! Keep shining! blessings ~ tanna

Beca said...

I'm sure it takes a lot of patience on your part to continue your work. Keep the faith and persevere. Your efforts will be rewarded someday.
xx Beca

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Tammy,

You are truly an inspiration dear friend with all you do. Making the world a better and lovelier place to be in.
Happy day
hugs
Carolyn

Diane said...

Hi, Tammy. Hope this spring has been good to you. Blessings, Diane

Teresa Kasner said...

I'm glad that you have encouraging things to defray the discouragement. I so admire all you do there. I'm proud to know you.

((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Sam I Am...... said...

I see garbage around here too as there is no fine for littering here but when there is it definitely makes a difference! Hit people in their pocket books and they start paying attention. You really have a problem there....I have never seen such litter. I've never understood the lack of pride in a person's environment or town or city or country. Don't they want visitors to see the best that they have to offer? Although, I wouldn't want you to see my house right now! LOL! I try but at my age I run out of steam before I run out of things to do!

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

It's wonderful that you don't get discouraged by the thefts, vandalism and garbage, Tammy! Good thing that at least some people let you know that they appreciate all you do in the secreat garden. The garbage is such a big problem here as well. We both pick up trash so often. Most of the people who walk up the hill on the little lane here, just drop their empty snack packages, cigarette boxes, soda cans etc. This laziness and ignorance just drives me crazy.
xo Julia

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Tammy,
Yes, no doubt there is always a positive ripple effect of the things we do that bring joy or create beauty.
But it is human tendency to magnify the bad experiences; however sad it is that those happen.
In the end, we are not responsible for those that attack goodness in this world.
Our Creator will deal with that in the end!
Sending you hugs and blessings and yay, I'm free for 3 months form choir rehearsals and dance.
Successfully we pulled off the Revue on May 6 and I'm waiting for the DVD to come out to watch it myself.
Pieter very much enjoyed our performance at the theatre.
Hugs,
Mariette

Jodiebodie said...

I totally agree about the ripple effect. I'm sure the majority of people in your neighbourhood prefer a garden and beauty over rubbish and decay. By continuing the upkeep of the garden space, by just being there and populating the garden with community members, you will encourage others to come out. People will come when they feel it is a safe space. Your friendly, positive activities will create that and in time, the groundswell of people who are brave enough to come out, will outnumber those vandals and, with luck, will provide the social pressure to discourage future damage and apathy. I will never understand people who don't care about their immediate surroundings or the community in which they live.

SusanLotus said...

You are planting flowers in your own way! :)
Inspiring crocheted Art!

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