So sad the song…………..

Aerial Photo of Douglasville, GA courtesy Telegraph.co.uk

This past Fall was a particularly trying time for me and some of my neighbors. In September 2009, certain areas of Georgia were flooded out where there were no official flood zones. We were graced with torrential rainfall that is only seen once a century. If nothing else, it opened our eyes to the fact that not everything is what it seems because many bought homes in areas that were only waiting for a good flood to happen.

Unfortunately, some homeowners will have to walk away from their ravaged homes or try to salvage what’s left of it. It puts things into perspective when you begin to worry about things that can easily be remedied or resolved. Starting over at square one? Not so much. It was a clear reminder that mother nature can be as vicious as she is beautiful. I am grateful that the loss of life was minimal because it could have been so much worse. I escaped the brunt of it.

When all was said and done, I just needed to replace my garage doors and roof, so I am thankful for that. It’s almost Spring and there is hardly a memory of what transpired just a few short months ago. I lost only a few plants…so far…who knows what the coming months will bring. Still, I see it as a cleansing of sorts….a new beginning in many ways.

My spirit is somber and at peace finally…so I am ready to move toward the next phase. I’ve pretty much left the yard to its own devices. In the end, it will mean more work for me, but on the other hand, it will give me a chance to evaluate what’s working and what’s not. I’ve already purchased a white, all-weather swing to hang on the front porch and bought matching cushions for it and the two white rockers. I want to focus on the porch more. To make it more visually appealing because that’s the first thing that you see when you come to my house. Right now, I have too many tools, pots and god knows what else cluttering every available inch of the space.

This weekend, I will begin to prune the roses. I’m looking forward to seeing my roses again. They’re like a dear friend with whom you’ve lost touch and can’t wait to reunite with. I miss them. I miss the brilliance of each color pattern drawn onto the face of its petals. I miss how warm and inviting it made the entire garden feel. It will be a couple of months before I am rewarded for my efforts, but I am confident that it will be time well spent.

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• September 25, 2005 -- Come see the paradise as I record my progress in creating a my own private heaven on earth