One of my most favorite things about walking around town are the garden spaces. I think that the time and love put into each full and vibrant garden is amazing!

Whether admiring potted plants serving as decorations for businesses or personal gardens emitting the message of “welcome home,” I can sense a very particular kind of intimacy radiating from the expression of every happy plant.

Recently flowers have been grabbing my attention. The pictures posted here merely imply the true beauty of Nature’s artwork experienced in person. Regardless, you get the gist of where I’m coming from.

I think it is simply precious how people passing by get the opportunity to receive the gift of bliss from these gardens, even while the gardeners are away. And these pretty blooms are just starting to reveal themselves this May.

There is such a sweet display of tenderness in the garden over on 4th and Broadway. Sometimes, I go out of my way just to witness the subtle changes of this owner’s garden space. I can’t even imagine what joy is experienced while tending to such a garden.

I hope that you are insipred to take more leisurely walks around Fairfield. Enjoy the beautiful weather, renew your appreciation of nature, and don’t forget to show some love to the gardens!

It is always interesing to me how my mother can expose such great, yet sometimes latent and underappreciated, potential within me. This special gift of hers reminds me to abide by my path with an honest, healthy, and simple way of living. With these simple reminders, I find it easier to interact with the world around me.

Just by being around my mother I feel grounded in who I am and safe within the flow of life. Her presence is like the experience of what some refer to as darshan. Her visit to Fairfield helped me to understand the strong and comforting silence others have complimented me for. I am so grateful for her strength and wisdom.

And when I say darshan, I mean to say that my mother’s silent, saintly, and wise persona is like a unspoken blessing. While she was here in Fairfield, I found myself resting in what wasn’t said between us. In these quiet moments, we shared a mutual feeling of fulfillment as if we had a conversation about all of the things that we absolutely love.

When we were out and about, I enjoyed listening to my mother say nothing but good things about Fairfield. She said that this little town had such a quaint, old-school vibe. She enjoyed the peace in the air along with the quarky people. Even when visiting Iowa City, she held a high regard for the surroundings and people around her.

When were back at my apartment we would often sit in quiet admiration of one another. In our talkative moments, I took the opportunity to cook for her and teach her how to utilize her ipod touch for more than just a music player. This woman is such a quick learner! Of course, this is another quality I admire within her.

Other times we would play with my pet cat Lila, talk about our individual growth, spend time with my friends, do yoga asanas, and celebrate the future we could foresee in one another. Through these activities I became more aware of the respect I have for my mom. I especially admire her self-motivation to maintain a strong mind and body.

One of my personal highlights of her visit was when my friends would meet her and they wouldn’t believe how young she looked. They said that she looked like my sister. Even my doctor said that she was so healthy and strong.

Others said that she had such a beautiful soul. This particular quality in my mother has always stood out to me. In fact, even today she  reminds me to honor this aspect within myself.

Although it was saddening to watch her leave, I was glad to have time to cultivate our intimate mother to daughter relationship. The appreciation seems to be mutual. I am also happy that she chose to be with me for her vacation time. She could have been anywhere else in the world and she decided to be with me.