Parchment Paths

Evening is just beginning to settle over the small town you find yourself celebrating springtime in. It’s still warm even as the sun begins to go down. Many of the shops have extended hours and are holding sidewalk sales. It’s the perfect evening for roaming around, enjoying the weather, and exploring th e town.    Several other people have ethe same idea , including some walking dogs, pushing children in strollers , and couples holding hands. Everyone seems friendly , and welcoming, just like the village.    You pass by a bo okstore with displays of gardening books , cozy fantasy, and spring themed cookbooks .  You slip inside , enjoying the warm, inviting aroma. You roam the aisles , enjoying seeing the old favorites and the potential new favorites .  You leave with a new book you cannot wait to read . The cover reminds you of this very village. The shopkeeper told you that it was written by a local author.    As you walk , a delightfu...

  Have you ever wondered why some people are terrible at keeping their gardens and houseplants alive? I know, I do. I struggle to keep so called low maintenance plants alive and am amazed when friends have thriving gardens or a multitude of house plants.   Do you also wonder what happens to plan t s after they die? Is there a plant heaven or do they haunt the earth as ghosts? Maybe there is an entire ghost garden somewhere, tended by ghost gardeners .   Maybe the ghost gardeners lovingly tend the ghost flowers, pumpkins, succulents, tomatoes, and cacti. Let the thought comfort you, despite how many plants you’ve neglected or had die despite your best efforts .   Imagine walking through an archway covered in morning glories, the faint sunlight shim mers on the almost translucent flowers.   It’s beautiful, more beautiful than any garden you’ve ever seen before. It’s peaceful as well, lined with benches and comfor table nooks to sit and relax among the pl...