Report From PIA – January 27
As I’ve mentioned here before, I’m working on a new book that is about a third finished. I don’t have a publisher for this project, and I recognize that it’s a long shot, but it’s something that is close to my heart so I’m willing to pursue it. This book has gone through several reframings and rewritings, but I think I’m finally on the right track: sometimes it takes the head awhile to truly hear the heart’s desire.
Every time I revised the approach to this book I’ve created a new folder on the computer labeled with the new title, and filled with the modified table of contents, notes and finished chapters. Now that I think I’m finally headed in the right direction, it occurred to me that I should go through these folders – yikes! There are four of them! – to see if there’s anything that could be recycled or altered for the new version.
Editing and recycling are as familiar to gardeners as they are to writers. If you don’t want a garden that looks like a wild meadow, or is composed of only a few varieties, you’ll need to edit out plants that spread quickly or self-seed. Some of those plants might be transplanted to other locations, but if it’s a variety that spreads quickly, planting more of it is a make-work program, and it’s far better to give them away or toss them out.
Of course gardeners recycle more than plants. We reuse plastic pots and trays, are willing to put flowering annuals in leaky watering cans or old wheel barrows, and we’re the kings and queens of composting. So using things more than once is second nature.
So here’s where this all comes together for me today. Some of the previous book incarnations I’m more than willing to toss. Like those excess Siberian Iris, there are some things that just shouldn’t be kept. But other pieces I came across aren’t, perhaps, appropriate for the new book, but are too good for the trash.
I’m sure you’ll understand, then, if I plant one here.
Growing Magic
This wand is my reminder of the potential in each day.
We have the power to make magic if we look at things this way.
When we’re generous and forgiving each small action makes its mark;
when we’re thankful for our blessings we bring rays of light to dark.
For the smallest acts of kindness spread like ripples in a pond.
By celebrating our connectedness, we are each a magic wand.
– C.L. Fornari
This is the magic wand I made to attach my poem to - it serves as that reminder. You can make a magic wand out of things you find in the garden, or out of odds and ends that are meaningful or just plain fun.
