Z Is For… Zed!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by  

#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter Z

Our theme this year is Growing!, with the exclamation point.

Why?

Growing is tumultuous. It happens in a messy fashion, in fits and starts. It’s not neat, and it’s not stepwise.

We got to the end of April, and completed the challenge. Endings are bittersweet. Sometimes it means that something didn’t survive that we felt an attachment to. Sometimes it’s relief that something is over. Sometimes endings speed past so quickly, we don’t even notice they’ve gone until later, when we sit up and say, hey way, where did that thing go?

I like to do the challenge because it stretches me and it brings me back to my blogging, which I love.

I forget, sometimes, how much I enjoy it.

I invite you, Dear Reader, to think a moment. What do you enjoy, that you’ve forgotten? What pastimes have you zoomed by, without stopping, and all of a sudden it’s April 30th?

Furthermore, dear ones, I invite you to think about how you might spend some of your time on that thing this week. Just fifteen minutes. Not a lot of time.

But if we don’t take the time, it’ll be taken from us.

And sometimes, time is all we have.

Thank you for reading along with us during the challenge, and I hope you’ll come back for our Reflections.

Y Is For… Yes!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by 1

#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter Y

Contributed by Tina Holland

Yes! We are almost done with the #atozchallenge. So let’s “Yes!” or celebrate the wins.

Our theme for this year was Growth. When was the last time you celebrated your growth or accomplishments?

Having completed a recent writing project, I can appreciate the work I put into it and I make a point of rewarding myself along the way – sort of a micro-celebration.

For every 1K I write – I get a sticker. This has become such a thing with me that I’ve started buying stickers before the project.

And for every 5K after that I reward myself with things like flowers, a trip to the bookstore, online purchases equaling the word count ($30 for 30K) and so forth. Once I’ve gotten the book on pre-order I usually persuade DH to take me out for dinner. They range from fancy to having him cook for me. 🙂

I still need to apply some of this gamification to other aspects of my life. Who knows maybe I’ll grow into it.

What growth have you celebrated lately? Or what ideas do you have to celebrate your Yes!

X Is For… Xanadu!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by  

#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter X

Contributed by Evey Brown

“In Xanadu did Kubla Khan, a stately pleasure dome decree…”  In this poem we see that even the mighty Kubla Khan needed to take a break from conquering the world to relax.  The same is true for us, in the midst of personal growth, there must be pauses to rest.  There must be places to meditate, look inward and catch our breath before more progress can be accomplished. I am suggesting you find a small place in your home where you can build your own Xanadu.

When you close your eyes and imagine a perfect spot, where are you?  In a fairyland meadow, at the beach, or maybe Grandma’s kitchen table?  Can you relax and just for a moment forget the cares of the moment and center?  Then you’re off to a great start.  Let’s build one together.

Your own personal ‘pleasure dome’ could be something as grand as a whole room, or as small as your bedside table. A window sill or your half of the bathroom counter would fit the bill nicely too.  I suggest you fill it with objects that help take you there through your five senses.

First, Touch.  A lace doily, a strip of satin, a woven placemat of jute.  Or maybe you would prefer some faux fur?  Imagine touching it, stroking it, does it take you to that happy place?  Driftwood worn smooth by the waves, the pearly sheen of the inside of a seashell with the gritty outside for contrast would give you double the tactile stimulation.   I suggest finding these items at the dollar store, a quick trip to goodwill  or maybe you have something already.  I found an out of style velvet skirt for four dollars and turned it into a table runner. There is no reason to spend a lot of money on this.

Second, Sight.  Have you or a loved one sketched a favored drawing?  Maybe that Christmas card from Aunt Sue with the snow falling around a cabin.  Or you found the perfect sunset online.  Frame it, and choose a frame that elevates the scene.  The dollar shop has a nice selection for, you guessed it, a dollar.  You could double down and match it to your touch item.  I have a picture of my Grandma Etta on my strip of velvet.  She always had a red velvet table runner on her windowsill.

Third, Sound.  Can you hear the ocean in that seashell? Maybe a small wind chime that tinkles when you touch it.  You could use a crystal bell, a metronome, or the sound of your purring (or snoring) cat at your feet.  Don’t forget technology; download an app that could help you find the sounds of rain, ocean waves or soothing music.  My Grandma Etta’s house was seldom quiet but when it was, the sound of her heavy wooden mantle clock was special to me.  The dependable ticks, the Westminster Chime that went off on the hour sounds like peace to me.

Fourth, Smell.  This one is as easy as buying a candle, a wax warmer or incense.  There are air diffusers, sprays, and essential oils.  My favorite option though is breaking out a package of cookie dough and tossing it in the oven.  Nothing is better in my experience than chocolate chips and vanilla in real time.

Which brings us to the fifth sense, Taste. When my cookie dough is done, I can eat it too. Make a plan to have something that tastes like your personal Xanadu in your cupboard.  Lemonade for the beach, hot chocolate if you are going for the Christmas vibes, and sweet tea would fit nicely into an outdoor garden theme.  What was your favorite food as a child?  Banana slices in red jello?  Chocolate pudding?  Grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup when it rained?  My grandma had Worthers candy.  Why not add your fifth sense and a little nostalgia into your escape from stress?

In the long run you may only spend five or ten minutes relaxing in your personal ‘pleasure dome’ at a time; but that break, that rest will make your continuing efforts to grow and improve yourself easier to continue.  I know it has worked for me.

W Is For… Wonder!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by  

#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter W

Contributed by Laura E Rios

We need more wonder in this world. I see so many people who seem jaded, adopting a “been there, done that” attitude, but still, they manage to exhibit a lack of knowledge about everyday things.

Just to narrow things down a little bit, let’s start with what happens above us. Why is the sky blue? What makes the noise when you hear thunder? How many stars are visible from Earth? How long would it take to get to Mars? Unless you can actually answer those questions, I hope you’ve wondered about them.

It seems to me that the most interesting people have an active curiosity about the world. I don’t know about you, but I look up a dozen things a day. Google is my very good friend. There is great satisfaction in learning more about something you’ve looked up. For example, the sky appears blue due to a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. Blue light has a shorter wavelength than other colors and is scattered by air molecules. This scattering distributes the blue light throughout the sky, which by day, makes the sky appear blue. Now that’s what I call a real blue light special!

Thunder makes noise because lightning superheats the air, which causes it to expand very rapidly. This creates a shockwave; thunder is what we hear when these sound waves are generated. Imagine my surprise on learning it wasn’t the angels bowling, which is what my mother told me when I was four years old.

If you’re still wondering about the number of stars we can see, or how long it would take to go to Mars, I suggest you look up these questions. It won’t take long. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

There is another type of wonder that isn’t simply curiosity, it’s more of an emotion. If you’ve stood on a mountain and gazed out on the panorama below, you’ve felt wonder. A sunrise or sunset can spark wonder. The vastness of an ocean, the constant waves rolling to the shore, and the nearly infinitesimal grains of sand also inspire wonder. Holding a newborn baby, having a stroke of incredibly good luck, (say, winning ten million dollars in the lottery) and standing in front of a famous, centuries-old structure can also invoke this type of wonder.

I believe we need to wonder, and to feel wonder. Having a healthy curiosity and the ability to experience awe are two things that separate us from lower life forms. When we stop asking questions, and when we no longer feel wonder, I think we stop growing as human beings. Don’t waste these gifts and opportunities!

V Is For… Verdant!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by  

#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter V

Contributed by JaeSage

The Verdant Embrace of Spring: A Fresh Revival

“V is for Verdant, Verdant is for Green, Green is for Growing.” This simple yet profound progression encapsulates the very essence of springtime, a season of vibrant renewal that I have witnessed countless times throughout my life here in the heartland of the Midwestern United States. Living amidst the rolling fields and ever-changing skies, I’ve come to appreciate the unique character of a Midwestern Spring – a dynamic period that mirrors the unpredictable yet ultimately hopeful journey of life itself.

A Microcosm of Life: The Unpredictable Dance of Spring

Midwestern weather in the spring is a fascinating study in contrasts, a microcosm of life’s own fluctuating nature. Just when you think you’ve settled into a pattern of gentle warmth, the skies can turn dark, unleashing torrential rains, followed perhaps by a sudden burst of intense sunshine, or even a surprising late-season dusting of snow. High winds whip through the landscape, and the distant rumble of thunder sometimes hints at the raw power of tornadoes. This inherent unpredictability, this constant shifting between extremes, somehow prepares us for the ebb and flow of life, teaching us resilience and the ability to adapt to change.

The Triumphant Arrival of Verdant Life

And then, as if by magic, after the tumultuous weather has run its course, the green arrives. Verdant. Alive. Bursting forth with irrepressible energy. It’s a visual symphony of newness, a palpable sense of freshness and rebirth that washes over the landscape. The once-bare branches of trees begin to swell with the promise of delicate buds, and the fields transform into a tapestry of emerald hues. Even the humble dandelion pushes through the soil, its bright yellow flowers a cheerful counterpoint to the dominant green.

Preparing for Growth: A Season of Action

This verdant transformation inspires a parallel awakening within us. Garden plots are diligently prepared, the rich earth turned and readied for the miracle of seeding. Yard tools, long dormant in the shed, are brought out, oiled, and sharpened, ready to assist in nurturing the burgeoning life around us. We become active participants in this season of growth, eager to cultivate and tend to the potential that surrounds us.

The Gentle Stirring of New Life

The verdant growth is accompanied by the subtle yet enchanting appearance of new life. Tiny baby birdies chirp tentatively from their nests, their calls a fragile melody in the spring air. Small, fluffy bunnies cautiously emerge from their burrows, their movements a delicate dance in the newly greening grass. These tender signs of new beginnings serve as gentle reminders of the cyclical nature of life and the preciousness of each new generation.

Embracing the Elements: Puddle Jumping and Preparedness

With the spring rains comes the inevitable allure of puddles. Out from the back of the coat closet reappear the trusty raincoats, colorful umbrellas, and well-worn galoshes, ready to equip us for the simple joy of puddle jumping. These practical items become symbols of our willingness to embrace the elements, to find delight even in the wetness, and to navigate the sometimes-muddy paths of life with a sense of playful resilience.

A Call to Mindful Awareness and Grace

The verdant growth all around us serves as a powerful reminder to cultivate mindful awareness. To truly see the delicate unfolding of leaves, to hear the vibrant chorus of birdsong, and to feel the gentle warmth of the sun on our skin. This season invites us to extend grace, both to ourselves as we navigate our own growth and to others as they navigate theirs.

The Gifts of Gratitude, Empathy, and Connection

Springtime fosters a sense of gratitude for the beauty and renewal that surrounds us. The vibrant green serves as a constant visual reminder of the life force that permeates everything. This sense of gratitude naturally extends to empathy, as we witness the vulnerability of new life and the efforts required for growth. It encourages us to connect with others, to share in the joy of the season, and to care for both ourselves and those around us.

Hail Springtime! A Celebration of Life

Therefore, let us wholeheartedly hail springtime! Let us embrace the verdant energy that surrounds us, the promise of growth, and the inherent beauty of this season of rebirth. Let us celebrate life in all its unpredictable glory, finding joy in the simple act of witnessing the world awaken around us. For in the verdant embrace of spring, we find a renewed sense of hope and a vibrant affirmation of the enduring power of life itself.

Be your own joy!

JaeSage

U is for Understanding (“What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love and Understanding”

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by  

#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter U

Contributed by Mary Economou Green PhD.

Lately I’ve been in music madness mode,
or at least, that’s what I call it –
a music nostalgia moodiness, songs
triggering memories, some exciting, enriching;
some confusing, nightmarish, timeless.

On our way to university, in 1978
we heard about tickets being sold
to an Elvis Costello and the Attractions show
at the El Mocambo in downtown Toronto,
stood in line for what seemed like hours.

I felt so fizzy, bubbly, carefree, wearing
red go-go boots, “you know the angels wanna wear my red shoes”
was plunked by friends onto a table top,
danced crazily, joyously to “The Beat,”
made serious black-dressed Costello break into a smile.

A year later, 1979, uncertainty, misunderstandings, changes –
electrifying, exhilarating love, then devastation, defeat;
sensational, memorable travel, then surrender, retreat.
Elvis sings “What’s So funny ‘Bout Peace Love and Understanding”
which whispered to me then, shouts to us now. We listen.

T Is For… Turmoil!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by  

#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter T

Contributed by Anka 

Growing turmoil

It was Easter Sunday and I was on my way back home by train after visiting my family. I sat diagonally from a young woman, our two benches facing each other. Next stop a young man sat down next to her. He got comfortable spreading his legs wide open and almost touching the young woman’s legs. Her’s were crossed. She was closely leaning against the wall next to the window busying herself with her cellphone. How slim she was, taking almost no space on the bench. Moderate make up, moderately dressed, flattened long black hair. Nothing outrageous. What hit me were the lips unproportionally big compared to the rest of the body. Botox comes to mind.

At this point I was debating if I should jump in if her neighbor succeeded in touching her. I mean why do men have to be so confident in spreading their legs? Excuse me for generalizing. Botox lips irritate me, nevertheless I decided to defend her if need be. Her looks should never be an excuse for not taking her side in case of sexual harassment. So I kept controlling the sitting arrangements.
Meanwhile I was reading excerpts of Hildegard von Bingen’s book about her visions, Scivias – Know the way of the Lord. The language and argumentation didn’t speak to me. They felt indoctrinating.

I kept reading and controlling the widespread legs of the young man sitting next to the young woman with the slight frame. They were engaged now in separate conversations. She was talking to a girlfriend standing behind me about a drunk who was holding an almost empty bottle of sparkling wine (This is Germany.) in our compartment. He caused havoc because he needed to pee badly and there was no tollet on the train. “I know the German law”, he yelled. Alcohol inhibits the secretion of the antidiuretic hormone. It does not inhibit bad behavior. He was debating peeing into the trash container. She was laughing and said to her girlfriend that the drunk was wearing a sharp looking suit and complimented his blond dyed hair. He was forgiven. The widespread leg guy on his side was talking to his friends in another language. Time went by. I still did not like Scivias.

After what seemed like an eternity the young Lady with the Botox lips and her girlfriend left the train. The widespread legs guy moved over next to the window. His legs were closed now. His friend in a grey suit sat down next to him and opened his legs wide! Maybe it was the position of the seat? Maybe they were just trying to be further away from my legs?

While I was bouncing back and forth ideas of what I could do or say if need be, nothing really happened. People who noticed me on the train might have wondered about the old lady with the grumpy look on her face.

Writing down the whole event I realize there was nothing to feel upset about. Turmoil was me.

S Is For… Spring!!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by 1

#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter S

Contributed by Tina Holland.

Spring has finally sprung here in North Dakota.  I think we all officially believe it when there is no snow in the forthcoming forecast.

Grass is green here on my farm, and my daylilies are starting to break free from the ground.  Spring is my second favorite season, after Autumn.  The days are still bearable (I can’t stand the heat or the mosquitoes of summer), and plants are starting their growing season.

It is a wonderful thing after what feels like a barren winter wasteland.  FYI – North Dakota is mostly prairie, we only have trees near rivers and in towns, so the wind blows, along with the snow, and there isn’t the beauty that trees bring to winter.

I always have big ambitions for a garden in the spring, but then it never quite pans out.  I do get out and do my morning pages, we have some fires in the evening as it is still cool and generally enjoy the much warmer weather and even the rain.

What wonderful things do you enjoy about the season?

R Is For… Raise or Raze!!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by  

#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter R

Contributed by Nicole.

Raise can have a few meanings. Raise can mean ‘to help grow’. It can also mean ‘to elevate’. Of course, you can also use the other form; ‘raze’ which means ‘to destroy’.

We have all been there. We look at what we have been working on and just want to through it out, delete it in disgust, struggle with the desire to take a hammer to the keyboard to make your computer an effigy to your creative dissatisfaction with what your brain has wrought or light whatever physical manifestation of your work on fire.

Your characters are just not doing what you want them to do. In fact, they are all but blowing raspberries in your direction. If you’re a painter, your colors are running or just not right, not fitting your vision. Or, you just sneezed in the middle of a brush stroke and the pigment did a weird zig zag.

But wait! Pull back from razing your work and ‘raise’ it. My personal trick is to copy and paste the work into a separate document and file it in my ‘Snippets’ folder. There is a chance that I can use it at a later date or in another story. I make it like a seedling in the Potting Shed of my imagination to be planted in a story at a later date.

I am fairly certain that painters have their own tricks. Maybe the zig zag can be incorporated into the design in a new way. Or, you may be able to scrape it off. You may be able to just run with it.

Sometimes the creative process is a series of highs and lows. The low points happen, and you just cannot use what just came out of your brain. I know that recently, I stared at eight hundred thirty seven words of work that just did not fit into the situation that I was trying to write. I could not get my characters to the next point with what was sitting on my Word document.

I can admit it: I highlighted the whole shebang and was one keystroke away from wiping from existence and that universe, but sanity prevailed, and it went into ‘Snippets’. Partly because I do not want to have wasted that time but also because it could be a metaphorical transplant into a separate ‘garden’ or a new bed in my existing one later on.

That scene can help elevate the existing story later or go into a new work by changing the characters. I can ‘raise’ it rather than ‘raze’ it.

Sometimes you will ‘raze’ or destroy your work. If you look at that mental garden bed and see weeds rather than tomatoes and you just put all of what you yank out of the ground in the metaphorical compost pile, then accept it and move on. After all, gardens need fertilizer too and your mental compost may lead to something truly beautiful. Growth can come from destruction as well as from effort.

Q Is For… Quince!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by  

#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter QContributed by A. Catherine Noon.

Since our theme is “Growing!,” I wanted to bring us back to plants. (Partly this is because the dumpster fire out there, ~waves hand vaguely at… everything~) is pulling so much focus for me, I need to go out and look at the flowers.

Which brings me to Q. Q?? Why did I sign up for Q?

What the hell am I going to talk about for Q?

One year, for the A to Z, I couldn’t think of anything for my “Q” post and so posted a bunch of pictures of snow leopards. Because I can.

But then, it hit me! I know what I’ll talk about!!

Quince Bush (Chaenomeles speciosa)

And here’s a picture of one growing just down the street from us:

It turns out this lovely plant actually produces small fruits, a little like an apple or pear, that are popular in jams and jellies because of their high pectin content. They’re native to East Asia, which means they’re considered an introduced species in my part of the world, but they’re one of the first shrubs to flower in the Spring which makes them quite the show stopper.

What about you, Dear Reader? What’s growing where you live?