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!!

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#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!!

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#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!

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#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?

P Is For… Peace!!

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#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter P

Contributed by Rachel Wilder.

Now many readers would assume that I mean something lofty like world peace. In this current political climate, that might be asking for a bit too much. Instead, I want a kind of peace that is more achievable. A peace that is more personal and a type of peace that can benefit me directly.

Maldives Tropical Island

I am referring to inner peace. Or perhaps, peace of mind.

Most people have a degree of chaos in their lives. The idea is to minimize that as much as possible. At least, for short periods of time and give your poor brain a break.

My tool is guided mediations. I need guided ones as it is easier for a trained instructor to lead me into a state of mind where I can either solve my problems or escape from them. A lovely soothing voice helps, as well.

There are many wonderful apps that you can download, but since one of my worries is my financial stability, I like a free version. I go to YouTube and watch them there. I can even pick out my favorites and create a playlist.

Now there are different methods one can do. Concentrating on doing a favorite hobby, journaling, listening to music and many more. The thing is to do it.

The next step is to make the time. In many ways this can be harder. Procrastination is personally my middle name.

The next step is consistency. Even if you are having a good day try to give yourself your ‘special time’ on a regular basis.

I hope you find the time to give yourself a mental vacation and best wishes.

Sincerely, Rachel

O Is For… Opportunity

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by

#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter O

Contributed by Evey Brown

Personal growth is a wonderful thing.  Goals and resolutions are helpful; but is there something amazing out there that you have never even considered,  waiting to grab you and push you into a totally different direction in your life?  Remember the old adage;  “Opportunity only knocks once”?  My question is, have you been paying attention?  Have you looked around, searched the web or thought about returning to school?

A friend of mine recommended I join MeetUp online; plug in some of my favorite activities and see what’s out there. I found not only a club that loved to watch movies, but free yoga in the park a block from my house, a writing group that meets just downtown, a dog walking club and women who knit all in my  neighborhood.  I was shocked to find so many other people out there interested in the same things I am and they are just minutes away!  I joined my movie club and now can’t imagine weekends without them, discussing and watching old shows.  They are my new tribe, it is so wonderful to geek out with people who love what I love.  One of my sons joined the writing group and loves it as well.

Another day I searched for tai chi lessons near me, wanting some low impact exercise that helps with balance.  I was rewarded with literally pages and pages of not only businesses that teach tai chi but also free classes in the city.  The Senior Center has one every Saturday morning.  On the Senior Center page I noticed they also have online ballet lessons and exercise with one of the dancers in our local ballet company.  These are recorded and can be viewed at any time, focusing mostly on posture, balance and strength and are geared to people my age.  This dancer also comes to the Center monthly to give live lessons!  Who else can brag they get in person lessons from a professional ballerina?  And for free?  They also pointed me to local hikes, parks, and sightseeing tours I was not aware of.  There is a long list of places to volunteer based on your interests and free swim and gym times for seniors.

What if I’m not a senior, you ask?  The city park and recreation site pointed me to local festivals, classes on gardening, sewing, blogging and scrapbooking.  There are lists of museums, 5K races, chili cook offs, art shows, free days at the zoo, botanical gardens, historical farms and the planetarium.

The library, county and city, each offer multiple classes in foreign languages, writing, poetry, drawing and reading tutoring.  Bring your kids to the music festivals and story time.  Enjoy free computer time, interviews with authors, public and political figures and classes on bicycle and personal safety.  Rent a movie or check out a book, a real one or on your tablet.

Don’t forget continuing education, night and weekend classes in a variety of courses at multiple campuses.  Learn to prepare your own taxes, cook like a chef or get your GED.  And meet other people with similar interests.

The local pages of the newspaper list speed dating nights, plays at theaters, art shows, movies and restaurants nearby with reviews.  Concerts, rodeos, firework shows, equestrian events, you name it, they have it.

I am sure you can think of other places to look for something new to help you grow and expand your mind. Start with this list and go find your next unknown passion.  Unless you look you will never know what opportunities are out there and available.

N Is For… New Perspectives Lead to Personal Growth

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by

#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter N

Contributed by Alexandra Sissulak

Change is something that is as inevitable as death and taxes. It just is.

What if there were a way to circumvent the friction and discomfort that accompanies change?

There is.  It’s called gaining a New Perspective.

Maybe you find yourself in a rut, missing opportunities for growth, or unable to see a clear way through the gauntlet of roadblocks and challenges that block the way forward. Consider seeking a new perspective and you may discover a higher degree of certainty, clarity, and most of all, happiness.

Happiness and personal growth are on the other side of fear. It is important to remember that fear is intangible, a reaction to the stimulus within the environment, and the human response to uncertainty. Remove the uncertainty and the fear is neutralized.

How is this accomplished?  Instead of going through the fear, what if there were a way to bypass it completely and find the certainty you seek?

We go through some parts of life like we’re swimming with the sea turtles in the East Australian Current, happy to let it sweep us through our daily lives. The current is security and comfort. Escaping the current to explore the rest of what life has to offer is extraordinarily difficult and requires a fair bit of effort.

Removing yourself from the current can be as simple as sitting at another seat at the same table of life. When you sit in a different chair, you naturally gain another perspective of the situation. You have the distinct privilege of witnessing the same things you usually do, with one very good exception. Not only can you see other things around you that you may have missed previously, but also you have the added benefit of seeing yourself like you would on a big movie screen. Seeing things from this new perspective leads to huge gains in personal growth.

Changing your point of view enables you to see everything through a different lens. New perspectives are free and unlimited. It is also painless; despite what your fear wants to tell you. Doing this will aid in seeing the things you may have missed before while sitting in the same place you always have. These missing details are what is needed to light the paths that leads to personal growth.

This small shift in perspective lets you see around the fear or anxiety preventing you from finding a way through the gauntlet of challenges. Gaining a clearer view of what may lie on the other side eliminates uncertainty.

Fresh perspectives are like having an arsenal of lenses at your disposal. You have a macro lens which helps you zoom in and capture the tiny, infinitesimal details and with a telephoto lens you can pan all the way out to see the big picture, in all its beautiful grandeur.

The practice of sitting at another seat in the room and looking through different lenses may be a struggle at first. Seeing life from new perspectives makes the daunting task of leaving the current of your normal day-to-day life become a little less scary.

It’s possible new fears like “what if I don’t like what I see?” may intrude into your thoughts, this is insecurity talking. Consider entering the mindful space of impartiality and non-judgment when you’re looking through the various lenses.

Through the practice of viewing life through various lenses, sitting at different seats at the table, or standing in another place in the room without judgement, you can find yourself on the other side of fear, coasting through the perils of change, and your personal growth will be exponentially greater than before.

M is for Maturing: A Natural Progression or a Forced Act?

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#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter M

Contributed by Jae Sage.

M is for Maturing: A Natural Progression or a Forced Act?

We often hear the term “adulting” tossed around, sometimes with a hint of sarcasm or even dread, as if becoming a mature adult is an unnatural hurdle we must consciously force ourselves to overcome. But isn’t growth, in its essence, an inherent part of the human experience? If not, we might very well still be dwelling in caves, as the old adage suggests. So, why the apparent struggle in recent years to embrace maturing as a natural and ordinary developmental process?

Beyond simply inviting your thoughts and opinions on this matter, I’d like to offer a few perspectives on why the journey to adulthood might feel more challenging today. Perhaps the reality lies not just in actual shifts in the landscape of growth, but also in our perception of these shifts. Furthermore, does growth and maturity inherently equate to prosperity? And how do we even define prosperity in this context? Is it solely about financial security, or does it encompass a sense of meaningful purpose, spiritual fulfillment, or simply the accumulation of material possessions? Let’s consider a few points:

Shifting Sands of Career Growth

The notion of linear career progression, the kind our parents or grandparents might have experienced, seems increasingly like a relic of the past. Is it that career growth isn’t what it used to be, with the rise of the gig economy and rapidly evolving industries? Or is it simply that our perception of career growth has changed, with a greater emphasis on flexibility, purpose, and continuous learning rather than a steady climb up a single corporate ladder?

The Evolving Economics of Adulthood

The sentiment that money is harder to earn and doesn’t stretch as far as it once did resonates with many. Is this an objective reality, considering factors like inflation and wage stagnation for some sectors? Or is it a shift in our expectations and the cost of living in a more interconnected and consumer-driven world? Perhaps both realities contribute to this feeling of financial strain.

Generational Shifts in Parenting

Are parents truly parenting differently than in previous generations? Certainly, access to information and evolving societal norms have influenced parenting styles. Are these changes making the transition to adulthood easier or more challenging for the younger generation? Or is it simply a matter of perspective, with each generation facing its own unique set of parental influences and expectations?

The Landscape of Social Justice and Equity

The assertion that supportive commonality toward social justice and equity is at an all-time low is a powerful one. But is it accurate? While divisions and conflicts certainly exist, arguably, there is also a heightened awareness and vocal advocacy for social justice and equity in many parts of the world. Perhaps the nature of this support and the platforms through which it is expressed have evolved, leading to a different perception.

If maturing is indeed a fundamental biological process, where does that leave the concept of taking adult responsibility? How does it influence our choices to take ownership of our lives, to forge our own meaning and purpose? Does it empower us to advocate for ourselves and others, and are we open to receiving support and advocacy in return?

Finally, let’s remember that maturing doesn’t necessitate abandoning the joys of life. In fact, a healthy form of maturity embraces a sense of wonder, playfulness, and spontaneity. As the old song goes, “Live, love, laugh, and be happy.”

What are your thoughts on these ideas? What else might contribute to our perception and experience of maturing in the modern world?

Best to all,

Jae