Garden Thoughts
Posted in Articles by Lesley on May 4th, 2010 at 7:50 am.
Garden Thoughts
May 2010 Nanaimo Magazine
By Lesley Lorenz
Spring Garden
My garden is full of little spots to sit and think. Chairs, settees, benches and arbors are tucked into corners, surrounded by flowers and greenery. Each one offers a different view, a new way of looking at the blooms and the vegetables. I mix strawberries in with marigolds, roses together with beans. It’s a hodgepodge garden, and ‘volunteers’ – or weeds, if you want to be less tolerant – are left to fill in the spaces between my more desirable plants.
And somehow, that’s just like my head. I like to reflect on things from different angles, and even the weedy thoughts that pop up on their own can offer a little colour to the landscape between my ears. Some thoughts I purposely put there (they still get out of hand and need to be pruned) and others sneak in on their own, seeds blown in from the thoughts and actions of those close to me. It’s messy but colourful, just like my garden. Too much control could land you with a barren landscape. Good fertilizer helps – feed your thoughts with healthy stuff like time spent with friends or a walk in the back alleys. Avoid pests by hanging a little mental fly-paper strip, to catch should-haves and if-onlys.
The really nice flowers (okay and some of the weeds too) make it into the house where I display them on the table, putting the prettiest of the garden’s pickings in the centre of the table. So too, the best of your thoughts are the ones to lay on the table for family to enjoy. Share the good stuff – as my close friend MJ says – bring your best game home. Keep the orneriness and short temper for passing pedestrians and share your patience and kisses with the ones at home. So whether you’re plucking a peony from the garden or a compliment from your daydreams, letting a little love bloom will add colour to your day.
Helpful Hints for the Second Time Bride
Posted in Articles by Lesley on March 29th, 2010 at 9:00 am.
April, 2010 Nanaimo Magazine
By Lesley Lorenz
Hello Readers!
With my own marriage coming up in May, the fruit of my laptop this month turns out to be an article on surviving (and enjoying) the second-time wedding.
Love x Two
Helpful Hints for the (second time) Bride
By Lesley Lorenz
So you’re engaged. If you’re like me, you’ve already spent bucket loads of time staring at the sparkle on your finger as you flip through telephone-book size bridal magazines. Glossy photos of youthful, first-time brides in flamboyant, fairy-princess gowns surrounded by dozens of maids and attendants in pastel coloured outfits. So, if it’s time for round two, here are my suggestions:
1. Really love the guy. Deep down respect for his values, his shortcomings, his tolerance for your kids and his addiction to hockey.
2. And he really loves you. On your grumpy days, or when you put a fresh ding in his truck, he holds you and says “I’m still in, forever, you can count on it.”3. You’ve racked up lots of life experience – don’t worry about the social etiquette once demanded by great-aunts and tea grannies. Plan your event as a celebration of love. Wear what you like, serve what you like and your guests are invited along for a little joy ride.
4. The dress. Avoid going in to the bridal shops with your daughter. The staff will rush to her side, measuring her up and pointing out exorbitant gowns before you can open your mouth. Also, the selection these days is limited to strapless. So, if you’re like me, you’d need to hook up a chain like those used for the librarian’s eyeglasses to hold the damn thing up. Try on some of those bridesmaids’ dresses, which are usually a bit simpler and offer more coverage – lots of them are available in white too.
5. The flowers? I’m headed out to buy my hanging baskets before the wedding, and plan to use the baskets (wire hangers removed) on pedestal tables/covered barstools to decorate the hall. I’ll get to enjoy them all summer, and they’re my usual garden expense, so they’ll work twice for me.
6. It’s got a good beat that you can to dance to. DJ services will be provided by the ever-popular ipod, courtesy of three teenagers with (they promise) appropriate playlists.
7. Remember who the wedding is for. No need to impress anyone, except to impress on everyone just how much the two of you love each other.
Cheers and good luck!
You can read the rest of the Nanaimo Magazine April issue by clicking on the link below:
April Article Nanaimo Magazine
Cheers! (or as we will say, Nastrovia!)- Lesley
Origin of Shoes?
Posted in Make a comment by Lesley on March 11th, 2010 at 2:48 pm.
What is the best guess of the country of origin of the shoe wearers?
- question from MJ
Canadian Geese, eh!
Posted in Photo Gallery by Lesley on March 10th, 2010 at 3:55 pm.
Met this family on the same trip to Newcastle
Blue Heron
Posted in Photo Gallery by Lesley on March 10th, 2010 at 3:48 pm.
I came across this Heron on a kayak trip with my boys. He stood taller than us in the water!
Perogy Pinchers
Posted in Paintings by Lesley on February 26th, 2010 at 9:24 am.
The Perogy Pinchers
Artist Lesley Lorenz
Acrylic
24″ x 36″
$1000
Make A Comment on the Blog
Posted in Make a comment by Lesley on February 26th, 2010 at 8:56 am.
West Coast Writing
Posted in Make a comment by Lesley on February 25th, 2010 at 6:32 pm.
Hello Readers! Are you interested in the new book about the feet that have been washing ashore? Let me know what piques your curiosity!
Lesley
Website Launches
Posted in Articles by Lesley on February 24th, 2010 at 6:17 am.
Hello Readers!
Thank you for visiting my blog. I’d love to hear back from you regarding my new article in the Nanaimo Magazine. Any input into small steps towards a greener lifestyle would be appreciated.
This is also a chance for me to let you know about my new book, “Someone Else’s Shoes,” set on the beautiful west coast. Read more…
