Bereaved Parents, Child loss, flowers, garden, garden photos, gardens, Grief, inspiration, Life

After the Rain: Corrie’s Gardens

Almost four years ... almost four since Corrie earned her wings. For three of those four years, I struggled with the coming of spring. In 2021, 2022, and even last year, I felt the tick of March ... April ... May.

Bereaved Parents, bereavement, Child loss, garden, garden photos, gardens, Grief, Photos

Corrie’s Gardens Talk

As Corrie's fourth angel anniversary approaches this month, I share pictures from the end of April to today. I decided to let Corrie's gardens and flowers speak for themselves.

flowers, garden photos, gardens, nature, Photography, Photos

Butterflies in Corrie’s Garden and the Phlox

I try, with time, to become a better photographer. I feel as though I fail in capturing the beauty I witness on the farm, specifically in the morning or at sunset. I hope to share different themes or journeys we make as our growing season of 2024 takes off.

Bereaved Parents, Family, flowers, garden, garden photos, gardens, Photography

Easter Thoughts on Corrie, Gardens, and Family

Bright Easter theme colors show around Corrie's Butterfly Garden with the Phlox and Dianthus in blossom. Holidays are never straight forward. They mean something different to everyone. In my gut, I know it's the fourth Easter without Corrie. This is a marker, which never goes away. Holidays, for some, are wearing bright colored, checkered shirts… Continue reading Easter Thoughts on Corrie, Gardens, and Family

Bereaved Parents, Child loss, Family, flowers, garden, garden photos, Grief, parenting, Photography, Photos

Dear Corrie, You Won the Last Argument: I Garden

I think Corrie would feel proud. She might not say it.

Bereaved Parents, bereavement, Child loss, Life, Loss, Photography, Photos, Poetry, Writing

Escape from Hitchcock

There are days when you long for the waves to rush over your feet, and you discover the kind of days made for digging in garden dirt as sweat pours down your face, and you believe you recognize the signs of happiness again after you've known darkness of the darkest kind.

Bereaved Parents, Child loss, flowers, garden photos, inspiration, Life, Photography, Photos

In the Bright Lights

I cut back the rose bush, and dug up a plant I learned was invasive in the Butterfly Garden. I had no issue performing on a stage in middle and high school. Unaware of the neurological diagnosis suggested when I was four and five-years-old, I lacked a shy filter, just as I did a social… Continue reading In the Bright Lights

flowers, garden, inspiration, Joy, Life, nature, Photography, Photos, Writing

On Any Given Day: Corrie’s Retreat

The year, 2023, provided the most positive growth since Corrie's death because I grew in confidence after witnessing what I'd accomplished in the gardens. We went from one garden to three in 2023, along with island gardens. The result is now I have a vision for gardens everywhere on the property, and John has helped me plan them, along with officially naming the farm, "Corrie's Retreat."

garden, inspiration

Gardens in Winter

Traditionally, winter appears as a quiet time for any gardener, but it’s more like the kid at the back of the classroom waving their hand because they’re certain they have the answer. For whatever reason, the teacher doesn’t call on this student. The student has a lot to say answering the question you ask. A garden… Continue reading Gardens in Winter

inspiration, Life, Loss, Photography, Photos

What is my Favorite Place to Purchase Plants for Corrie’s Garden?

On an autumn day, if you're going through Shelby, North Carolina; a greenhouse sits on a hill off the road.