A Little Nurturing Story - The Garden of Joy

She was the closest person resembling a Mother figure she had met in years. She had difficulty recalling a time she felt adoration, in a way only a Mother can adore. They had built a bridge of trust almost ten years in the making. And even though she would be close to the age of her own Mother, she began to see this woman, named Joy, through the lens of a good friend. Their bond became a two-way street of deep respect and admiration. Joy would offer unsolicited advice on everything from diet to men and in-between over tea and homemade bread. Her stories were as vibrant as her garden and every piece of her treasured artwork had its own adventure into her home. Every flower in her garden had its own narrative. Gardening was their common ground. She often wondered if Joy and her Mother would have been friends.

She had discovered the gift card in her purse arriving home from girls-day-out to the local Holistic & Psychic Fair. She made a quick call thanking Joy for her ‘sneaky’ gift. She gave Joy her assurance of following up on the appointment. Hanging up, a happy memory popped into her head. She burst out crying allowing a big wave of grief to pass though her. 'Breathe...breathe through it.', she said aloud. She swayed out the vibration of grief and bought in gratitude. She then released the vibration of sadness and brought in inner-peace. She felt complete. A hint of fear showed up thinking about someone reading her tea leaves but she brushed that away too. That fear was just a reminder to trust her beautiful light. It was a reminder the universe brings what she needs.

Joy’s gift was a gesture she consciously accepted without excuse. She had often declined Joy’s generosity and smiled at her clever gifting technique. She thought of herself as more practical than mystical or mythical. Her 

strain of thought was interrupted by her dog bouncing up and down asking for a walkie. Animal relationships have a special way of bringing in present happiness like no other 

After a wholesome lunch at a bakery-delicatessen, she arrived on the doorstep of an unfamiliar house. The address was her second stop on a self-care route, intentionally planned with mind, body, and soul pampering in mind. Her final destination ends at a blissful new outdoor spa. After ringing the doorbell, she glanced around at her surroundings. The forecast called for rain, but the sun decided it was her day to shine. She noticed small buds of Lily of the Valley budding through the soil by a slanted fence. It brought her back to her childhood front entrance. Passing the scent of the lily was a happy reminder summer holiday was getting closer. The build-up to their little bells appearing on the ends of their stems was just as exciting. As they grew into maturity, she would gently pull and gather the strong stems together. Their sweetness would fill the kitchen as she placed them in the small wildflower vase she had gifted her mother on Mother’s Day. Her memory crossfaded as she envisioned the last time she left that house.

The moment was interrupted by the sound of a door opening. She was greeted by who she would later explain as the happiest person on the planet. She was slightly taken aback by her outward vibes of happiness but managed a smile behind her apprehension. She was a private person, by nature. She opened up easily to her good friends, but to strangers, she was acutely aware of judgement. However, it was impossible to get a read on any of that insecurity because there seemed to be more sunshine in the house, than out! Her smile grew more genuine after learning her Host was named after her second favorite flower, Iris.

As they settled into the bright living room Iris explained she & Joy had grown up in the same English town. However, they had not met until they joined the Green Seeds Gardening Club, years later. She started to relax her body a little on the soft, buttery couch hearing their friendship story. Gazing out to the front lawn she noticed a robin bopping on the grass. Tea was ready to be served. She had a déjà-vu moment. 

After getting her instructions she looked down at the English black tea leaves floating in the saucer. She had set an intention to bring positivity into this gift from Joy. There was a moment of slight hesitation, but she brushed it away and reminded herself to have fun with this. After turning the saucer to Iris’s specifications, she handed the cup and saucer over to Iris. She shared what the year looked like energetically through the seasons and this matched quite neatly with her plans. Her laughing began when she started learning the meaning behind what Iris saw. She saw a turtle and a bridge. Could it be a new bridge of trust? A new destination? She mentioned a pelican, a cat, and a squirrel. Who knew there were so many animals in a cup of tea? She mentioned a harbour, a clump of grapes, and a jukebox. All had meanings that poured into her truth. But it was the backward boot that caused the slight butterfly in her gut. Iris explained a backward boot meant the past was coming towards her. Her mind went to Iris’s past showing up at the gardening club. Once the reading felt complete she looked Iris straight in the eyes and expressed her deep gratitude. Gathering her notes, she was amazed at how much could come out of one cup of tea! She left with her energy glowing bright and feeling enlightened. A fabulous vibe to enter a spa with, she thought.

A few weeks later she found herself back in the sights and smells of Joy’s garden. Big colourful fall leaves were starting to land creating a mosaic of colour on the lawn. A 70’s tune was playing off the back deck. Joy had made a new bread recipe and she was the taste tester, once again. The tea was served. Their usuals of peppermint for Joy and lemon ginger for her. As they settled into the comfy wicker chairs on the deck, one of Joy’s cats, Rufus, brushed on the leg of both chairs. Joy felt bewildered because Rufus was not the friendliest of cats. They caught up on their present projects and then started talking about the tea reading. Joy couldn’t resist asking if there was a partner in the teacup. Some might think it none of their business, but she knew that all her questions came from a place of unconditional love. She explained her deeper relationship with nature since her reading with Iris. How shared about learning more historical traditions and cultures through the meaning of animals. Just as a squirrel started running across the back fence, she began to tell a story about Lily of the Valley.

Finding Joy is ageless. It’s the kind of Joy that knows no boundaries. When Joy comes into your life - nurture it like it’s the most beautiful garden of your dreams. Notice when you make excuses not to have Joy. Accept the gift, show up at the door, and take time to smell the flowers with those you love dearly.

Live love and laugh,

Ginny