Milestones

When I closed Yule Love It Lavender Farm at the conclusion of its tenth season in 2014, I called Catherine Minnoli, then Editor of Tri-City Times Newspaper, Imlay City. We’d previously become acquainted when I submitted local profiles and feature stories to the paper.

Eager to write again on deadline, I envisioned something different.

“What do you have in mind?” Catherine asked.

“A weekly column titled Honest Living, 500-word vignettes reflecting upon life’s mundane to extraordinary encounters.”

“I like that,” Catherine said.

Ten summers later, I now write my 500th column in celebration of that remarkable conversation. Furthermore, I’m more thankful today to Catherine Minnoli and Randy Jorgensen for granting me this opportunity than I could have imagined back then.

How could I foresee the benefits of the volume of newspaper clips in my files, speaking as a commitment and milestone in my publishing career and personal growth? Truly, a vision fulfilled beyond what I could ask or think.

For instance, an average of four columns a month for ten years has produced disciplined senses opened to north, south, east, and west. Family, friends, neighbors, extended communities. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.

Foremost, evidence of God’s love and mercy for His creation and creatures on planet Earth.

This I’ve learned: the more we prime memory’s well and our visions, the more fluently they flow. We witness what was and is weaving within one another, pollinating steadfast purpose. As do wedded humans, memory and vision by virtue of their force produce flower, fruit, seed. The immutable cycle of life.

We hold our newborn and dream of their future. Snap hundreds of photographs. We sing to our children. Feed, bathe, dress them with intent to develop and sustain their well-being.

As they grow, we tell family history to build our children’s sense of belonging and meaning of “home”. We teach them to read, write, and create with their minds and hands.

And we thrive on their accomplishments, celebrate the fish on their line. Touchdown. Dance recital.

We consider their place within the wide world around us, wonder where their feet will land, take root.

If our child is blessed with loving grandparents, they, too, share their stories of times past. They speak of their hopes and dreams for their offspring. Anchor them with encouragement and comfort.

This is most evident in this season of graduation parties, bridal showers, and weddings. For one milestone introduces the genesis of another. Independence. Employment. Parenthood. Grandparenthood.

The cycle of life.

A veteran empty-nester, once this gardening season concludes, I envision the resurrection of what I sense will be my last and fifth book- “Milk, Honey, and Chocolate Gravy”, a memoir cookbook twelve years or more in the making.

Meanwhile, Dear Reader, I keep my ear to the ground for the rumble of another column. If my health and mind hold up, and technology doesn’t cast me away, it’s not entirely impossible to reach the milestone of 1,000 columns.

Contact Iris at irisfarmletters@gmail.com