Finding Purpose in Life’s Twists and Turns

Our paths in life can take many turns, some more difficult than others. I believe they all have their purpose. I am a true believer in fate and that we end up where we are because of the choices we make and the opportunities presented to us. 

Now, in my seventh decade, I am fortunate to choose my paths. Note the plural use of paths.

Too Many Passions?

In my early 30s, a friend accused me of being a kid in a candy shop. Her comment did not give me a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Fast forward 40 years, as a mature adult, I embrace and own this accusation.

With that being said, I follow many paths: work versus retirement, golf versus gardening, being a homebody versus traveling.

I sold my business after 30 years of creating and caring for container gardens in clients’ desert homes and teaching gardeners to do this for themselves.

 

Where Do You Find How to Garden in Hot and Dry Climates?

Never underestimate the healing power of a quiet moment in the garden

My growing number of followers kept asking, “Where can we get all of this information you teach us?”

In 2015, I published my first book titled Getting Potted in the Desert: A Month-by-Month Guide to Successful Desert Container Gardening, to share my knowledge with everyone. The book has sold over 3,000 copies in print and Kindle.

However, I saw a need for a more complete how-to book and set out to write “the ultimate guide.” Bored with constant technical writing, I decided to try a create nonfiction “story” where people are entertained while learning how to create their pots.

Finding My Joy

For most of my life, two things have given me passion. Sports, ie playing them and being in business. As I planned my move into semi-retirement, I thought I would add some form of art to that list. I still have that on my radar, but it seems that I’m more drawn to writing.

Riley’s Garden Oasis was published in September 2023. Writing the fictional sections of this book brought me much joy and continues to every time I read excerpts and think about the characters.

You know how “they” say, “Dip your toes in the water?” Equipped with that joy, I’m taking the plunge into writing a fictional story for the first time.

So, here I am, creating chapters for my first novel with plans for a series of three to seven books for you to enjoy, follow, and comment on.

The characters, Riley, Quinn, Ben, and Val got their start in Riley’s Garden Oasis and will share their life experiences with friendship, next phases of life, and connections with their gardens as each story and book is created.

Find Me Here

I don’t know if you’ve heard of Substack. It’s a popular online platform that hosts newsletters on all types of subjects. So far, I like it.

I’ve started a publication titled, “Walking Your Garden Path.” Inside it, I’ll post chapters of my new book as I write them and notes from behind the scenes. And you can read them for free.

I invite you to join me on this journey.

In Chapter 1, titled “Crossroads of the Heart,” we delve into the complexities of friendship, retirement, and the power of unconditional love. Follow Quinn’s story as she grapples with the challenges of newly-retired life and reflects on past relationships that have shaped her journey. From unexpected twists to poignant moments of self-discovery, this chapter sets the stage for what promises to be an engaging and heartfelt series.

As a subscriber to “Walking Your Garden Path,” you’ll have exclusive access to this and future chapters delivered directly to your inbox. Whether you’re looking at your next stage of life or simply love a good story, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

To dive into Chapter 1 and embark on this journey with me, simply click the link.

And if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to my Substack newsletter to stay up-to-date on all the latest content.

Thank you for being part of our community, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on my first chapters!

To dive into Chapter 1 and embark on this journey with me, simply click the link.

Walking Your Garden Path
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