3.06.2013

On Gardening, Mothering & Abundance (+ a Giveaway!)

These gorgeous sunflowers sprouted up under the bird feeder in my backyard. They were a gift of neglect really, because if the ground below the feeder had been mowed within a reasonable time... well, I would never have seen the sprouts and allowed them to grow into all their grandeur. In retrospect, many of the gifts from my garden have been harvested despite neglect, or out of accident, or experimentation.
Conversely, many harvests have been the product of clear intention, focus, and best efforts. These flowers (above) also came from my garden; they were all grown and nurtured from seed. This bouquet of wild flowers, snapdragons, and broccoli blossoms represents a mix of well-researched and planned out endeavors to grow a butterfly garden, a flower garden, and an edible garden in my small, tropical backyard space.
My experience of gardening closely mirrors that of mothering... somehow, a random mix of intentional, loving attempts and chaotic, best guesses come together to grow something amazing! And when the fruits of my labors, and sometimes gifts of faith, manifest as a display of flowers on my dining table, or as my sweet girls engaged in play, I'm humbled and amazed at the abundance of my world.
Right now, I'm entering a new season - both in my garden, and in mothering. My girls are growing up, and as a family we're entering a new phase. Diapers and sippy cups are well in the past, and bigger questions, different interests, and new concerns are surfacing. As I prepare the soil and plant seeds outside for my spring garden, I find myself doing the same internally to help me transition into this new phase of mothering. I'm amending my toolbox, experimenting with new approaches, and nurturing new ideas.

It's my honor to share a glimpse of my experience, as I pass into this new phase of motherhood, as part of the Abundant Mama Project on Awesomely Awake. 

I'll be a guest contributor in the Spring 2013 Abundant Mama Project, themed The Passage of Motherhood, which begins April 1st. This 5-week e-course helps support you on your journey through motherhood and will "bring new life to old routines... strengthen the bonds you have in your relationships... provide comfort on those challenging days... and add a little bling to the ordinary."

Want to join in? Awesomely Awake is offering one reader a spot in this course! Simply leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a space in the spring Abundant Mama Project. For a second chance, like Awesomely Awake on Facebook and leave a second comment here to let me know. A winner will be announced next Wednesday, March 13. Comments closed.
 
And the winner is: Kali Hatala!

For more information on the Abundant Mama Project, click here.


16 comments:

MommaPajama said...

Your post was lovely! And those flowers are gorgeous! I cannot wait for spring here! I would absolutely love a spot in the Abundant Mama course! I understand the shifting of gears as our child grows and goes from one phase of her life into another. Thank you for giving us this chance to win!

Brandy King said...

Ah, I can't wait to plant my garden this year. Hope I don't overdo it! I am inspired by your beautiful flowers. Thanks for the opportunity to win a spot in the course!

Rhea said...

Such beautiful flowers - a welcome glimpse of summer during our last weeks of a cold New England winter. Sounds like a very exciting course - thanks for the chance for a spot!

sbcvmi06 said...

Thanks for such inspiration for us moms and giving us a chance for a spot!

sbcvmi06 said...

I also like you on FB for extra inspiration!

Stephanie said...

Yes change is unavoidable. My youngest just started kindergarten yesterday and it feels so different now. I loved your abundant mama class and it helped change my thinking and our all our lives. Gratitude to you!

Michelle said...

I love your post. I too like to grow as many flowers as I can in our brief summer here in the hot sun and clay soil of Colorado. I've discovered that it takes love, care and some experimentation to help them thrive. As a first time mom at 41 years old, I am learning that parenting is much the same. We too are entering a transition in our home as our 8 month old becomes more mobile. I would love the opportunity to participate in the Abundant Mama Project this spring as we are moving into this next phase of toddlerhood.

Unknown said...

I LOVE THIS.............thank you for sharing!! I would love a spot in the ABUNDANT MAMA CLASS, :)

Anonymous said...

My dear wife Nickole would love this. I love your posts and with my wife getting our garden started I thought of how cool this would be for her. Thanks!

Liz ~ A Natural Nester said...

Dear Annonymous, Please contact me with your email address in case you win for your dear wife Nickole! (liz@sniegocki.com)

Unknown said...

I am counting the moments until Spring. Grateful for each new blossom!

Unknown said...

I have taken the AMP course and it gave me so much inspiration in my journey as a mother. Would love the chance to be a part of the course again!

Cathy said...

Oh I really want to win this. My parenting could use the refresh button!

Cathy said...

And I like abundant mama already!

nej said...

What a beautiful gift. Thank you for the opportunity.

nej said...

Oh, and I have officially "liked" AA!