It was interesting to come across a book I enjoyed so much, serendipitously. What caught my eye on the shelf was the name of the book – Esme. One of my favorite authors is Esmé Raji Codell, so I had to take a look at the cover of this book when my eye caught the name. Everything else about the cover and the title looked intriguing, so I brought it home. I was reminded that my grandmother had a “nervous breakdown” when she was a young mother. It was whispered about. I also remembered the rage of 1960’s housewives living on valium (older sisters of friends). I am so grateful I live in a different time.

One of my daughter’s favorites was The Secret Garden, and I have her copy tucked away for her children.
And my secret garden? I am slowly attacking the dandelions that were so prolific this spring. The strawberries have thousands of flowers, but I am afraid I will be in Ireland when they are ripening. Oh well; the strawberries will be in season there, too. To my great dismay, I lost three roses this winter. I am blaming Old Man Winter. The pond has been cleaned so the fish can go to there summer home tomorrow.
And tomorrow is my son’s graduation. I am very excited to spend the day with him.
I hope you have a lovely weekend, friends.

i shall return for a closer read – way past my bedtime here. but this book, yes – it is now on my ‘must read’ list. i cannot tell you how much i loved The Secret Garden as a child. i remember reading it for the first time when i was 8 years old. the librarian told me i was too young for such a novel. i defied her and read it over and over for years. last year i purchased a new copy for myself, wondering if that magic still exists for me; wondering what my adult eyes will see that my youthful eyes could not ….

and of course, i could write lines and lines of commentary regarding the treatment of mentally ill women – as late as the 1970’s – as my own grandmother was committed involuntarily for a short while. thankfully, her daughter came and had her released …. so much worse off than when she had entered…. i have been told by mental health professionals that the common diagnosis for all women during the 60’s and 70’s was schizophrenia …. without even a glance, inventory, or evaluation … and therefore medicated as such … sadly, anti-psychotics can actually induce psychosis in an otherwise ‘healthy’ individual.

oh dear. i meant for this to be short and sweet. so good to read you again. the garden? how is it growing, dear qugrainne?

xoxo
lady blue