journal

Connections

Diane Olivares — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:24:23 +0000

Last month I was prompted to join Facebook in order to view some other grower's notes. I grudgingly entered my info and up popped my daughter's face with the caption 'you might know this person'. Desperately trying to give my kids a little space, I asked her if it was appropriate for me to be her 'friend' online. She thought it would actually be fun for me, and encouraged me to put up a couple of photos (in truth she did it for me). Since then I have reconnected with most of my best girlfriends from junior high and high school, which has been a great experience. I have vivid memories of those years in Oakland. I started adding more photos and it has helped me to reflect on the past in a good way. Hopefully, I will see at least some of those folks in person before we're too freakin' old.

Being Human

Diane Olivares — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:44:21 +0000

Calliandra californica (Baja Fairy Duster)Why am I so obsessed with the garden and nature? I have never really thought about this before, or questioned it - it's just the way I am. But when I don't get outdoors enough, I suffer from depression. I'm not sure if it is an issue of light exposure, or just the relaxation, or what. It's probably a combination of several different things. Number one, it brings me outside of my isolated little self, and reminds me that I am a part of something larger and more significant. We are a part of nature. Yes, I said it. Humans are a part of nature. We just don't act like it. Many people are dealing with depression in our modern world. Possibly it would be beneficial for us to participate in more outdoor activities, especially with children. We need to remember to be connected.

crazy spring

Diane Olivares — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:46:00 +0000

matilija poppyI guess some people have more money to spend than you might think if you watch the news, because the nursery was swamped with customers for the past couple of weeks. Vegetable transplants don't stay on the bench more than a day or two before they are snatched up. Annual color is selling better than it has in years - people seem to crave colorful flowers! I think it's a pretty cheap way to feel hopeful. It's nice to see people getting in touch with what's fundamental in life. So maybe this 'economic downturn' isn't all bad.