Journal of Sacred Work

Rose in Judi's garden, photo's by Liz, unless otherwise identified.

Last week, a co-worker and dear friend, Ann Kaiser had a lovely array of roses on her desk. As I admired their beauty, Ann explained they were a gift of friendship. Rather serendipitously, Ann and Judi Vines had gifted each other that morning with fresh flowers from their respective gardens; two friends making an effort to bring joy into our world. Love manifests in small gestures of caring and encouragement. Ann began to tell me about Judi’s butterfly sanctuary. Judi has just earned the distinction of creating a certified wildlife habitat from the National Wildlife Federation. I was eager to visit and learn more about her garden. Judi welcomed this idea and we set a date for Saturday.

Judi & Larry Vines with their beloved dog Jager

The afternoon was perfect, sunny, blue skies, luminous clouds and a leisurely breeze. Judi and her husband Larry received Woody and I with warm hospitality. Larry’s masonry skills were evident throughout their home, patio, and garden with gorgeous stonework. Judi enthusiastically explained that several essential elements are necessary for designing a wildlife habitat. She pointed out the various floral designs, fruit trees, a fountain, bushes and contrasting greenery. These provide the necessary food, water, places to cover, places to raise young and sustainable gardening. For more information visit:

http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Outdoor-Activities/Garden-for-Wildlife.aspx

   Cowtee bird taking a bath, photo by Judi and Larry Vines

There is something marvelously renewing about being outdoors. We feel our connection to Mother Earth, as songbirds serenade, butterflies dance and sun cradles our spirits. There is a feeling of peace, of being at home in a garden wherever it might be. True, Judi’s garden is a sanctuary for wildlife but it is also a sacred refuge for us humans!

Judi not only loves nature, she loves people and life. She is the essence of Mother Earth herself with a beautiful smile, upbeat personality, and her kind and generous ways. Judi has provided 21 years of dedicated service for St. Joseph Home Health and our community with a servant’s heart. As a Service Coordinator, she fulfills a crucial role in coordinating the scheduling of nursing care to meet patients’ needs. She is masterful in her work, as she maneuvers throughout the complexity of her day responding to multiple demands and bringing all together with seeming ease. Judi is in communication with patients, family members, and team members all day. Once Mr. R. called and reminisced about a time when he was in Paris and had a fabulous dinner. Judi decided to surprise him by making the same wonderful meal and delivering it to his home. This was especially meaningful because this man lives alone and is without any family. Judi has a way of transforming the ordinary into extraordinary moments. Judi often bakes and brings to work homemade apple pies, french bread, cinnamon muffins and other luscious desserts to nourish our spirits. She blesses so many with her Love and fills our hearts with gratitude.  
Photo of Hummingbird nesting, photo by Woody Wessel, click on to enlarge

In closing, I wish to share the above photo of a hummingbird that is nesting in an avocado tree in our back yard. We are delightfully anticipating the hatching of her chicks any day now. Thanks to Bonnie Callahan, I became aware of an amazing live web cam of Phoebe Allen, a Hummingbird who has nested in a rosebush in Irvine, CA. Her chicks, Hope and Hoku were born on May 9th and 10th and will be nesting for another week or so before taking flight. People from around the world are watching as this miracle unfolds. http://phoebeallens.com/big.html

“In Native American culture, a hummingbird symbolizes timeless joy and the Nectar of Life. It's a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible and will teach you how to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances.” (Ted Andrews).

Postscript: I am very sad to report that Hope and Hoku were startled from the nest on 5/28 by a crow.  Hoku was returned to the nest but Hope has yet to be found.

~Liz Sorensen Wessel