A couple years ago, the kids and I started a garden. It's small. Like a couple 4 x 4 raised beds to start with and we add a new one each year. But we're not farmers and this is the first time I've intentionally tried to grow something so we're taking it slow.

This past year wasn't terribly kind to our garden. The kale was overrun by a once-every-so-often moth invasion, the cucumbers got a bacteria wilt and the whole thing died, and the broccoli never even came up.

The winter wasn't much better. For whatever reason, more weeds than we've ever seen have decided to infiltrate and it's taking a really long time to clear everything out. It's already the end of April and we haven't even planted yet! It's been kind of a bummer.

The other day, we were outside working. Bug was tilling the soil and I was digging up weeds. And low and behold, we looked down to see a lone little summer squash amidst all the chaos and disappointment, just biding his time and waiting for the conditions to be just right to bloom.

It got me thinking about this weird season of life I'm in. Adult children, son-in-laws, homeschool, retiring from writing, perimenopause, feeling like I'm in limbo as I figure what my next direction should be. It's all very chaotic and can seem pointless. Things I think will be beneficial dry up randomly. Friendships I thought were forever dissipate.

As rough as it all is sometimes, I like to think I'm similar to this little summer squash. I'm doing the underground work, making sure my roots are strong. And when the conditions are just right, I'm going to bloom.

The best part is, I know you will to.

Let's make a deal, shall we? When the outside world looks like there's so much bad that it's no wonder we can't get anywhere, let's concentrate on our roots. Do things to feed our soul. Learn skills we never thought we'd learn. Try jobs that others might question. Just experience life. When it's time, we'll bloom.

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Get to know the Hart family in one awesome collection!
Box set includes:

Change of Hart (Hart series #1) – See how the #1 defensive lineman in the NFL and self-proclaimed bachelor met and fell in love with a widow raising an energetic son. Amazon Top 50 Bestseller!

Hart to Heart (Hart series #2) – Fall more in love with the Hart family as life throws them a massive curveball that will challenge everything they know, while strengthening their bonds to each other.

Matters of the Hart (Hart series #3) – Jaxon is all grown up and struggling with making his own way, apart from his dad’s legendary football status. When he interrupts a horrendous crime at his workplace, Jaxon learns strength comes in many different forms.

https://www.authormecarter.com/hartbo...

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WE HAVE A NEW WINNER!

Jennifer********1011@yahoo.com


CONGRATULATIONS!!
Please email me so you can claim your prize!
https://www.authormecarter.com/contact

Remember, we have a new winner every month so don't forget to check if you're it!

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What I'm currently reading...
Well, it's what I'm listening to.

I tried reading The Secret Garden as a kid and it was so boring. But this narrator has completely brought it to life. Bug and I can't stop listening. We find ourselves sitting in the car longer just to find out what is going to happen next!

Definitely one to consider if you have kids in the car and you need a book you can all discuss together.
https://amzn.to/3Q2yt0T

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My Nerdy Little Book Friend Has a New Release!
I told you about Stage Smart by Aly Stiles and how much I was loving it last month while I was reading it. It's finally LIVE!!!!

What are you waiting for? Get to reading!!
https://smartypantsromance.com/books/...

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Don't forget to work on those roots. It's almost time for us to bloom.
💜M.E. Carter