DAY 28: Garden Inspiration
I don’t have a green thumb (perhaps a purple one when I hit it with a hammer by accident), but I do love gardens. I can’t tell you the names of most types of flowers or herbs, or what perennial means, yet they inspire my artistic soul.
That fascination with gardens started as a child when I first read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The idea that nature could help heal you permeated through every pore. Initially, I felt more like the bed-ridden Colin instead of the free spirited Mary. However, as the young girl challenged the “ailing” playmate, I felt as alive as the two children. I remember reading the beloved novel on a beautiful Spring day at the baseball field. I closed my eyes and visualized the garden as described in the story – the beauty, healing energy, and element of magic.
Whether intentional or not, my fascination with flowers, gardens, and nature’s beauty infused itself into my Young Adult novel. I’ve even done some research on the study of flowers! I believe that children are in tune with nature in a way that their elder counterparts are not. I wonder sometimes if the reason has to do with a strong spiritual sense that recognizes that which our adult souls no longer embrace.
One day I’ll own a home that features not just one garden, but many. In the meantime, I’ll design them in my fictional works of art.
As I journey towards turning “writer” from a self-proclaimed label to professional title, I’ve decided to give myself a focused challenge. Each day, from now until January 11, 2016, I hereby pledge to focus on my writings: novel, screenplay drafts, stage play rewrites, TV pilot scenes, etc. Documenting my progress each day will help keep me motivated, inspired, and determined to keep moving forward. If so inspired, join me along my journey by documenting your own!
Kelly Deeny 