on kindness

an experience I think of every time our irises bloom

Jun 08, 2024

We purchased our home over a dozen years ago. It was an absolute disaster, the words "fixer upper" do not even come close to describing it. Not just cosmetic issues, but in nearly every room we discovered huge, costly, ridiculous and sometimes dangerous mistakes/problems.

One morning after we'd been in the house for about a year and had made significant improvements to the house and yard, I heard a knock at the door.

It happened to have been a rough homeschool day with two little learners.

And we were in the middle of an absolute mess, fixing something else on the never-ending list of needed home repairs.

I answered the door, begrudging the interruption.

An older woman was standing there, her hands grasping two plastic bags brimming with iris plants.

She said "You don't know me, but I walk by your house every morning. I have seen all the work you've been doing here. I'm so happy that someone is finally caring for this house. I needed to divide my irises and thought you might like to have some."

I found myself in tears, grateful for this gesture that probably seemed insignificant to her.

I felt so deeply seen. I didn't know how much I needed to hear those kind words until she said them.

The rest of my plans for the day were cast aside as the kids and I spent time in the yard choosing the perfect spot in our flower beds for each of the plants.

Now every year when our irises bloom I am reminded of that unexpected kindness. Those words that helped me to recognize the progress we had made, rather than only looking at what was left to do.

The blooms serve as a yearly reminder to notice the good people are doing. And not just to see it, but to SAY something to them about the good I see.

Here's to sharing the good we have and speaking about the good we see in others.

*This post was originally shared on Instagram, but I wanted to give it a permanent place here*

On My Desk:

Final preparations for Summerfest are in full swing. If you’re local, or local-ish, I’d love to meet you! Come see me June 13-15; I’m in booth 85.

Around Here

Reading: This week I read The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin and it was powerful. As a former foster parent, I feel like this book should be required reading for everyone involved in fostering, drug rehabilitation or anything related to family/drug court.

Watching: Jason and I are absolutely LOVING Trying on AppleTV. Now that I think about it, it’s another foster family/adoption related recommendation. I have never seen another show that so adequately represents the emotions involved in infertility, fostering and adoption.

(NOTE: I have had a slight hesitation recommending this show because of one scene in the very first episode. I think it may be the very first scene of the show, actually. It’s “cringe” as the kids say and very awkward, but also perfectly encapsulates the desperation of trying to conceive. The rest of the show is absolutely delightful, though.)

Dabbling in: I have an issue with Procrastination Projects feeling very important when I have other deadlines looming. A Procrastination Project is something that does not need to be done now, but my brain wants to do it because I feel stressed/overwhelmed with what I should actually be working on.

As I prepare for summer art shows/markets and a youth camp I’m in charge of, I have been daydreaming about (and maybe cutting fabric for) a quilt made in colors that remind me of our beloved Lake Powell. I have mostly succeeded at restraining myself and this quilt will be my reward once my obligations are fulfilled next week.

On YouTube: How to Make Floral Felt Ornaments

In the Shop: Butterfly Embroidery Bundle and I was able to restock Into the Forest kits. This favorite that has been sold out for months!