Mistress Mary, quite contrary.

 "Happiness must be grown in one's own garden." When I read that little sign, in a backyard flower bed, I had one of those "A-Ha" moments.

How many of us are wasting time waiting for good things to happen? Then, we're constantly disappointed when they don't. Whoa, buddies. Truly, what we do and whom we choose to bring happiness to, grows and improves our own lives.

Listen up readers! We know that God has not promised us a Rose Garden. There are a whole lot of weeds growing in all of our gardens. Big, old, useless, prickly weeds. We have to keep weeding and pruning to make our gardens beautiful. Water and fertilizer are helpful, too. The people you know, or have yet to meet, have seeds of wisdom to share and tons of tips to make your garden a beautiful place.

I'm trying to tell you, that a beautiful garden is up to you. Get out there and make someone smile. A garden grows with love and care.

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Gracious Lord. We thank you for the opportunities You have given us. Life is a garden.

"Second Hand Rose, they call me Second Hand Rose....."

Today, I needed to make a trip to a local thrift emporium (That's Fancy Nancy Speak, for a second-hand store). I have been fortunate, in my lifetime, to be able to choose where I shop. That means, that I shop most anywhere I want (Sotheby and Tiffany, maybe not), but today, I chose to spend my dollars thriftily. Along with that information, I'll add that the county, in which I reside, is the most affluent county in the state of Kansas. Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift live near me, for Pete's sake!

Well who knew, that an absolute hoard of locals would be shopping at the local Thrift Store. Holy Magoaly! I couldn't find a place to park. I had to truly circle the parking lot until someone came out and left an open parking place. Inside, the store was busier than the local WalMart, before a three-day weekend. It was packed. Young folks, grandmas and grandpas, well-dressed matronly types and scruffies were all stuffing items into their carts. The clothing aisles were crowded and the housewares area was chaos.

I found just what I wanted.....a couple of colorful tutus, a Dracula Cape and a Darth Vader Mask (I just couldn't pass that thing up) and headed to the nearest line. This store takes cards and does "self" checkout. Will wonders never cease?

So, whilst driving home, I contemplated my experience. Locally owned department stores have all shut their doors in recent years. Macy's (who bought many of them) is nearly out of business. So, is JC Penney's. Shoe stores are practically non-existent. People are supposedly ordering more and more on line. From China, I'm told. Stores are empty, everywhere I look. So is this a result of the sad state of the American Economy? Or, are we, as a country, just changing our shopping habits?

Something to ponder, I suppose. Seriously, I'm going back to the Thrift Store, soon. They had some really cute stuff!

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Dear Lord. Remind us to take care of Your planet. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are good words.