The "Lady in the Garden" Needs a Trim

While working in the garden early this morning, I noticed that the "Lady in the Garden" needed a trim!

The amount of rain that we have had since the first part of June has caused everything to grow at a rapid rate.  The ferns and mandevilla vines are taking over.  It's a jungle out there - here, in the semi-arid desert.

I grabbed my clippers and now "The Lady" can see again and I can see her.

Given to me about twenty years ago for my birthday, this lady and I have traveled many miles together.  She has always been somewhere in the various gardens that I have created.  Somewhere where I can see her daily.  She presently resides out the wall of windows of my bedroom.  Not only do I see her daily, but every time I walk into that room, she is straight ahead.  Obviously she is a treasure.

She was created for me by a dear friend and extremely talented concrete artist, Hayes Parker.

Unfortunately, since moving to Mexico, I have lost touch with him.  We were friends starting in the 70's when I used to sell in craft shows in the USA.  I remember, particularly, a show at Westbury Square in Houston where the temps soared to the 100's.  It was my decision to never to do a show outside again.  I never did.

Hayes did not either, I don't think.  Once I helped him in a show at the Astrodome for the preview party for the Nutcracker Market benefiting the Houston Ballet.  I have never, before or since, seen such a frenzy of women buying as fast as they could write a check or get their money out.  Exhausted that night after the show, all I could do was limp on sore feet to my car and dread the fact that I had a few more days to help in the booth.  It was absolutely a mind blowing experience - another thing I never did again.  Ha.

Hayes' work was always distinctive, beautifully made and a treasure.  In my house are many other pieces that he gave me over the years.  I sure wish I knew where he is and how he is.

Thankfully he gave me "The Lady" so many years ago.  I wonder if he has any idea how much joy and beauty she has brought to my life for all of these years.  Life is good.