Yael Nehama

Today I woke to snowy shabbat. By nine o'clock the snow was falling consistently and had beautifully cloaked the city in a white mantle. By 9:30 am I began to get restless and started to debate whether or not a walk in the snow would be helpful. The child that I can be and who loves to play convinced me that it would be criminal to not avail myself of this winter wonderland and I quickly got dressed for the occasion. Once I had assured myself I would not freeze to death I began my trek. I stood outside on the patio for a few minutes taking it all in. It was cold and the snow felt lovely as it fell on me. I was amazed at how very quiet it was, very few cars out and about on this snowy morning, it all felt so surreal. Not even the juncos I had noticed earlier in the bush in front of my home were tittering about. I started my walk not exactly sure where I was going then quickly deciding I desperately needed to see the woods on a snowy day. It occurred to me that I have never been ther...

In my neighborhood there are some amazing hidden treasures of which I am beginning to discover. One of these treasures are several lavender bushes that a neighbor of mine has. I have been admiring these bushes for some time and joked with my daughter that was going to sneak up in the night and help myself. Of course she discouraged me saying, "Bad karma!"OK, fine, I would certainly not want anything negative revisited on my own little garden. So one day last week, I grabbed a pair of shears, gathered up my courage, and went up and knocked on her door."Hi, I'm your neighbor and I was wondering if I could have some of your lavender."She looked at me a bit peculiarly and I mentioned where I lived. She then seemed a bit more relaxed and said "Sure!" I was thrilled needless to say, and I asked her how much could I take.(I know me, talk about a kid in a candy store!)"Take it all! We are trying to grow them as hedges and they need trimming." "R...

It was unseasonably warm, and choosing not to focus on the fear of global warming, I chose to enjoy the day for what it was, an absolute gift of beauty! My daughters and I went on a long 6 mile walk in a local park and enjoyed the day. Even though there was ne'er a trace of the snowfall we had this past Monday, the earth smelled moist and fresh because of it. The river was still a bit low, hopefully we will good rains when Spring arrives fully. On our excursion we spotted a cluster of white crocuses peeping up among the bare trees. What a joy they were to behold! I made my way to them and greeted them as they cheered me with their shy, bowed faces. The warm weather made me long to feel the earth in my hands and tend my precious garden. I see the green and red of my bleeding hearts beginning. My potted weeping pussy willow is beginning to bloom with it's darling fuzzy buds. I am also spending time fantasizing about the apothecary I plan to grow in my front yard. I already have y...