Birthday Presents to Match the Season

" Books make great gifts because

they're everybody's favourite things. "

JULIE ANDREWS 

The gift card sat on my desk for days. I thought it'd be easy to spend, new books certainly being a top contender, for I have a list a mile long of 'wanna read' titles. But I didn't want to rush my purchase. I wanted to choose something that matched the season—a book that read like poetry, words hanging in the air like fragrance in a flower garden, with pictures that enlivened the senses. I wanted a book in keeping with Spring's awakening.

I suddenly remembered a book I'd been hankering after and went online to order Christie Purifoy's latest book, Garden Maker. Yes, I do select books by their cover. This one, so utterly captivating, was definitely going in my shopping cart. Then, the too-solicitous website recommended another title that would go along nicely with it. Oh yes, I'll take that one, too. And so Andrew Peterson's new book, The God of the Garden—written during COVID-19—joined Christie's in the cart. And did you know that you purchased floral stickers in the past, would you like to purchase them again? Why not, it's Spring, and with the flourish of a button pressed, my selections were soon on their way.

While I've not had a chance to sit down and read the books yet, my sneak peek browse certainly sharpened my anticipation. Both authors I've read and enjoyed in the past, I do believe I'm in for a treat. In her book, Christie shares her love of flowers and some of the life lessons she's learned in her garden. Andrew says, "The early Christians believed there were two books of revelation: the book of scripture, and the book of nature. The God of the Garden is the story of what I learned from both." I'm intrigued to read what he learned.

 

Below I've included a bit of the description with a few lines from each book. I hope it whets your appetite to search out these titles for yourself.

GARDEN MAKER

Growing a Life of Beauty & Wonder with Flowers

by Christie Purifoy

"Much more than a how-to flower gardening book . . . Garden Maker is for those who want to grow beautiful things that reflect the glory and majesty of the Creator and bring a little bit of heaven down to earth. . . . Lavishly photographed and lovingly written, this all-seasons guide invites you to discover the innumerable joys and wonders to be found in the flower garden." — excerpt from Amazon product description

"When I was a child, my father grew flowers. He was raised on a family farm in Comanche, Texas, and had a very utilitarian approach to any plot of land—even our typical small-town backyard—and yet he primarily grew flowers. Our half-acre lot gave hot peppers, tomatoes, plums, and dewberries, but in my memory it's the canna lilies by the back fence that dominate the scene, like giants in a fairy world."

THE GOD OF THE GARDEN

Thoughts on Creation, Culture, and the Kingdom

by Andrew Peterson

"Award-winning author and songwriter Andrew Peterson, being as honest as possible, shares a story of childhood, grief, redemption, and peace, by walking through a forest of memories: "I trust that by telling my story, you'll encounter yours. Hopefully . . . you'll see that the God of the Garden is and has always been present, working and keeping what he loves." — excerpt from Amazon product description

"Due to COVID-19, early 2020 had me literally and figuratively grounded in a way that allowed me—forced me—to work in place: slowly, rhythmically, without the frantic pace to which I had grown accustomed. I had to exercise my imagination, casting thoughts far and wide, thoughts creeping like ivy beyond the confines of this place to other places in the distant past and the distant future, traveling not on an airplane or in a tour bus but in the pages of books and the memories kept by photographs."

FLOWER STICKERS

image from amazon website

Pkg of 50

Flower stickers in a rainbow of colours, shapes, and styles. Great for decorating journal pages, garden diaries, and envelopes. Creates a sweet surprise tucked into a handwritten note to a friend. If you're like me, you'll wonder why you didn't order two packages right away.

 

* * *

On that note, I'll sign off. Spring is at last in the greening up phase this week. Catkins are trilling out and leaves are unfurling. The garden is alive with birdsong. Oh, the joy of it all! On that note, I'm wishing you a beautiful week ahead. For those who celebrate, Happy Mother's Day! We are having Afternoon Tea with my mom later today. Can't wait! 

❦

Warmest thoughts and heart hugs,

Brenda

PS. It seems Blogger has changed something on the comments section so that there are more 'Anonymous' commenters. Which means I have no idea who is leaving a comment for me😟.

Would you mind please adding your name (whatever you use on public media) when you leave a comment. Thanks!