I am sorry to read that Susan K. Perry is discontinuing her blog Writer’s Mind here at Psych Central because it has proven to be too time-consuming.

How well I can empathize with you, Susan.

As she wrote in her final post ~ “I thought I could keep up with a constant and frequent posting rate here at this blog, and it turned out to be impossible. I wasn’t doing my real writing.”

I always loved reading Susan’s blog. It felt like home…

Susan’s posts were always instructive and inspiring, even though I have never written fiction, she had invaluable insights for all writers, no matter what genre.

Very few people understand how demanding writing is. People I know think you just sit down at a keyboard and out flow the words. That it is effortless. Hah!

I thought, for fun, I’d show you my little garden.

These pictures were taken a few minutes ago after three days and nights of rain and one day of sunshine.

I love every leaf, flower and sprout that Sheila and I planted on Tuesday night. When I have to dead-head, I hope it doesn’t hurt the little plantings. I feel a little tentative about it but it needs to be done.

I’m showering my little sprouts with all my love…

See what you think and remember, this little garden is just taking root and becoming accustomed to a new home.

As I explained in my “Fear of Flowers” post a few days ago ~ I have a long and benign fear of getting my hands dirty. Especially gardening.

Before I proceed, let me explain why it’s taken me a bit longer than I had hoped to get back to you with Part Two of my planting adventure with Sheila.

Please forgive me.

You see, it’s all because of my right big toe…

Laugh, if you like, but it wasn’t funny.

On Wednesday night this toe was bothering me. On Thursday, I had to teach. I didn’t have time to think about it. Yesterday, I woke up and it was dark, purply red, swollen and excruciatingly painful.

I could barely slip into a pair of sandals and walk without limping. I had to go to a walk-in clinic where Dr. Mandell diagnosed a virulent infection ~ not Gout ~ and prescribed massive doses of Keflex, a form of penicillin.

No blaspheming intended…

This morning, I’m still in pain, my big toe is still dark red, as is the toe next to it. The redness still runs all the way down below the knuckle of my foot. The good news is that it’s no longer throbbing as much.

Hence the delay with Part Two of my report on my “Fear of Flowers” ~ and my new found relationship with Mother Earth. For me, her name will always be Sheila.

Hi, All…

This is just a quick update.

Part Two of Fear of Flowers, tentatively titled “Mucking about with Mother Earth…” is on its way but won’t be finished until later this evening.

I just wanted to keep you in the loop. Thanks for your comments and the stimulating conversation. We are an amazing community. Helping each other, caring for each other. And we’re just barely one month old, here at Psych Central.

Don’t forget to have a look at all the other blogs here. There are an embarrassment of riches. Something for everyone.

Right now, I’m experiencing inordinate stress, but I’m still with you. I wanted you to know that. You’re on my mind all the time.

Tuesday, June 1 at 3 p.m.

In two hours, I’m meeting Sheila, one of our stalwarts here at Coming Out Crazy. She’s going to teach me to get my hands dirty, to muck around with plants and earth ~ and love it. She’s relishing the prospect. I am dreading it.

The idea of planting repulses me ~ the muck and grime…

We’re meeting in a big green house up north to choose annuals to plant in my naked garden.

This may seem like a spring dream to you, but it’s my private nightmare. All because something long forgotten that happened in Mrs. Birdle’s Nursery School sandbox.

Ever since, I’ve hated getting my hands dirty in Mother Earth…

I have no idea what transpired in that sandbox of my childhood, but ever since, I’ve always detested getting dirt beneath my finger nails.

And I cannot relate to plants.