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Looking closely at what is possible is often impossible when our daily life is a bustle, and our mind is distracted by the endless outside demands on our attention.

It wasn't until my own life settled down a couple of years ago - having only one career calling, finding a steady rhythm in my work week, and getting back to a regular balance following the pandemic that I realized opportunities in my garden. The bearded iris you see here was just planted last July, and up until 2025 (I purchased Le Papillon in 2019), it never occurred to me that this might be an ideal flower to grow in our climate and specifically in my south-facing boulevard. But due to my attention being directed elsewhere, it took time for me to look closely at the possibilities, entertain ideas, and then find sources close to me (Portland, Oregon, in my case) that offered what I was looking for that would thrive and complement the color scheme.

That is often when ahas happen. When we make space without expectation of what we will discover. But when we do discover, upon reflection, it seems all but obvious as to what we found that would work best. 

Slowing down, making space, letting go. Each nearly antithetical to our modern world. However, when we know what will welcome quality and deepen our lived experience, the world's opinion matters less, and we trust ourselves more. 

Is there something in your life right now that you can't seem to figure out? That seems either stuck or 'must be this way and no other way, even though it drives me crazy or exhausts me'? I am willing to venture, you will discover a solution that hasn't yet crossed your path if you will let go and make space for an idea to waltz across your path. It often happens like that. For me, it was watching a tour of a Chelsea Show garden back in 2025 that caught my attention - gorgeous flowers, the conditions for growing were similar to Bend's - why hadn't I thought of it?! All we have to do is engage with our everydays, doing what we love, following our curiosity, and it will happen seemingly magically, but really, by bringing ourselves to the present moment fully, we are now able to see all that is there to find. 

Speaking of the Chelsea Flower Show, May on TSLL blog means British Week, and we had a fun and full week.  Along with all of the regular postings, there were 16 British-inspired posts. And be sure to take advantage of the final savings opportunity on the Contentment Masterclass - the discount ends today at midnight - Pacific time. All of the details and coupon code are below. 

Have a wonderful Sunday and conclusion to May, and until the final day in June (Tuesday), the 30th, I will see you on the blog!

—Shannon