In Defense of Prayer

On Monday night I posted the following request on my Facebook account: Tomorrow, please pray for my daughter. It is her last day of testing, and two of her most important tests: Math and Japanese. Truly, she needs your prayers. I really don’t know what to pray for, just know that we need them. Thanks, R

Never would I have thought that I needed to defend my request. If you are reading this post hoping that I will defend the post, you might want to stop reading right about now. I will never defend a prayer request. Period.

I don’t expect my Facebook friends to know me, they couldn’t possibly know that yesterday I functioned on three hours of sleep, worked in my garden, helped my husband construct a frame where we will lay tile (yes, my toe really is broken), cut down two trees and stacked the limbs at the street, fixed dinner, took my daughter to a job interview, and wrote over a thousand words for a short story collection. (my point: busy day). My Facebook friends don’t know that I do NOT have cable television, that I don’t care who is on American Idol, or Survivor (is that show even on?) I live in Atlanta where I desperately try to be as unplugged from television and its bad news as much as possible. I try to plug into my family. My friends know that if something bad happens in Atlanta, please call me on the phone, otherwise I’ll be working, doing, and living the life I so love. We, like many of you, have serious life-and-death issues in our personal life that are far more “important” (to some) than passing tests. I don’t share my family’s struggles, they deserve their privacy and I respect that. But know that a prayer request for tests are heard by the same God and listened with the same ear as when I fall before him praying for healing and one more day with my loved ones.

My face-to-face friends also know that I am not a bible scholar. I am a believer, a sinner, a reacher-out to God on a daily basis. I pray for strangers, random people, friends I know, my family and sometimes (rarely) I even pray for myself.

So imagine my shock when I found the following comments to my prayer request:

I believe deeply in the power of prayer, but I have to say now that my prayers are those who are victims of the devastation in Oklahoma. That is deep and horrific suffering there, and those folks need great prayers for healing. I’m a mom, and yes, I know the need to pray for a daughter. Mine has been through some life threatening times. What we need here is perspective . I do hope you send up some prayers for the many tornado victims. I mean this. I do not take prayer lightly. It is a deep focus of my spiritual energy merging, I hope, with God. So please do send some focus and prayers to those in the deepest need. I’m sorry but Math and Japanese tests don’t compare to the loss in those tornado torn states. (name withheld, and she removed her comment later today)

There are many reasons why a person might post something of this nature. Which is why I visited her Facebook page to see if perhaps she lived in Oklahoma, had posted a plea for those she knew. There were none. No prayer requests, no mention of the victims in Oklahoma at all. What troubles me further is that this person is an author, a colleague, someone who while I do not personally know, made a conscious decision to take the time to write this comment on my wall. Authors are basically forced to be “out there” under scrutiny. If you’ve written anything longer than a grocery list then someone has voiced their displeasure. I don’t really understand why she felt the need to post what she did other than her comment allows me to talk to y’all about prayer.

As an author there is an unwritten rule that unless you are a Christian author, published by a “Christian Press” it is in your best interest to keep God in a box, beside your bed, taking Him out only when you need Him, never during a book signing, conference, conversation where someone else might overhear, become offended and decide not to purchase a copy of your work. Now if you have written about a controversial subject one that uncovers the evils of the church, then by all means talk all you want. Otherwise, answer questions in an indirect manner, politically correct of course. Don’t offend someone who might be there to purchase copies of your book.

While I was in Texas speaking at the Pulpwood Queens I met a group of Queens who had a photo of their friend, Susan. Susan sat at the table with them, wore a different tiara each night. Drawn to these ladies for personal reasons, I asked about Susan’s illness, cried with them, understood their concern, admired their love and devotion to a friend. When it was my turn to speak on the panel, I am sure that some people were offended when I began my talk by asking for prayer for Susan, whom I did not know other than having just learned that she had cancer and was in the fight of her life, a fight she lost a few months ago.

Here me clearly, selling books is not a priority. At that moment, praying for Susan was.

As an aside: perhaps this is why I don’t have a book contract, because I won’t put God in a box, because I try my sinful best to carry Him with me. When asked, and sometimes when not, I try to give God the glory and credit for my life. He gave me the writing gift, I did nothing but provide the fingers and even those are not my own.

I don’t mean to ramble, but this morning as I prayed I was just overwhelmed with the suggestion that my prayer was less important than those in Oklahoma. Or worse, that I didn’t care about those who suffer and instead thought my prayers were more important than the victims in Oklahoma. Then I remember God himself says, “come all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.All. Everyone. God doesn’t prioritize, saying: “Today is BIG PRAYER day. Don’t bother me with little prayers. No! Don’t bother me with those small-tiny prayers. Keep them to yourself. I don’t have time. God does not prioritize sin (no big or little sins) man does; and He does not prioritize our prayers. He is always waiting for us to reach out to him with every concern, be it those in Oklahoma or little ole me in Atlanta.

God didn’t say, “today is Renea’s day. I’m only listening to her prayers. Today, she gets everything she wants.”

Because honey, if God proclaimed a Renea day my mouth would ramble things that I really, really want

Could there be food for those hungry, the starving, those who won’t eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner, not those who have run out of ice cream and feel a slight twinge

Could the abused children be removed from their circumstances, could they know love

Could there be peace, just today since it’s Renea-day could we have a day, where no one is murdered, where no one dies from violence, where all of our loved ones stay with us, please, (it is my day after all)

Could there be jobs for the mom’s and dad’s who have been searching for years

Could there be healing from terminal diseases, all of them not just cancer

Can those struggling with addiction be cured

Could there be love, a hunger to love one another instead of saying something to harm another

Could rain be sent to drought ridden areas, and sun sent to those areas underwater

Could the homeless be comforted, the dying not be alone, could we learn to love each other

Could we reach out to you and be hungry for more of YOU, Lord

 

Leave the Letters in the Mailbox

She needs two points. This is a simple math problem, one point, plus one point equals two points. As the school year rushes to a close, my prayer life has increased dramatically. Test anxiety, homework, finals and the school’s computer system crash has wreaked havoc on my family (and I’m not a teacher!) Not only did the local system crash, the entire County computer system crashed and stayed down for seven days. This meant End of Year testing, school projects and final exams simultaneously.

As an aside, if you are critical of teachers and faculty imagine for a moment the pressure staff is already under at the end of the year. Then add a system-wide computer crash so bad that emails aren’t even working.

I am thankful . . . for many things. My husband has a job. I remain cancer free. We’ve seen our share of job loss, fear, uncertainty. Still, knowing that college looms near, and, absent a book contract, I worry about money, am still searching for part-time employment. I pray about this, scholarship money, a book contract, a job; I pray about these things often.

But it is my daughter’s struggles that consume me. I pray, worry. Worry, then pray. Multiple times each day I pray, Lord, she only needs two points. Please help her make those two points.

This year, her struggles have been many. She’s dealt with anemia and vertigo. I’ve seen her stagger into the house, eat something then sleep so hard I have to wake her to do her homework. In addition to the health issues, during the first semester she had a teacher (whose contract will not be renewed next year) who shouldn’t have been teaching. I’ve met with faculty, pulled her out of that teacher’s classes  and emailed the new teacher so often that she probably hates me (I promise, I am not a pushy person, or a helicopter parent.) For those who don’t know, helicopter parents do their child’s work, they hover, don’t allow their children to make their own mistakes, or decisions. I haven’t helped my daughter with schoolwork since Elementary School. For that I am proud. Yes, her grades would be higher if she came to me or her father for help, but she earned the grades she has; scratched and sweated out every single point. For that I am proud. I am not one of “those” mothers who will send my daughter to college then do her assignments. Instead, I posted a note on her computer which reads:

I am smart

I can do this

It will be difficult, but worth it

I will own the grades I make

Perhaps that is why I feel so helpless, because during this second semester, with the new teacher, she has pulled her grades up dramatically. Perhaps that is why I continually ask God please, just two points so she doesn’t fail.You know she has worked so hard.

Then today I read a devotional which began: Genuine faith puts a letter in the mailbox and lets go. Distrust, however, holds on to a corner of the envelope and then wonders why the answer never arrives (Streams in the Desert)

Y’all know I am a word gal. I love hand-written letters, anxiously await the arrival of mail every single day.  I’m a letter writin’ card mailin’ fool. I send notes to complete strangers. Cards, letters, vegetable and flower seeds to people I will never meet. During that time I have never stood at the mailbox holding onto the corner of the envelope. No. I slap a forever stamp in the top right-hand-corner and hoist the red flag knowing that the US Post Office will deliver my letter. I am confident the Post Office will deliver the letter. They have never failed me.

But when I read that genuine faith puts a letter in the mailbox and lets go I realized that I (literally) have been placing more faith in the postal service than God. Sure, I’ve been doing my part, praying and believing that God will answer the prayer. But my belief only lasted for a few hours, until worry snuck in and whispered what if she doesn’t pass? At that moment I snatch the envelope from God and tuck it in my pocket.

So today, as another school day begins, it is my desire to replace the prayer of she needs two points with the affirmation of Thank you God for the two points. I may not yet see them, but I believe they are coming.

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of  In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. In 2012 she released Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. 2014 will see the release of In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches. She is currently working on her first novel. She would love to hear from you. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

 

Care and Maintenance of Newspaper Seed Starters

Welcome new followers to my blog. Recently, Billy Albertson and I had the privilege of speaking to students at Crabapple Middle School.

Here’s a BIG Shout Out to all of the students we met !!!

Crabapple students waiting patiently to make seed starters

One never knows what type of students they will encounter on these trips. Sometimes, we encounter a class filled with unruly folk, those who aren’t interested in learning; but not at Crabapple. It seemed like the more Billy and I shared about gardening, the more they wanted to know.

Here’s a BIG THANK YOU to all the students. You were great !!!

Now, for those who missed class, or want to learn how to make your own newspaper seed starter, here is a link to my blog post. Truly, this little project takes only a few minutes. Of course, I had my trusty seeds from Botanical Interests (available locally at Pike’s). Botanical Interests does an excellent job of including clear instructions on how to grow the seeds you purchase. However, the seeds at Crabapple are still in the teacher’s rooms. You can either take them home or plant them in the school garden.

Also, remember that I took a group photo with each class. I can only post those if the school has a signed permission slip on file. Once I’m certain your parent has signed a release, I’ll post more pictures.

Farmer Sophie

So, what’s the next step with your seeds?

A new farmer in the making

When will my seed sprout?

Pick one weekday to water your plants. Let’s use Wednesday for example. Each week on Wednesday measure one tablespoon of water and pour it directly onto the dirt (or plant if it has sprouted). Using more water will make your seed rot. For those who planted corn, watermelon or pumpkin seeds remember those seeds take a little bit longer to sprout. (like fourteen days). Please do not give up on the seeds. The weather has been unseasonably cold, AND, we have seen very little sun.

Crabapple student eager to lend a hand.

Seeds need three things: sun, warm temperatures, and water. Give the seeds a bit of extra time before giving up on them. If possible, place the newspaper starter in a window where the sun can reach the plant.

Soon these will be ready to plant.

After the seedling breaks through the soil and displays a couple leaves, start thinking about where you want to plant. For those living in an apartment or subdivision, you can still grow beans and peas inside a plastic planter. If you do not have a planter, please let me know. I will bring some to your school. There is no need to buy an expensive pot. You can pick one up at the Dollar Tree. The important part is to get a large container that is 8 to 10 inches. Vegetables have deep roots.

Where do I plant my seedling?

Some plants, like beans, will grow in partial shade. Others require full sun. Here is list of where to plant.

Vegetable:                                          Where it likes to grow:

Beans                                                I will grow in partial shade, and/or sun.

Peas                                                  I will grown in partial shade and/or sun

Corn                                                   I must have full sun

Pumpkins                                            I prefer full sun and room to grow

Watermelon                                         I prefer full sun and room to grow

Pepper plants                                       I will grow in partial shade and/or full sun

How do I plant my seedling?

Those planting directly into the dirt need only to dig a hole in the ground, (approximately 6 inches across and 3 inches deep. Break up the soil, place the newspaper seedling in the dirt. Cover and your’re done.

Plastic container instructions:

Fill a plastic container half-full of dirt. Wet the newspaper seed-starter until all of the paper is very wet.

Dig out a hole in the dirt.

Place the entire newspaper planter in the dirt.

Cover the newspaper with dirt (leave the tiny plant sticking out).

Another seed planted

Water well. Then watch the plant grow.

Little known fact about the corn:

For those who planted corn let me tell you about it. My great-grandfather Lum Winchester, who died when I was eighteen years old, grew that corn. He once lived in Rabun County Georgia with his wife’s family, who were the Ridley’s. Back then, you didn’t go to the store for garden supplies. People saved their seed. The seed you planted has been in my family for many generations. It is not genetically modified.

Some people call it “field corn,” others call it “dent corn” because on the end of each kernel there is a small indentation or “dent.” This particular variety grows very tall, almost fifteen feet tall. While you can eat it fresh, with butter, the corn is best dried and ground into cornmeal or grits. Fresh corn will not be sweet like you are used to. This variety is highly prized in the Low Country for grits. Of course the Low Country is famous for shrimp and grits.

So how can I make cornmeal? Allow the corn to dry on the stalks. Eventually the outside will yellow and get very hard. After that happens send me an email at reneawrites(at)gmail.com and I’ll make sure we convert your corn into meal.

This corn also makes excellent animal food. Since it has not been genetically modified, it is safe for everyone to eat. I think my great grandfather is happy you are willing to grow it.

Renea reading from her book about Billy titled: In the Garden with Billy: Lessons about Life, Love & Tomatoes. Copies available locally at BOOKMISER.

For those who don’t have a lot of land, corn can also be grown in big buckets.(Think one of those Home Depot Orange Buckets.

Corn requires FULL SUN and a lot of water during the summer. But, y’all are Crabapple students; you can do anything!

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of  In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. In 2012 she released Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. 2014 will see the release of In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches. She is currently working on her first novel. She would love to hear from you. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

Copies of her book are available locally at Bookmiser.

 

Overcoming Negativity with a Positive Attitude

I don’t write much about my daughter; I feel that having a mother who is a writer is difficult enough and she deserves her privacy. However, this story must be shared. Someone needs encouragement, a few words to let them know that their struggles aren’t forever.

My daughter believes she’s stupid. Most parents have heard their children utter the phrase, “I’m stupid, or, I’m ugly; or, I have no friends.” These emotions are part of childhood and, in most cases, a temporary part of growing up. Her words hurt me. At home saying stupid is a bad word, second only to the word can’t. Can’t is a forbidden word in my home. Once I hear it I immediately respond with the phrase, Can’t never could do anything. Followed with never, ever give up.

Like every person on the planet who is currently breathing, my daughter has one particular aspect of her life that challenges her. In her case it is math. Can get an amen? Math, for many people, is difficult. For some it is english, or science. We all struggle with something. Students continually struggle with classes, tests, and pressure to earn scholarships. Parents struggle with jobs, health, or financial trouble. We are all struggling with something.

I have prayed for my daughter for a long time, knowing and believing that God will provide an answer. If you are a person of faith, I sincerely ask for your prayers.

My daughter can do math all day, working problems with accuracy.However, when test day comes, something terrible happens . . . she freaks out. The ability to work the same problems she just did at the kitchen table vanishes. I imagine she hears little whispers of doubt and those whispers become screams until eventually, everything gets jumbled in her mind.

Enter into her struggle a school employee. This person, who is not a teacher, and has never taught my daughter, said the word “can’t” during a recent conference. “Can’t do math . . . can’t do chemistry, can’t do . . . can’t do . . . Can’t Do.”

Unfortunately, my daughter was in the room.

This type of negativity places students at a crossroads. Take my dear friend, Julie Cantrell. She is the author of a lovely book titled Into the Free. She also is a New York Times Best-selling author who once had a teacher tell her “I hope you don’t waste your scholarship to study writing. You may be able to write a greeting card, but that’s about as far as you’ll ever go.”

Read about Julie’s experience in her own words at her blog post here. 

Julie shares: “I made a mistake that day. I believed her. I put down my pen for nearly a decade and let way too many stories go untold.”

Unfortunately, Julie isn’t alone. When an authority figure tells us that we’ll never amount to anything it is human nature to believe them. In my daughter’s case, the question of whether this employee was unaware that her words had power, or she meant to harm my daughter, or she was just too young and inexperienced to know better remains unanswered. This employee chose the word can’t over a kinder statement. She could have said, your daughter struggles with math and we need to get her the resources to bolster her confidence. Instead she launched the word can’t across the room like a grenade. A shift happened that day. You see, teenagers don’t listen to their parents. In their minds, parents are supposed to say positive things. My daughter didn’t believe me when I said, “Just keep keeping on. She doesn’t know you, at all. You are smart. You can do it.” Instead my daughter retained the negative word can’t.

And yes, the more I thought about the situation, the more I wanted to have a Madea Moment. (See link).

Months have passed since that meeting. I’ve watched my daughter become more frustrated and angry at home. She no longer wears her emotions in a curved smile on her lips. Do you blame her? In fact, after the previously mentioned meeting she said, “Mom, I’ve learned to live with disappointment.” She has been on the edge of shutting down. Exacerbating her emotional exhaustion is physical exhaustion. She suffers from anemia and vertigo. We do not use her illness as an excuse. We work around her exhaustion and dizziness and press on. Most days, she can barely carry that 35 pound backpack around. All of this is why the Tom Zachary VIP award matters to her.

Since 1999, the Zachary award has been distributed to students who follow Tom Zachary’s three keys to success which are: follow the rules, follow your curriculum schedule, and be respectful. According to Mr. Jim Coyle who has been with the high-school for many years, Zachary Award recipients “are the lifeblood of the school. They are the key to our school’s success.” Principal Jerome Huff echoes his praise, saying Zachary Award recipients “show merit and character. They are the kind of students who come in early, stay after school and help other students.”

For those who say we live in a society where everyone receives an award, let me add that this is a teacher-nominated award and my daughter currently has an 86 in the class. While she did not receive the award for math, after the ceremony the math teacher came up and embraced her with a hug. The teacher said, ‘I am so glad you got a VIP award. When I saw your name on the roster I was so happy! I could only choose three students and I’ve only had you in my class for a few weeks. You deserve this award. I am so happy for you.”

This my friends, is the kind of adult we need leading our children. This is the kind of support students need. Both of these teachers are a direct answer to prayer as is Principal Huff.

During the ceremony, Principal Huff said, “not every student can be an honor student or a star athlete. When I was in school a lot of people said I’d never be anything. My momma was a single parent. My dad was in jail.”

I admire an adult who can motive parents and students with their honesty, don’t you? This man is changing lives with positive energy and encouragement ! I adore leaders who say: look at me. Everyone counted me out . . . they said I’d be nothing, but through hard-work I showed them.

Then Principal Huff said, “Just because you aren’t at the top of the class right now doesn’t mean you’ll wind up at the bottom. Remember, it’s not what people call you, it’s what you answer to.”

Let’s let his words sink in for a moment.

Just because you aren’t at the top of the class right now . . .

…doesn’t mean you’ll wind up at the bottom.

It doesn’t mean that you’ll fail math.

It doesn’t mean that you’ll be pregnant and drop out of school.

It doesn’t mean that you’ll spend the rest of your life in jail.

It doesn’t mean that you’ll be living on the street, or worse, with your parents forever.

It doesn’t mean that you’ll get hooked on drugs.

It doesn’t mean that no one will ever love you.

It doesn’t mean that you will wear a tattoo on your forehead which reads failure.

Just because you aren’t at the top now, doesn’t mean you’re stuck in the same place forever.

Remember my friend Julie. It takes a lot of courage to pick up a pen after someone tells you don’t bother. Now she is a New York Times bestselling author. Way to go Julie !

For those who struggle for whatever reason, let me say this, “Don’t listen to what people say. Do what is in your heart. Do your best. Believe in yourself. Don’t let someone else keep you from your destiny. God has a plan for you. He knew that plan when he formed you, before your mother held you, or your grandmother changed your diaper. His plan is to prosper you. His plan is good. The word can’t is not in God’s vocabulary. So if you are discouraged, tuck that chin and keep walking the walk. Study more. Be more. Ignore the voices telling you that you can’t do.

Remember: Can’t never could do anything.

But honey, CAN-DO gets the job done every time.

CAN-DO changes lives.

Now you hold up that head and press on, confident. You got this. You CAN-DO anything you set your mind to.

Oh, and for the record. Since the afternoon when my daughter was awarded the VIP award, she has brought home an 88 on her science test, and (today) brought home a 100 on a math assignment.

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of  In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. In 2012 she released Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. 2014 will see the release of In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches. She is currently working on her first novel. She would love to hear from you. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

 

Earth Day Activity: Making Seed-Starters from Recycled Newspaper

Last week, while I was in the community garden ripping grass from the raised bed, I enjoyed a moment of being present. A moment where I felt the grime on my neck, the sweat trickling down my back; a moment of pure bliss. At that moment I thought if I could lead workshops, or teach people how to grow their own food that would be perfect.

I’m not big on perfection; but teaching others how to grow their food would be lovely. I would like to teach those intimidated by gardening that they can grow their own food. This was my focus as I tossed roots onto the compost pile, cursing Johnson grass.

Enter, Miss Liz, Go-Green Day chair at Crabapple Middle School. Someone suggested she contact me.

Would I speak to middle schoolers on Earth Day? she asked.

Would I ? Sign me up !

Deciding what to speak about was a challenge. At first I wanted to show them how to recycle newspapers in the garden. Then I determined that most of the students probably didn’t have access to a garden. (Being that they were trapped in the confines of a subdivision with a rigid Homeowners Association). That’s when the idea to demonstrate how to make a newspaper seed-starter emerged.

Once I shared my idea with Liz, she suggested I have each student who visits my booth make their own seed starter. After the seeds sprout the students will plant them in their community garden. Imagine the Plant A Row for the Hungry concept. That’s what they’re doing.

Now we’re growing, and feeding the hungry nutritious vegetables!

For those interested in making these; or students who want to show their parents how to create a newspaper seed-starter, here are the instructions:

Supply list:

Newspapers

Seeds

Potting Soil (Note: try to feel the quality of the soil. If you feel small sticks and pebbles, most-likely you are purchasing woodchips, not potting soil).

Glass container cylindrical in shape. (Note: glass works best because it is sturdy and newspaper).

Instructions:

Fold one sheet of newspaper lengthwise.

Place glass on paper. Leave some newspaper hanging over the lower edge of the glass.

Place glass on newspaper. Allow one inch of paper to hang over the bottom end of the glass. You will fold this later and form the bottom of planter.

Once you have wrapped glass, fold ends toward the center to create bottom of seed-starter.

Wrap the glass with newspaper. When you reach the end, fold edges inward to form the bottom of the planter.

Stand glass up and press down firmly to secure the bottom.

Remove glass.

If desired, staple top of planter to keep pages intact.

Fill planter with dirt. Each planter will use approximately half a cup of dirt.

A shout out to the Roswell Garden Club ladies featured in the newspaper.

Following the instructions on back of seed packet, press seed into soil. Water lightly. Don’t worry if water leaks through planter. Once seedling starts growing it is ready to plant in the garden. Dig a hole in the garden, place planter in the earth and fill with dirt. Water well. The newspaper will deteriorate and allow the roots to grow deep in the soil.

This is an inexpensive way to start seeds, and recycle. I want to thank Miss Liz for allowing me the opportunity to fulfill a dream. If your school or church has a community garden and you’d like me to teach the fledgling gardeners in your area, please contact me through my website.

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of  In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. In 2012 she released Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. 2014 will see the release of In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches. She is currently working on her first novel. She would love to hear from you. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

Follow Billy on Faceboook HERE

 

Local Food: Sugar Snap Peas

My Sweet Peas

It started in early January, the hankering to grow sugar-snap peas (which where I come from we call sweet-peas). I placed a handful of Botanical Interests seeds in a cup of warm water and let them sit for a hour. Later, I folded the seeds into a wet paper towel and zipped them up in a plastic bag and placed them on the heating vent.

I plant peas because my grandmother loves them. Each year we usually get into a growing contest which she  wins. She lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina, which is perfect for pea-growing.

Loving my cold frame which fits in my deck planter.

My mother-in-law had recently given me a cold frame.  She knows spring fever comes early for me; knew I would put the garden tool to good use. I also knew that peas grow best when soaked, or in this case, partially sprouted.Here in Atlanta (zone 7a or b zip code depending), my desire for peas better start early. The weather is unpredictable and by April it is usually way too hot to plant peas and other cold-hardy plants.

Two days later, a tiny nub escaped the hard shells. It was time to take the seeds outside. Now I must say that I attempted sprouting the pea seeds in tea bags. A friend of mine had posted an image on her Facebook account. The results from my experiment follow: the tea bag dried out rapidly. In order to keep the bags wet enough to sprout the peas, the tea soured causing the seeds to rot. Conclusion: disaster. Paper towels and plastic bags worked best.

As an aside, I do have Brussels sprouts seedlings in the ground and will keep y’all posted on their progress, or my failures.

It wasn’t enough to shelter the seeds beneath the cold frame. Even in “hot-lanta,” this year, January and February temperatures were cold and oft unpredictable; it was also very dreary with little sunlight. Ever ready to trick my plants into thinking it was spring, I laid old Christmas tree lights on the ground and wrapped them around the interior of the cold frame.

Once I realized the cold frame would work, I quickly sprouted more seeds, hence the difference in growth-stages.

The older lights gave off just enough warmth to coax the seedlings from the earth, the light tricked them into believing the sun was shining. I kept the lights burning day and night. (Thanks to my husband -who despises peas- and didn’t complain when the lights glowed at night).  Eventually temperatures rose and the sun began to shine more. It was time to remove the cold frame and trellis the pea vines.

Today, April 16, 2013, those same vines are about to bloom. Soon, I’ll enjoy sugar snap peas for dinner. The peas need to hurry up, they are growing an area reserved for tomatoes.

Tiny blooms on my sweet, sugar snap peas.

What tricks do you use to grow vegetables? What has worked, what hasn’t?

 

 

 

 

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of  In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. In 2012 she released Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. 2014 will see the release of In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches. She is currently working on her first novel. She would love to hear from you. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

Follow Billy on Faceboook HERE

 

 

 

 

Friday’s Top Story: Early Spring Planting

I’ve done it now, succumbed to peer pressure. Yesterday I did something that I never ever do,  I helped plant tomatoes . . . in April! I help plant tomatoes all the time, but in April, never.

Categorize this blog post in the category, Do as Renea says, not as she does. 

Knowing in my heart that it is too early to put delicate plants in the ground and realizing that Mr. Thomas, who never plants before May first, is probably right, yesterday (April 11, 2013) I followed Kelle’s lead and planted the seedlings she had sprouted for Billy’s garden. She’s the seed-sprouting queen, by the way.

I rationalize that the seedlings are heirlooms and perhaps stronger than other varieties. As Kelle said, the seedlings were tiny and “need to be in Billy’s dirt.” Truth be told, we needed to be in the dirt as well.

Tiny tomato plants are barely visible in the dirt.

April is a volatile month. The whole tale of March being a lion or lamb rings true, but here lately April is schizophrenic at worst, unpredictable at best. Just ask the folk in Colorado who are digging out from another blizzard. On the east coast, Mother Nature sends violent thunderstorms in April, like the one that happened within hours of yesterday’s planting. I’m not even going over to Billy’s today. I am confident the seedlings are heads-bent leaves covered with mud.

The storms also bring cooler temperatures, or the “winters;” Dogwood winter (when the trees are in bloom) and blackberry winter when blooms are just forming on the vine. The Dogwoods should be in full bloom in a couple of days and blackberries have another couple of weeks, meaning we could experience another cold-snap. This makes me, who track these kinds of things, very hesitant with respect to planting. And then there were the “signs.” The zodiac didn’t give the green light to plant until today.

At Billy’s, tomato-planting time means all hands on deck (and in dirt). Truly a joyful day.

But when helpers show up, it’s time to crank the tractor and get on hands and knees to plant, and say a prayer that this year we will be blessed with what Billy calls boocoos of tomatoes.

But, just in case, I have plenty of tomato seedlings at my house ready for May first.

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. In 2012 she released Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. 2014 will see the release of In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches. She is currently working on her first novel. She would love to hear from you. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

Follow Billy on Faceboook HERE

Footnote: “boocoo” is the Americanized version of the French adverb “beaucoup” meaning much or many.

 

Protecting The Bird’s Nest

In Atlanta, spring has started to dust us with pollen. By the end of this week our cars should turn yellow, our front porches will follow suit. We will not complain. We haven’t seen the sun in ages. It is during this time when the sun shines that a fever consumes us. We rush to the store and purchase vegetables that are WAY too early to plant. (Atlanta folks don’t plant your tomatoes yet).

We fire up the lawnmower, or in my case, the chainsaw. Yes my friends, a chainsaw.

Those who have read my book In the Garden with Billy recall that I had a deep desire to own a chainsaw. For those who would like a copy of the book, upload to Kindle here or order here. Reasoning that I could have a fantastic garden if I took out a few trees, my dad let me borrow my mother’s electric chainsaw. It is capable of dropping anything three inches in diameter, or less. For the tree lovers in the group, please know that my front lawn is home to at least two hundred gigantic trees. I’m just thinning the saplings.

The spindly hedge must go. Where’s my chainsaw?

My first project is an eyesore beside the house. I live in a much-older home in the Atlanta area, far, far away from a subdivision (Thank you Lord). For years I have despised the hedge bushes beside the house. If they were thicker at the bottom I would like them. Alas, they are thin and ugly at the bottom.

Plus, they encourage green mold on the cedar. I have discovered Tea Olive. Tea Olives are evergreen shrubs from the Osmanthus family. Envisioning their lovely fragrance, I plugged in the chainsaw and pulled the trigger.

I discovered the Cardinal’s nest, shortly after I removed most of the first shrub. All work ground to a stop. I recalled the times my dad brought home injured and orphaned animals. As a lineman for the power company, sometimes his crew was tasked with clearing limbs from the power lines. Many times he brought home animals in his yellow hard hat. My mother always kept a baby bottle so we could feed the babies. The Cardinal at my house had laid only one egg.There was something about the single egg that spoke to my heart.

The precious Cardinal nest.

With her nest now revealed, I worried about the cussed-infernal crows I had just (last week) seen flying with a baby blue jay. After I posted my loathing for crows, I received some flack from my Facebook acquaintances saying that crows are necessary, the “circle of life;” but from my front porch all I ever see is crows stealing defenseless baby birds.

Not in my front yard. No sir.

Picking up the removed limbs I wedged them in the shrub then secured them with that most-important gardening tool . . . duct tape.

As I wrapped the bungee and duct tape I kept thinking, my husband is going to kill me.

When the tape failed to hold the heavy limbs I wound a bungee cord through the limbs, holding them in place so the mama Cardinal would feel secure. So now, my beautiful envisioned project is far from that. This morning as I checked the limbs to make certain they were secure, I stood on tiptoes and peeped inside the nest; there is another egg. I’ll overlook the eyesore as the Cardinals raise their babies. And I’ll stand watch for crows, and snakes.

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. In 2012 she released Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. 2014 will see the release of In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches. She is currently working on her first novel. She would love to hear from you. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

 

 

Tomato Seedlings

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, and since there are many who -like me- still hold firm to the old ways and require a bit of a nudge, I submit the following images of tomato seedlings. I too was a loyal shopper, purchasing seeds from “those companies” you know them, I don’t need to list them. I used to grab seeds here, order them there, and wonder why in the world my plants didn’t produce.

The first photo is an image of Rutger Tomatoes. Billy’ prefers this variety. However, upon closer inspection notice the thin and spindly nature of each plant.

By comparison, on the right you will see the Cherokee Purples. If you read my blog regularly, these are the seedlings planted in a plastic shoe box and kept warm with Christmas-tree-lights. If you missed that post, click here to read. Tomatoes need hours and hours, and then a few more…hours of sunlight every day. Both the Rutgers and the Purples were planted at the same time. Both in my home, same care. I wanted a side-by-side comparison with the hopes of swaying Billy (and you) into growing only Botanical Interests seeds, instead of those “other companies.”

Rutger Tomatoes, One of Billy’s favorites

Cherokee Purple Seedlings. Planted same time. Notice thickness of stalk

Here is an image of the same plants today.

As you see in the image below, the Rutgers are still the same size. They have barely grown, while the Botanical Interest’s Cherokee Purples have sprouted new leaves. Considering the dreary weather, and frigid temperatures, I’m pleased with my Purples.

Please consider trying Botanical Interest’s Seeds.  In Georgia, seeds are available in Pike’s. Also, ask for them at Harry’s Supermarket. It’s time to start those seedlings. Happy gardening and remember to keep those hands dirty.

Update March 29, 2013 at 10:55 am. WOW. After receiving a comment that I had the same images, I have inserted another image today (difficult to hold one box over the other while holding the camera, and trying to snap the photo; but, I am quite offended that someone would think I am not honest. I guess the next allegation is photoshop). As you can see, side-by-side. I can’t zoom in (no extra hand), but you can see very little growth on the left, explosive growth on the heritage seeds. If you want to purchase genetically altered seeds, by all means, please do so. My goal has, and always will remain, teaching people living in urban areas how to grow food.  I have given away seeds and helped people plant gardens (all without compensation). Unless you are actively, hands on- trying to help people grow their own food, and until you take the time to personally get to know me, please toss negative comments toward someone else. What do I have to gain by manipulating anything?

Please, only sunshine and tomato seedlings here. 

The seedlings. Side by Side.

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. In 2012 she released Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. 2014 will see the release of In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches. She is currently working on her first novel. She would love to hear from you. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

 

The Harlem Shake, Bookstore Style

The Harlem Shake, Bookstore Style

Breaking News: It is world wide knowledge that Indie Bookstores go the extra mile to sell books. They have free giveaways, quirky contests, and sometimes . . . ask authors to act a fool while someone captures their shenanigans on film. Cat Blanco, owner of The Book Exchange in Marietta, Georgia recently did just that, ask me and a handful of others to act a fool.

Younger readers will recognize The Harlem Shake as a phenomenon that has taken over YouTube.

For those who are unfamiliar with the phenomenon, here’s the gist: as best as I understand. The video begins with a group of people hanging out. These people could be in the Starbucks, college dorm, or in this case, a local bookstore. All of the sudden a kooky person enters, dancing all kray-kray while no one else seems to notice. Then when the music hits a certain note everyone starts dancing kray-kray.

For the record, we realize our feeble attempt is in no way similar to the “Original” Harlem Shake. We’re just trying to spread the word that Indie bookstores are anything but boring.

Cat assembled the group and we picked out our headgear (apparently head-adorning-implements are required for this type of activity). Next, it was time to cue the music.

Law have mercy. It’s a good thing none of our parents have internet access !

What you can’t see on the video are customers entering the store as we’re standing there wearing hats, motorcycle helmets and bunny ears. Cat explained, Don’t mind us; we’re just filming a Harlem Shake video.

She said this like it was an everyday occurrence. Then she asked. . . wanna join us? The look on their faces was priceless. By the way, no one volunteered to join us.

Hold still and let me get your hair on straight !

Cat also pulled the guy next-door from the barber shop. C’mon, join the fun. Here’s a pic of her covering adjusting his silver wig.

As my people would say, They help my time.

It took a couple of takes, before the video was done. Even now, we look at the video and smile. We were supposed to stand in one spot and shake our booty. But there was something about the music, the excitement that filled the room that made up hop around the room like excited bunnies.

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited an Indie Bookstore you’ll see that they are, loads of fun. No stuffed-shirts hoity-toity folk in here. Most Indies bookstore owners remember your name, and your reading preferences. They provide jobs for the neighborhood and are far from being extinct. If you haven’t visited The Book Exchange well it just up the road from you on Canton Road.  The address is 2932 Canton Road, Marietta GA 30066. If you’ve got your eye on a new release, or you want to load up on your favorite used books give Cat a call at (770) 427-4848.

Cat is known for hosting fabulous author events that bring New York Times best-selling authors to North Georgia. If you have never attended an author event, here’s a listing of upcoming author appearances:

April 16, 2013 Wendy Wax

May 16, 2013 Charles Martin and Patti Callahan Henry

June 4, 2013 Karen White

Yes we will do anything for Indie bookstores.

I promise. We will leave our goofy headgear and stick pony at home. You will find that we’re just a group of passionate readers happy to support the local Indie, and a group of devoted authors acting a fool all for the love of books.

Please visit The Book Exchange on Facebook and LIKE their Page. We’d hate for all our Tom Foolery to be for naught. Oh, and while you’re there please follow me, or send me a friend request.

Check out the dog in the video. And don’t forget to FOLLOW The Book Exchange on Facebook. Come see us soon at the author events.

 

 

 

 

 

And now, without further ado, the video. The Book Exchange’s version of the Harlem Shake. 

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. In 2012 she released Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. 2014 will see the release of In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches. She is currently working on her first novel. She would love to hear from you. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com