C. Fawley Fjeran

Is the glass half empty or half full? Gary Larson, the 'Far Side' cartoonist, identified four personality types: -The glass is half full. -The glass is half empty. -Half full...No! Wait! Half empty...No, half...What was the question? -Hey! I ordered a cheeseburger! The tendency toward optimism or pessimism is witnessed throughout history: Twelve men went to spy on Canaan, "ten were bad and two were good." Spies were sent to scout Canaan and only two thought Israel could take the land. Ten held the pessimistic view that the land could not be taken. A friend once quipped, "I want to start a Pessimists Club, but I'm sure no one will come." On the other hand, the story goes that an eternal optimist who fell from a 50-story building. He could be heard from each floor calling, "So far, so good!" Personality determines our filters, alters our perceptions, and generally affects outcomes, for better or worse. The overly optimistic are criticized for wea...

Sunset Island, a private one-acre island at the mouth of the Homossassa River on the Gulf of Mexico, was put up for auction in 2013. The property also included 69 acres of submerged land and marsh. Years ago boaters came to the island to kick back, enjoy watching the sunset over dinner at the Crow's Nest restaurant, or simply seek shelter from an unexpected storm. Half of the fun of dining on the island was the boat ride to and from. Yes, I recall one trip to the island caught by a thunderstorm--that's Florida. The setting and the experience were so mesmerizing, I have no recollection what I ordered from the menu. Bidding for the island started at $90,000, which would have been a steal. Purportedly, one client was interested in restoring the restaurant. Ultimately, the island sold for $578, 600.  Four years later , I find no evidence that the restaurant has been restored. (I'll double check with friends and family who live upriver.) Salt-Water Cowboys is another favorite fu...

Fernandina Beach did not disappoint.  The historic downtown is filled with restaurants and charming shops filled to the brim--and, the oldest bar in Florida. I nearly fainted when I suggested that my husband get a cold one at the oldest bar and he declined. "Another day, another time." After dining on the waterfront, we ventured in search of the beach. It also did not disappoint, but it did surprise. The level walkable area has so many seashells, it would be uncomfortable to walk barefoot--flip flops at minimum are needed. The sandy area at the water's edge is so sharply sloped, I can't imagine walking the beach without tipping over at least once, even without having stopped at the oldest bar. Verdict? I haven't met a beach that I wouldn't give at least one thumbs-up, just for being a beach. Shell seekers and birds love it. Benches are lined up to catch the rest. [Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer ...

A couple of days ago, I referenced the saying, "you gotta take the good with the bad." Here is one more example: leaving Two Harbors, Minnesota for a dastardly early flight out of Duluth was met with a remarkable sunrise. It would have been a shame to sleep through this. Although, the image might be blurred--I mentioned it was dastardly early, right? Once it 'dawns on us', everything is beautiful. [Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and The Newnan Times-Herald] View: Lake Superior Scenic Hwy near Duluth, Minnesota

There's a saying, "You gotta take the good with the bad." We frequently see it play out with people and places. The Navajo intentionally weave a flaw into their blankets as a reminder that life is not perfect.  There currently is a reminder posted at Tybee Island North Beach: 'Beach Access Closed'. It's disappointing--almost tragic--but, not unexpected in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Coastal living includes living with the chance of floods, storms, and hurricanes (in the South).  If you want something enough, it might be worth accepting 'the bad' in exchange for 'the good'. [Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and The Newnan Times-Herald] View: Harbor River, Lands End, South Carolina

Anastasia Beach, nestled between the Matanzas River and the Atlantic Ocean, offers pristine vistas that are protected and preserved by Florida State Parks.  A boardwalk takes visitors over native wildflowers and shrubs, including the colorful Indian Blanketflower.  The view is backdropped by the St. Augustine Lighthouse, an indicator that Old Town St. Augustine is not far away. The cherry on top: four broad miles of 'nothing but beach'. [Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and The Newnan Times-Herald] View: Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine, Florida

Some of the most beautiful areas of Georgia are accessible only by boat. You can catch a ferry, along with other tourists, from St. Mary's to Cumberland Island. Or, if your perference is to get away from it all, what could be better than a private island? Private Islands of Georgia on the Darien coast offers private island rentals.Eagle Island advertises that vacationers can shop online at Harris Teeter. They will stock the lodge with your order before you arrive along with fresh, local seafood if desired. For a unique experience, check out  http://www. privateislandsofgeorgia.com/ [Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and The Newnan Times-Herald] View: Fernandina Harbor Marina, Fernandina Beach, Florida

'Morning Light' from Washington Oaks State Gardens on the Matanzas River 01.14.17 [Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and The Newnan Times-Herald] View: Matanzas River, Washington Oaks State Gardens, Florida

January 9, 2017 I love children and I love plants in that order. After caring for many children for many years, I pursued a degree in horticulture touting, "plants don't talk back." Surprise! Plants communicate and 'talk back' under adverse conditions. This morning I admired the highest branches of the tallest tree catching the first morning light. Being first often, but not always results in special advantage. During the growing season, plants have the ability to produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis.  A quick refresher is that plants use carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to produce food (used by the plant) and oxygen (released into the air). Remember the terms from our elementary days:  photosynthesis (plant food production process), chlorophyll (the substance in leaves that makes them green), and glucose (plant food)? P hotosynthesis benefits individual leaves and at the same time, helps keep the entire plant alive. It...

January 11, 2017 A wintry view of the Georgia State Capitol dome can be seen from across the street from the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Atlanta. The spire of Central Presbyterian Church can also be seen in the distance. Ironically, the discovery of this landscape comes to life in the dead of winter. [Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer;  horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners and The Newnan Times Herald]

January 10, 2017 This lone pine tree, once upon a time, was surrounded by 'fellow' trees in a wooded area along highway 34 in Coweta County.  Strangely, developers graded a small section around it; the pine tree was left high above the surrounding terrain. Some trees regenerated, but the lone pine remains head and shoulders above the rest.

What could be better than sittin' on the dock of the bay, listening to "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay"? There was a day and time when this was my good fortune. I've lived inland long enough and the bay is callin' my name. Mobile Bay is a Southern beauty that hooked me years ago. On a recent road trip, my husband and I revisited Mobile. We stayed at the historic Battle House and discovered the arched whispering wall (step away, if you want your secrets to remain secret.) We ventured on foot up Government Boulevard to check out the original Wintzell's Oyster House; Wintzell's was my dad's go-to for oysters.  Along the way, I spied purple and green beaded necklaces dangling in the old Live Oak trees, braided with Spanish Moss. Ah, yes, Mardis Gras! The locals tout that it started in Mobile. You will hear no argument from New Orleans where everyone agrees, "Mobile started Mardis Gras, but New Orleans perfected it!" After walking several bloc...

December 30, 2016 My first encounter with the modern practice of proudly ripping down the Christmas tree and efficiently packing up the decorations on Christmas Day was more than a little shocking--it left me with a sense of having a rug pulled out from under all who were still basking in the warmth and joy of Christmas Day. Surely the disassemblers could at least wait until December 26. Prompted by retailers, modern households seem to start celebrating Christmas earlier each year. We complained when stores first unveiled the Christmas season before Thanksgiving. Decorations can now be found as early as Halloween! Had I been familiar with the liturgical calendar, I would not have felt guilty all the years when I Ieft my decorations up until after New Year's Day. Several years ago, my dear German friend, Miss Ruth, introduced me to 'Little Christmas,' also known as Epiphany. God bless Miss Ruth. I favor the old tradition of celebrating Christmas begining on Christmas Day and...

November 15, 2016 It's getting dark earlier every day. I'm surprised by my acceptance this year of the dark evenings since resetting the clocks, coupled with shortened days. A 'mini-virus' might have helped set the tone--I opted to give in to the sore throat, temperature, et. al. rather than power walking or running at the end of the day. The total blackout provided a welcome endorsement to stay inside. At the same time, I'm a significant year older this year and understanding my father better every day. My family actually took more than a few long distance trips in a Volkswagon 'Bug'. Picture it. Two adults in the front and two wired kids in the back. Inches away. Foot wrestling. Prompting a stern, "Knock it off!" from our father. Who knew? I thought being good meant we weren't fighting or drawing blood. I thought of those trips today while I was driving in a sound proof car. The radio was off for a change and I thought, "Dad would love t...

October 29, 2016 "The usual months of intense debate led up to election night, which was a gripping event." Fast forward to 2016: "The UNUSUAL months of intense debate... ." This essay was written weeks ago in response to, "Connecting People with Politics." Fall and football go hand in hand: neighborhood flag football or high school, college, and professional games. No one is left wanting for a game to watch, a team to cheer or a tail gate party to enjoy. Fall of 1964 was exceptionally exciting. Certainly better than watching golf, baseball, basketball, and yes, even football, was the 1964 Presidential Election. Republican candidate Barry Goldwater ran against incumbent Lyndon B. Johnson. The usual months of intense debate led up to election night, which was a gripping event. This first memory of my exposure to the political process in action is vivid. Much like a Super Bowl party, my family, along with several others was invited to watch the televised ele...

July 16, 2016 The response, "It is what it is," often is the reaction when things cannot be changed. We've all had our backs against the wall at some point in life. Reinhold Neibuhr captures the sentiment in the Serenity Poem: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. When faced with something that cannot be changed, what's a girl to do? In the case of my sweet and sassy cousin LeeAnn, not only was this response expressed when things could not be changed, it was conveniently used when the will to change was absent. LeeAnn was the marrying type, and I should add, quite the catch--blonde, blue-eyed, smart, funny, and accomplished. Her beau was not the marrying type, thus the continued response, "It is what it is." Because LeeAnn had pursued a master's degree and settled into a career, her biological clock was ticking a bit louder. Family was something she valued a...

June 25, 2016 Sitting on my deck at dusk, I notice the increase in bird activity in our back yard. Birds are darting to and from feeders, perches, and birdbaths--it's like ornithology happy hour. Apparently, chorus frogs also take it up a notch this time of day with their evening serenade. Today's outrageous 105 degree temperature sent all creatures great and small seeking cover during the heat of the day. Relief finally came as the sun bowed out and the temps cooled down. In Peachtree City Georgia, the Sundowners, as their casual group has become known, gather at the water's edge to watch the sunset each evening. The majority are lined up side by side in their golf carts taking in the view and chatting with fellow Sundowners. I can't think of a lovelier way to end the day. But, there is something perplexing about this time of day called Sundowing. Sundowning is a known syndrome that affects those with mid to late Alzheimer's Disease. As if the disease were not bad ...

June 25, 2016 Urban Nirvana was a magical place of the '90s on the corner of DeKalb Avenue and Waddel Street. On first impression, the exterior looked like graffiti gone wild, in a good way. Eighteen-foot sunflowers were painted across the back of the building. Psychedelic palms trees, painted on the front of the building, blended magnificently with crafted metal dinosaurs and garden art. Behind the building were pens filled with goats, peacocks, and chickens; cascading over the pens were Kudzu flowers, in full fragrant bloom-- my introduction to Nirvana. The Return to Atlanta blog fortunately captured several images from Urban Nirvana, which sadly is no longer there--replaced by condos. Owner of this quintessential hub of creativity was Christine Sibley, daughter of journalist and author, Celestine Sibley--both equally and extraordinarily talented. Christine is well known, especially for her beautiful pottery and plaques. One of my favorite pieces shares the sentiment, "Peopl...

June 19, 2016 I was searching for something else this evening when I stumbled onto a journal entry from 2011. The date of the entry was less than one year prior to the last in-person Father's Day with my dad: August 21, 2011- Like Father, Like Daughter I've been giving my dad updates since I started running a few months ago. I think it pleases him to see me follow his lead. Athletics came naturally to him--basketball in high school and college followed by years of running, cycling, weight lifting, and racquetball. Even at the age of 80, he follows a disciplined routine with daily workouts. I've admired his fortitude and recognized his abilities could be as easily passed along to a daughter as a son. At an early age, I invested my inheritance in whatever activity came my way--kickball, dodge ball, softball, climbing trees and eventually tennis. Running more than 2-3 miles is a recent affair. Dad preceded me in distance running by more than 40 years, averaging 3-5 miles per d...

June 5, 2016 It's not that I don't love sunshine, I do--especially at the beach. As much as I love sunshine, some of my favorite days are overcast and rainy, like today. Everything seems to wind down and relax while we wait for the weather to clear. The rain provides a blissful break from dragging buckets of water and water hoses around the garden. As gardeners know, the best watering comes naturally from a deep soaking rain. How much rain is enough for the average garden? The answer depends less on checking the rain gauge and more on the depth of penetration/rate of absorption by the soil. Soil composition makes a difference in water absorption and retention. Soil is composed of varying ratios of sand, silt, and clay. Water rapidly drains through, and is poorly absorbed by sandy soil. Afternoon summer showers in Florida help maintain the lush tropical foliage. Clay particles, hold moisture much longer than silt or sand. So, in spite of the many complaints against heavy red cla...

May 28, 2016 I was caught by pleasant surprise today, as I am every year, at the first sighting of Mimosa (Albizia julbrissin) in full bloom. I'm usually still ogling spring when summer rolls up on us. Gardeners celebrate each season in increments--the succession of flowers in Spring, Summer, Fall, even Winter. When the first flowers emerge, it is like seeing them for the first time ever--year after year with the same delight each year. Mimosa signals our slide into southern summer. I have a special affection for Mimosa. It was the first flowering tree I remember seeing up close and personal as a child. Although out of its southern range, my parents had a Mimosa outside their bedroom window. Standing on the bed offered the perfect observation deck. I thought the flowers were exotic, like nothing else I had seen growing up in the Midwest. It is, in fact, native to southwestern and eastern Asia. Proper horticulturists tend to shun Mimosa because it is considered disease prone and sho...

May 21, 2016 This recent post from Country Lifestyle sparked my recall of the comfy swing on our former south-facing porch. In addition to a south-facing orientation, the front of the house was L-shaped, which protected it from harsh winter winds. This created a microclimate in which we could sit and enjoy the low slung winter sun even during the coldest months of the year--in Georgia. Indeed, it's the simple things. When we left behind the house with the south-facing porch, we gained a north-facing deck. This also has been a good thing. Many decks placed in full baking sun feel like a sauna in the summer. Again, we have an L-shaped structure, which in this case shields us from the hot afternoon summer sun. The caveat is, as scouts know, moss grows on shaded northern exposures. Had I given it more thought, I would have painted the deck a nice moss shade of green. Landscape orientation around a home makes a difference. Unless shaded by trees, western orientations expose plants to ho...

May 15, 2016 There was a time when I thought you couldn't pay me enough to work on website urls, domains and nameservers. If at all possible, I defer those tasks to the more technically savy, but recently I had no choice. In the midst of redirecting our website from an overseas server, I noticed login information that reflected a future date and time. It felt like being in a time warp, like 'Back to the Future.' Was this true? Had I logged in on Saturday at 1:24pm? Not from where I was sitting on Friday night. Politicians (and those who like to drink all hours of the day) are known for spinning the truth. Yes, it is 5 o'clock somewhere. They are not the only ones who stretch the truth. I'm reminded of babysitting years ago. The mom left instructions to be sure and have 'Little Man' brush his teeth before going to school. "He never brushes his teeth on his own--you'll realize this if you get anywhere near him first thing in the morning." Okay--n...

May 7, 2016 "I want to be called Grandfather. Not Pawpaw, not Deedaw, not even Grandad or Grandpa. Grandfather." Wallace made this crystal clear when he learned he would become a grandfather, and he meant it--straightforward and traditional. Fast forward several months to the adorable grandchild who begins to walk and talk. She toddles toward her grandfather and for the first time calls him, "PaPa." The reaction without hesitation is, "Awww, come to PaPa!" The rest is history. Beyond simple identification, a name can reflect many things including origin, characteristics, or meaning. Naming a child is a big responsibility, delegating someone to a given name they will carry with them their entire life. "Thanks, Mom. I like my name." Parents-to-be might have long debates when one parent is set on a name the other parent cannot swallow. My husband and I spun in circles just trying to name our cat. At least cat now has a name. "Here, kitty, kitty...