20 Comments
Apr 18Liked by Charlotte Hamrick

Happy Belated Birthday, Charlotte. Such a lovely post. You reminded me of my own childhood in the country, watching bats fly around at night, catching fireflies, admiring our neighbor’s garden. Our neighbor was like a surrogate grandfather to me. He didn’t teach me to garden, and I now have only vague memories of colors, but his love for his garden was tangible and it was often a feast for the eyes.

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Thank you! Nice memories, right?

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Apr 16Liked by Charlotte Hamrick

Such similarities as I left the many gardens and gardeners too in the Midwest, still lucking out growing much on the Alabama coast. Sounds like a heartfelt plant on your birthday, it can hold many new memories. Oh Mississippi, I love taking Hwy 45 back home and the many wildflowers planted. Goes on and on!

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Oh, I love coastal Alabama! Our family used to vacation there every summer back in the day. So beautiful. Thanks so much for reading and subscribing!

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Apr 15Liked by Charlotte Hamrick

Late to the birthday, but still, happy birthday!

Great writing about your history. And the nature and also gardening. All good to know!

Love nature too. Good to be in it.

The Secret Garden song by Bruce Springsteen is amazing. I must have missed it before. Listening to it a number of times. Downloaded the lyrics and chords. Learning it with my guitar.

Many thanks Charlotte!

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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the read and the song. How cool you’re learning to play it! I love that!

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Happy birthday, Charlotte! And what a sweet husband you have.

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Thank you, Teresa. Yes, I do!

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Mar 30Liked by Charlotte Hamrick

Charlotte, Happy birthday! Can we just say what a guy your husband is! I love this post. I feel it so much, being with green and growing things, with dirt. It has nurtured me as well, through chaotic times as a child, and still. And that picture of you in the woods. Beautiful.

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Thank you so much, Gina! We keep finding more and more in common!

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Mar 30Liked by Charlotte Hamrick

This is lovely. Happy Birthday some more. We had a garden only one year (in Michigan) and I had my own little patch to grow flowers--so I grew cosmos. I had forgotten their name 'til now. Enjoy your day!

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Thanks, Koss! I’m not done trying with the cosmos!

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Oh, Happy Birthday! I love this post so much. ...I've been thinking a lot about step-families lately (probably because of my job & my own step-families), in particularly the relationship between step-grands. I think there are some important untold stories in these relationships, and how they can bring stability, meaning, and a connection to nature for both the young and older generations. If you've published anything else about your time with your step-grandparents I'd love to read it.

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Thank you, Brandy! I think this is the first thing I’ve published about my time in Ohio. But I have lots of memories so who knows? I might write more. Thanks so much for reading!

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Mar 30Liked by Charlotte Hamrick

An absolutely exquiste and interesting story from your memory slots. Charlotte, have a wonderful birthday.

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Thanks again, dear Susan!

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Mar 30Liked by Charlotte Hamrick

Happy birthday, Charlotte! What a beautiful gift you gave us this morning! Thank you

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Thanks, Diane! You’re so kind and I appreciate you!

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Mar 30Liked by Charlotte Hamrick

Happy birthday. I love reading these memories. So beautiful. Great ending with the Springsteen video.

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Thanks for visiting, Jeff! Love that Springsteen song.

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