🌳✨ There are places I’ll remember all my life

Dear reader,

Today, as I look through old family photos, I'm transported back to the most special moments of my childhood. Those memories, filled with natural landscapes, sunshine, and wildflowers, hold a dear place in my heart. Floresta, a beautiful spot by the Atlantic coast, 50 km from bustling Montevideo, was our retreat—a place of love and connection with nature.

The house in Floresta had a rich history, originally belonging to my grandparents and later becoming my mother's playground. It was quite different from our apartment in downtown Montevideo, and escaping there every weekend with our faithful companions, Dolores the cat, and Tacuna the dog, was pure life.

The rituals we had were etched in our hearts—singing in the car, gathering the essentials for the "asado," and picking up my granny along the way. Driving at 60 km per hour might seem ordinary, but it carried the anticipation of the wonderful times awaiting us. Little did I know that these small rituals would become the foundation of who I am.

As soon as we arrived, Dolores and Tacuna would explore the woods, probably having their own little adventures. Meanwhile, I'd immerse myself in the beauty of nature, looking for the latest additions to the seasonal wildflower bouquet—pink-sorrels, freesias, and many others whose names I can't even recall. I'd also observe the ants' activities throughout the week and climb the Chinaberry tree to get a better view of everything, trying to go a little higher every weekend as the branches were growing stronger.

Everything would come to a stop when it was time to light the fire for the asado. It was the slowest-cooking ritual, and in the meantime, we'd greet neighbors and friends who came to share the meal with us or just say hi. Some of the best memories were made during these gatherings. Then there were siestas, biking, exploring places, listening to soccer matches in the car and having a siesta at the same time... And when it was time to head back to Montevideo, we'd collect loquats from the backyard and call for Tacuna and Dolores to leave their wild moods behind and return to their domesticated selves—a bit of a challenge sometimes. I'd often fall asleep in the car as the sunset faded into night, driving along the busy Sunday road back to the city.

Looking at these photos today, I realize they are more than just pictures; they anchor me emotionally to my foundations. As Tara Brach says, pain often comes from forgetting, but these memories captured in the photographs serve as a backdrop for my emotional journey. They remind me of the simple joy and playfulness I found in nature, fulfilling my heart completely. In the midst of our fast-paced lives, these anchors remind me of what truly matters.

The lessons I learned during those days in Floresta go beyond flowers and nature. They taught me the joy of sharing emotions and experiences with friends and family. My parents made it a priority to create these photo memories for my brother and me, knowing that they would become cherished treasures shaping our lives, even after they passed away a long time ago.

Floresta will forever remain in my heart as the purest connection, and I am grateful to my family for nurturing my appreciation of what truly makes life meaningful.

🐇✨ If you wish for something to flourish, give it a name.

Dear reader,

Here I am, setting aside my camera for a moment, to embark on a different kind of creative journey. Though photography is my passion, I must confess that the most awe-inspiring moments of my life have unfolded in nature's tender embrace, witnessed solely through the naked eye. There's an inexplicable magic that permeates the air when I am surrounded by plants and animals, igniting a pure and unadulterated joy within my heart. I owe this deep-rooted connection to my parents, who lovingly nurtured my affinity for the natural world. They taught me to forge meaningful relationships with plants and animals, to hold them in reverence, and to revel in the simple act of observation. And so, it is no wonder that I find myself irresistibly drawn to the garden time and time again—it is in this humble sanctuary that my soul finds its truest sense of belonging.

So, let's dive into the events of this morning. I recently brought home a plant with the rather fancy botanical name Portulaca umbraticola. But let's be real here, who needs such a mouthful? I've decided to christen her Minga 🌼 Now, when I first laid eyes on Minga, I have to admit, I wasn't entirely sure about her colors. They seemed a bit too flamboyant, even for my taste. But you know what they say, time reveals all truths. And boy, has Minga proven me wrong.

She's become quite the comfortable resident of my garden, soaking up the full sun like a sunbather on a tropical beach. And would you believe it? Minga has become quite the social butterfly too. She attracts these small bees that buzz around her like they're attending some exclusive floral party. Yesterday, as I peered out my window, I spotted a bird perched right next to Minga. Innocent enough, right? Wrong. That bird had a rather urgent matter to attend to, and it chose Minga's leaf as the perfect spot. Now, I've seen birds poop before, but never have I witnessed such an artistic display of color. That bird's droppings were, and I kid you not, a vivid shade of purple. Who would have thought? It was at that moment that I realized Minga's colors were absolutely perfect for my garden.

Moving on from the colorful world of bird droppings, It never fails to amaze me how such a tiny place can hold such infinite wonders. My garden may be small, but there's a whole universe of enchantment happening within its boundaries. Every time I step into my garden, it's like entering a secret realm filled with captivating sights, sounds, and scents. From the delicate petals of a flower swaying in the breeze to the industrious ants scurrying about their business, there's a symphony of life unfolding right before my eyes. It's a reminder that even in the tiniest spaces, magic can be found.

In every pot, within every flower, there exists a universe of endless possibilities. At first glance, it may appear that nothing changes—the garden looks the same every day. But take a closer look, and you'll discover a realm of constant transformation. The flowers bloom, the leaves unfurl, the insects dance (and invade!). Each time I cast my gaze upon my garden, everything feels new and vibrant. It's a reminder that life, in all its forms, is an ever-evolving masterpiece.

Through these experiences, I've learned a valuable lesson: joy is meant to be shared.

The emotions and perspectives that I experience in my garden bring me immense happiness, and it feels almost selfish to keep them to myself. That's why I'm starting this channel. I want to share my discoveries, my musings, and the sheer bliss I derive from immersing myself in the wonders of nature. It's my hope that through these humble pages, I can inspire others to find solace, wonder, and maybe even a chuckle or two in the simplest of things.

Before I conclude this entry, I must express my gratitude and appreciation for the positive aspects of my day. I am eternally thankful for my brother and sister-in-law, who have an awe-inspiring garden in London that I shall introduce in future entries. Their love for nature is contagious and has always been a guiding light for me. I'm also thrilled that my dear friend Jessica will be visiting next week. She's always shared my enthusiasm for the natural world, and I can't wait to explore the wonders of my garden with her. And let's not forget Pau and Mar, the wonderful souls who used to care for this garden long ago. Their generosity and love for nature have left an indelible mark.

Finally, I must extend my gratitude to the whole sunny city of Barcelona, for without its warm embrace, my garden would not thrive as it does. Oh, how I love this vibrant city, where the sun shines bright and nature finds a way to flourish amidst the hustle and bustle.

As I bring this first entry to a close, let me remind myself and all those who may stumble upon these words: taking care of nature is taking care of ourselves. In observing nature, we are observing our own essence. And the beauty of it all is that we don't need to venture far or take a week off to reconnect with our own nature. It's a healthy habit that can be cultivated right outside our doorstep, in the smallest of gardens, or even in a potted plant on a windowsill.

So, here's to the wonders of the natural world, to the joy of sharing, and to the endless discoveries that await us. Until next time, dear reader.

Yours in awe and green-thumb enthusiasm,

Laura

Laura Abad studio