For anyone who’s stumbled on this site, I’m Lila. And I’m happy to have you here. This site is for whatever I darn well want it to be about, and mostly that’s gardening and God. If you like either or both of those things or want to learn about how to support a new charity or two, then poke around and see if you find anything useful.

If you need to contact me, you can e-mail me at greenethumb@fruitofthegarden.com. I won’t guarantee getting back to you, though. I’m a busy lady.

Who I Am

I’m Lila Greene. I’m older than I’d like, but haven’t hit 60 yet. I’ve lived just outside Sequim in the Evergreen State for most of my life. I work out of my house, but spend most of my time in my garden, volunteering, and puttering around on the web. I love knitting for various causes, but I’m a mean tennis player with my Wii. My nephews would say I’ve got “skillz.” Somehow the “z” makes it mean more. And I’ve developed a sad fondness for reality TV. But everyone’s got a vice, right?

The rest of the stuff on this site gives you some insight into me. And I think there’s a bit of useful info here about a few things. Check out the plant search function. Nifty, no?

A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L’Engle

I’m onto the last book in the series. It’s quite intriguing. I feel that Meg is a kindred spirit. I have just never gotten around to reading this series. Sad, but true. When I’m done with this series, I’m taking on Harry Potter. I wanted to wait until the whole thing was out there before I dove in.

Jesus Wants to Save Christians, by Rob Bell and Don Golden

I’ve finished reading Rob and Don’s new book. I’ve never looked at America the way they presented our country in this momentous time. I think there is a whole rich vein of truth in that mine. Definitely worth a read. Jesuswantstosavechristians.com

The book has the coolest cover. It uses something called “holon” typeface. I didn’t even realize they were words! You can find the typeface if you click on this link: http://jesuswantstosavechristians.com/alphabet

Moss Gardening: Including Lichens, Liverworts and Other Miniatures, by George H. Schenk

I’ve always loved moss. It’s one of the things I adore most when I wander around our local rain forest. I have some moss in my garden, but I’m hoping to build a little shady space with an outdoor bedroom this fall (Ambitious, no?), and would love to place it in a moss garden.

The Economics of Microfinance, by Beatriz Armendariz and Jonathan Morduch

This is a really intriguing new way of benefiting our world. I’ve just started the book, but I love the principle of people helping people – and not just the big banks controlling everything.

World Relief Atlanta

Did you know that there are millions of people in the world who are missing basic necessities – like socks. I’m holding a charity Sock drive! Please send socks to: World Relief Atlanta, Attn.: Joshua, 655 Village Square Dr., Stone Mountain, GA 30083 People need healthy feet to lead healthy, productive lives. You know you can afford to send another human a pair of socks. So, do it! Auntie Lila says so.

Habitat for Humanity

There’s nothing better than getting out there and actually doing something physical for someone else. It does us all a world of good. Find out more at www.habitat.org

Knitting for Charity

TI do this whenever I can. Local hospitals, homeless shelters, soldiers, domestic violence shelters. There are so many folks who can use knitted goods. Look at www.knittingforcharity.org if you want some good ideas. If you’re local, drop by Diva Yarn & Trim in Port Townsend. They have a wonderful knitting night on Mondays.

The World Forestry Center in Oregon

These folks do a bang up job informing people about the importance of forests to our world. Take a look for yourself and see at www.worldforestrycenter.org

I’m holding this little piece of virtual ground as a spot to plant my thoughts, ideas, grousings, and anything else I please. I’m sure there will be some weeds along the way, but there always are, aren’t there?

The leaves are falling everywhere now. Some are as big as my head. I’m blessed to have Xander to help with the raking.

Even when I wake up alone at night after one of my nightmares, I am not alone. God is with me – and anyone else reading this.

I thank each and every one of you wonderful people who helped bring Xander back to me. He has grown through this whole experience. I may have wanted to kill him for frightening me so, but I think sometimes you need to make mistakes – even big fat ones, Xander! – to blossom.

Why do people have such trouble actually moving their bones to get out and help others. It’s good for those you help, and even better for you. So, do it.

Why is it that some people think that being right gives them the right to be righteous?

I’m pondering getting on Facebook or one of those social things, but knowing me, I’d end up spending way too much time on it once I started.