By Marion Owen, Fearless Weeder for PlanTea, Inc. and
Co-author of Chicken Soup for the Gardener's Soul

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Marion's UpBeet Gardener
Newsletter has been
replaced by Marion's blog
which you can find at:
www.marionowen.wordpress.com

MANY TIMES AFTER SCHOOL, my brothers, sister and I returned home to find the dining room table covered with construction paper, pots of tempera paint, glue, scissors, and curly noodles. For us it was child's play; to Mom it was real art. She considered our cryptic drawings among her most treasured possessions.

Now we're all grown up and the value of simple, handmade gifts takes on a larger meaning. For example, giving is supposed to make you feel good, right? But what if in the motions of buying a gift and wrapping a present you feel you've lost something? Or that you give but grudgingly or out of duty? Does it mean you've lost the loving spirit expected of giving?

Not necessarily. But it might be a timely signal to examine the feeling behind the giving. By doing so, you might discover how simpler is better, often bringing the most joy--for the giver as well as the receiver. After sharing some insights on giving, I'll follow with a list of gift ideas that will help rejuvinate your giving spirit. Before you know it, the feelings will carry over for the rest of the year.

Could it be so simple? Absolutely!

The Roman philosopher Seneca reminds us that material things aren't what bring happiness. "The spirit in which a thing is given determines that in which the debt is acknowledged." he said. "It's the intention, not the face-value of the gift, that's weighed."Each of us is capable of giving every day in small--even invisible--ways. How can you do this? "The gifts of caring, attention, affection, appreciation, and love are some of the most precious gifts you can give, and they don't cost you anything," says Deepak Chopra. "Next time you visit someone, silently wish them prosperity, happiness and joy, or send them a blessing. As long as you are giving, you are receiving."

Give thoughts of cheer or words of comfort, sympathy, and hope. If a friend could use a helping hand or listening ear, give your attention. Try to listen more. Give advice when asked or offer your forgiveness.

Simple gifts for gardeners, cooks and everyone in between

What follows are ways to help lighten up the act of giving. That is, giving with your heart and not just with your head. Take a look and you'll see what I mean. Many of the gifts I've listed here don't cost a dime and they don't require much wrapping.

• Offer to housesit, babysit, plantsit or petsit Promise a load of topsoil, compost, or mulch for the garden Give two hours of mending or sewing Offer to mow the lawn, paint a room, fix a door, or weed the garden Give two hours of computer 'troubleshooting' time Offer to shovel snow, prune roses, or take someone shopping Give a golf or photography lesson Wash dishes for a week (or a month!)
• Fix a car, lawn mower, or bicycle

• Take someone who is unable to drive out for a ride to the park, beach, zoo, or public garden.
  
  It's your turn to make dinner! Cook a meal for someone's freezer, to be used when most welcome. Label it with the contents and cooking instructions.
  
  Give your home for a party (include cleaning up before and after) for non-homeowners or for someone who lives in close-quarters.
  
  Set aside space in your garden for a friend who doesn't have the room.
  
  Invite someone who's new in town over for dinner.
  
  Donate non-perishable food items to a local food bank or collection site.
  
  Volunteer your services at the hospital, care center, homeless shelter, or soup kitchen.
  
  

  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." --Ann Landers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

  
  Give a vision-impaired friend or family member a book on tape, a large print book, or offer to read a book or story aloud.
  
  Start some geraniums, house plants and other perennials from cuttings.
  
  
• Create plant-able messages by pasting seed packets inside note cards.

• Garlic bulbs Whole ginger Red and green chilies Whole cinnamon sticks Dried apple slices and apricots
• Dried herbs (bay, rosemary, sage, oregano, basil, sage or thyme)

Humble (and lovely) earth-friendly wrappings

Doing good unto others

I think you'll agree that these two organizations are beautiful examples of service to others...President Jimmy Carter says of Heifer International, "I have long been proud of the fine work of Heifer International." Since 1944, this wonderful non-profit organization has provided livestock and training to more than 4 million families around the world. Heifer helps impoverished families feed themselves, earn income and care for their environment. You "give" by donating a llama, goat, flock of chicks or rabbits. Thanks to your gift, one more family is on the road to self-reliance.

Now in its second decade, the Seva Foundation uses your donation(s) to perform the service you select. Their "Gifts of Service" program includes the gift of sight by restoring sight to blind people, clean healthy water, and education.

After the flicker of a holiday or birthday has gone, the thoughtful, and handmade gifts will be treasured by your friends and family for years to come. Remember to give with attitude. Start by taking a few extra moments to wrap each gift with love.
Thanks for visiting,