the_woods

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DOODLE MAKES. Sixteen months ago I asked a stranger across an ocean if I could run an illustration of his (above) on my just-born blog, because I’d adopted its words as a motto for my new rural life adventure. Then exactly one year ago tomorrow, that stranger—by then a friend, and living in America—officially became a weekly columnist, part of the haphazard happy A Way to Garden family that also includes Jack the Demon Cat, the garden itself, and you. Won’t you wish me and Andre Jordan a happy anniversary? A somewhat-deranged new doodle, and Andre’s take on Year 1 together await if you do:
“My friendship with Margaret began with a doodle,” says Andre. “Just a simple doodle that no one but me would understand. Fours seasons, 52 doodles, 12 months later we talk of spring visits and endless walks through her extraordinary garden.

“I am still amazed by what these simple doodles bring.”

butt_rub2

So are we, Andre. Like some visitors who only come here on Thursdays; like dreams of a bigger collaboration someday (hint, hint); like two whole new lives forged with each one of us in the other’s cheering section, screaming louder than loud. I thank you, as I know our readers do. Oh, and also like some really odd doodles that make me fall off my ladder over here at the thought of you, an Englishman in America, coping with us: with our incessant our lawn mowing, our yes, even our butt rubs (I know, Branston pickle is more your condiment style).
You can see all Andre’s garden doodles here; you can see his entire body of work at A Beautiful Revolution, which I’d call my upcoming book or at least tattoo on my arm if someone hadn’t already taken it. We are same but different, with more moments both tender and only semi-innocently naughty to come. Cheers!