Where It All Began to Bloom
"Celebrating the First Anniversary of Harmony & Grace Garden"
Harmony & Grace Garden: One Year in Bloom
It's hard to believe- but the Harmony & Grace Garden is celebrating its first anniversary!
What began as a simple vision-a peaceful, welcoming outdoor space-has grown into one of the most cherished parts of life here at The Retreat. And truthfully, it feels like it's only just the beginning.
A Garden Finding Its Rhythm
If you've taken a stroll through the garden lately, you may have noticed:
- The Western Redbud is beginning to bloom and show off
- Wisteria draping beautifully over the sanctuary pergola
- Rose trellises starting to fill in with promise for the season ahead
- Plum, apple, pear, and peach trees preparing to blossom
There's a sense now that the garden is coming into its own - more natural, more vibrant, and more inviting with each passing week.
New Spots to Sit and Stay Awhile
- New benches along the Health & Happiness walkway
- Cozy sitting areas tucked throughout the garden
- A soothing water fountain provides a calming backdrop
- Sculptures and entryways that create a sense of character and arrival
It's the kind of place where you may plan to simply pass through.... and find yourself lingering a little longer.
The Star of the Garden
And yes - we have to mention it.
The 1961 Ford F-100 pickup has found its home in the garden and quickly became a guest favorite. With its touch of nostalgia, a bit of personality, a sly fox detail, and plenty of charm, it brings smiles to all who pass by.
It's unexpected.... and that's exactly what makes it special.
More Than Just a Garden
Over the past year, something truly meaningful has taken root.
The garden has become part of everyday life:
- Peaceful morning walks
- Friendly conversations
- Quiet moments of reflection
- A place to sit, unwind, and simply enjoy the day
It's no longer just something to admire - it's something to experience.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this first year, we're excited to watch the garden continue to grow and evolve.
What we know for certain is this:
It will always remain a place to connect with nature, find a moment of peace, and simply relax.
If you haven't taken a stroll through the Harmony & Grace Garden recently....
now is the perfect time to rediscover it.
As the Garden Grows, We Celebrate Mom
" A gentle reminder of the care, patience, and love that help everything—and everyone—thrive."
Step into the garden, sunshine, and follow the blossoms just a little further. At the end of the path, you’ll discover something truly meaningful… a celebration of Mother’s Day, blooming with love, gratitude, and the gentle magic of spring. 🌸
Mothers are the quiet strength behind so many of life’s most meaningful moments. They give endlessly—through comforting words, steady guidance, and a love that asks for nothing in return. Whether offering a listening ear, a warm hug, or unwavering support, their presence shapes our lives in ways both big and small.
On this special occasion, we pause to say thank you. Thank you for the sacrifices made without recognition, for the patience shown in difficult times, and for the joy you bring to everyday moments. A mother’s love is a constant—gentle yet powerful, simple yet extraordinary.
On Mother's Day, we celebrate all mothers and mother figures who nurture, inspire, and uplift. Your love leaves a lasting imprint, and for that, we are forever grateful.
A Poem by Helen Steiner Rice
A Mother's love is something that no one can explain.
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it or take that love away...
It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking ...
It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems...
It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation...
A many splendoured miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand.
May this day be filled with the same warmth and beauty that mothers bring into our lives each and every day. Like a well-tended garden, their love continues to grow—quietly, faithfully, and endlessly in bloom.
Our garden continues to bloom as a symbol of growth and renewal, much like the love we celebrate on Mother’s Day. Both remind us to pause, appreciate, and connect. As we carry that sense of peace forward, we welcome you to our Book Nook & Movie Corner—a place where stories unfold gently, and hearts feel at home.
BOOK NOOK & MOVIE CORNER
“Because every blooming day—and every mother we cherish—deserves a quiet moment and a story to hold close. "🌸
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult- is a powerful, heart-wrenching story that pulls you into an emotional whirlwind from the very first page. It challenges you to consider just how far you would go to save a child’s life—even when the choices blur the line between love and morality.
Anna is a 13-year-old girl who has spent her entire life undergoing surgeries, transfusions, and procedures—all to keep her older sister, Kate, alive as she battles leukemia. Born specifically to be a genetic match, Anna begins to realize that her identity has always been tied to her sister’s survival. As she starts to question who she is beyond that role, she faces a decision that could change everything for her family.
In the end, this unforgettable story leaves you with one haunting question: How far is too far when it comes to saving someone you love?
The Tenant by Freida McFadden- This gripping thriller pulls you into a life that unravels almost overnight. Blake Porter, a successful marketing executive, seems to have it all—until a sudden promotion is followed by shocking accusations that cost him his job. With their financial stability hanging by a thread, Blake and his girlfriend, Krista, decide to rent out their spare room for extra income.
But when their new tenant, Whitney, moves in, the atmosphere shifts. Strange and unsettling events begin to unfold, each more disturbing than the last—until suspicion turns deadly. As tension rises, Krista starts to question Blake’s stability and ultimately walks away, leaving him alone in a house filled with secrets.
Now isolated, Blake faces a chilling question: is he losing control… or is someone far more dangerous pulling the strings?
The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks- This heartfelt story blends romance and courage in the face of life’s unexpected challenges. When volunteer firefighter Taylor McAden rescues Denise Holton and her young son from a car accident, their lives become intertwined in ways neither could have imagined. Denise’s son struggles with developmental delays, adding complexity to her already difficult life, while Taylor quietly battles his own fears and past.
As their connection deepens, both must confront what it truly means to trust, to love, and to let go of what holds them back. The Rescue is a moving reminder that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is open our hearts.
“Another chapter comes to a close—while new blooms are already beginning to rise.”
“The final page is turned—but if you’re still craving the story, grab some popcorn and watch it bloom to life like spring in full color.” 🍿🌷
MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Mamma Mia!- is a lively musical romantic comedy set on a sun-soaked Greek island, centered on Donna, a fiercely independent hotel owner preparing for her daughter Sophie’s wedding with the help of her two spirited best friends. Unbeknownst to Donna, Sophie secretly invites three men from her mother’s past, each a possible father, hoping to uncover the truth of her parentage—and have her real dad walk her down the aisle. The result is a heartwarming, music-filled story of love, friendship, and unexpected family connections.
Monster-In-Law- is a lighthearted romantic comedy about Charlotte, a free-spirited temp worker, and Kevin, a successful doctor from a wealthy, high-society background. Despite their very different worlds, the two meet by chance and quickly fall for each other, leading to a whirlwind romance and an unexpected engagement.
But their happily-ever-after is threatened by Kevin’s controlling and manipulative mother, Viola, who refuses to accept Charlotte and is determined to break them apart. What follows is a series of over-the-top schemes, comedic clashes, and a battle of wills between future bride and mother-in-law. As tensions rise, Charlotte must decide just how far she’s willing to go to hold on to the man she loves.
Mother's Day (2016)- is an ensemble romantic comedy that follows several interconnected families as they navigate the ups and downs of love, parenting, and relationships in the days leading up to Mother’s Day. Julia Roberts stars as a successful TV host with a complicated past, while other storylines explore divorced parents, single mothers, and couples facing unexpected challenges.
As their lives intertwine, each character is forced to confront personal struggles, forgiveness, and what family truly means. Blending humor with heartfelt moments, the film celebrates the messy, meaningful, and sometimes complicated nature of motherhood and family connections.
As our book nook quiets and the screen goes dark, the garden continues to grow—bringing with it moments worth celebrating. Let’s take a stroll into a season of joy as we honor the birthdays blooming this month.
We would love to hear any book or movie recommendations you may have.
“Celebrating the Wonderful You—Today and Always!” 🎉✨
RESIDENT BIRTHDAYS
ANNITA HASS 5/1
SUE ROBERTS 5/21
DOLORES GUTIÉRREZ 5/12
TERRY BUSWELL 5/3
STAFF BIRTHDAYS
CRYSTAL REYES 5/17
EMILY ROY 5/30
" Our Shared Light Makes a Difference."
RESIDENT OF THE MONTH
CAROL ROBERTSON
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
YURITH ORTEGA ALDABA
Welcome New Residents
CAMILA PETERSON
Introducing The Wisdom Circle!
We are pleased to announce that our long-running reflection and discussion group, formerly known as The Long Straw Club, has a new name that better reflects its purpose and spirit.
Beginning this month, the group will be known as The Wisdom Circle.
For over two decades, this gathering has provided residents with a space to share their experiences, explore meaningful topics, and support one another through honest and thoughtful conversations. In recent years, we have taken a meaningful step toward deepening the emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being of our community.
To that end, Lloppön Rinpoche has been entrusted with promoting and nurturing the emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being of our residents. Under his guidance, The Wisdom Circle continues this tradition with a renewed sense of purpose, offering a calm and respectful environment where every voice is valued and every story is honored.
The circle symbolizes equality, community, and connection; the word wisdom speaks to the insight each person carries from a life fully lived. Together, they represent what this gathering has always been: a place of reflection, companionship, and meaning.
We invite residents, families, and staff to join us as we begin this new chapter.
The Wisdom Circle meets monthly in the Activity Room. Please encourage residents to participate. All are welcome.
“A Circle of Connection, A Gathering of Meaning.”
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
