My friend Sara suggested we work on a book for kids about peace together. We met once and brainstormed a bit. As we talked the idea grew and grew. There could be a song. It should be free. We both agreed we find peace in our gardens. A story came to me. I wrote a sketch of a song and shared it with just two friends. Maybe one day, I'll share the song here. I told Sara I worried there were no people in my story. It starts maybe after people are gone or maybe the people could find peace in the garden too. Wherever it goes, this is the start. Eight paintings in a free little zine with a seed for recipients to plant. I do hope the idea continues to grow. I hope this little book is the foundation for something bigger. Maybe this is the first story in a series? I find sometimes, you just have to get started to get going. (See the story and paintings below.)
Scatter Peace (In binary code) T. Lane-Forster 2025
They didn’t plan to plant a
garden.
Spent most days on their own.
Squirrel collected acorns,
in the pine tree sparrow sang,
while rabbit searched for
clover.
They didn’t plan to plant a
garden,
til cardinal dropped a seed
onto the barren land from an
old lightening fire
from before their time began.
They didn’t plan to plant a
garden,
but the rain began to fall.
The sun broke out.
Cardinal’s seed grew to the
sky.
A sunflower bloomed.
They didn’t plan to plant a
garden.
It didn’t happen overnight.
It took many seasons.
They each brought their seeds
to the light.
Even the quiet toad?
Yes, even the quiet toad.
They didn’t plan to plant a
garden.
Now it grows and it grows.
A place to gather round the peace
tree.
They rarely feel alone
because they’re part of
something bigger.
A place to share dreams, hope
and love.
And now it’s time to plant your
garden.
To spread your peace to the
world.
