My church offers so many good classes, that over the last 2 years, I've signed up for most, if not all, of them.

Ikebana is the latest one that I attended (and will finish the class tomorrow) and it's just so cool.

I've never had a green thumb and living in a one bedroom condo, I don't have space or time for gardening.

But this seems like something I can sink my teeth into.

All you need is an interesting shallow dish, a kenzan, a pair of gardening shears, and a few flowers or branches or other greenery.

Using these simple ingredients, you're able to design and produce a wonderful, minimalist flower arrangement, Japanese style. And it's spiritual and meditative at that!

For someone whose life is complex and busy, the simplicity of this is very comforting and quieting and serene.