My uncle told me that once – a long time ago – about life. He said your not really living unless you’ve made some messes, cleaned them up, sacrificed, built bridges, walked a mile in another’s shoes, whilst conquering mountains and reaching summits put your tent stake in the ground and honey if ya didn’t get a little on ya along the way – well, you weren’t really living.
I suppose looking back on it now, he was right. When you are a chef do you not get your hands in? I thought the sign of a good baker rested on how much flour they had gotten on themselves. When I really think about it, I’m not having fun in the garden unless I am “IN” the garden.
You’re not going to weed in your dress slacks or high heals…. are you? A biz owner friend of mine wears high heals to her appointments – she said in this trade it makes her feel more like a woman – she’s not afraid to get dirty.
We are all human, cut from the same cloth and we all feel inherently the same – when you get down to it – grab those shoes, put on that worn T-shirt and those sloppy old jeans – or wear your dress clothes – relish in all of your gardening glory!
The most important message I gained from this token of my uncle was, unless you are truly in your life down and dirty – you are merely on autopilot and no amount of “things” will change that.
Now get to the garden and plant some spring bulbs, play in the leaf pile, dig a few holes – it is a great time to plant – The weather forecast is calling for a couple freezes shortly so you will want to be sure to gather any last minute herbs, bring the indoor plants back in and any tender plantings you are keeping.
Always remember…if you’re really gardening then you must…
Get some on ya!
