Whining and Watering

Ever have a task you grow weary of doing, but you do it anyway for the simple reason it needs to be done?  Of all the things I do when I work outside, watering is my least favorite. Now, I don't usually complain when I work in the garden. To be sure, grumbling is counterproductive to the peace that I covet while being outdoors. Every now and then, however, a deep sigh escapes me when it comes time to water everything I have planted.

Why so whiny you ask? Don't you have the modern conveniences required to water your garden? Yes, I do. In fact, I have a couple of water hoses, several outdoor faucets to attach them to, and a watering can with an impressive spout that I use when I need to water by hand. Moreover, I'm healthy and able to use these items without difficulty. I also pay my monthly utility bill on time, so no worries there.

If I had to venture a guess as to why the thought of watering tends to overwhelm me at times, I'd say it is because each year, I attempt to grow and harvest more than I did the year before. And producing more fruits, vegetables, and herbs for my family can be a daunting assignment. That being said, doing so makes me extremely happy. Thus, I continue water. 

The Act of Planting

It has been a busy month around the homestead. May has found me happily working in the garden as often as possible, sowing squash, beet, and carrot seeds, staking tomato plants, and hoeing weeds. Additionally, I've tilled several sunny barren spots behind the house and set a variety of bulbs. I've also seeded a decent sized flower garden, transplanted a handful of droopy radish stalks, and stuck a fair amount of petunias in the ground. And, at the risk of sounding boastful, my herbs are thriving, and my marigolds are looking pretty snazzy. Consequently, it won't be long before I can cheerfully bypass the vegetable aisle at the grocery store.

While many of you have planted more than I have, and some may have planted less, the important thing to remember is that as gardeners, we have engaged in the act of planting. Thereby, we have taken another step toward our goal of being self-sufficient individuals in a big-box world. 

Play Clothes and Memories

Have you ever opened your closet door, or pulled out a dresser drawer and asked yourself, "where did all of this stuff come from?" If you are like me, you probably have an assortment of clothes, belts, and shoes that you've purchased over the years for different occasions. I have business clothes for work, and workout duds that whisk sweat away when I run. A few provocative pieces are buried in my bureau underneath a heap of T-shirts and socks, and in my closet, sandwiched in between my jeans and jackets, are several dresses. If you add in the holiday attire, as well as my scarves, gloves, and hats, I have a wardrobe fit for a queen of a small country, or at best, a prime minister.

My favorite clothes, however, are the ones I wear while working in my garden. I call these my "play clothes" because they are reminiscent of what I used to wear outside when I was a kid. In fact, many of the best memories from my formative years, such as learning to ride a bike, climbing trees with my Dad, looking for fossils with my grandmother, and building snow forts with my friends, were created while wearing play clothes. And today, each time I put them on and commence working in my garden, that same youthful spirit I possessed during my childhood returns. Thus, I am reminded that anything is possible.

Victory Gardens

During World War I and World War II, victory gardens or war gardens, were planted in parks and on private properties in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany. With a common goal of increased food production, those waiting on the home front were able to make a positive, collective contribution to the self-esteem of their respective countries.

Today, the term victory garden has been adopted by gardeners and homesteaders, myself included, who believe in growing and consuming their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs, with minimal assistance from outside sources. And while we strive to be self-sufficient, we rely on each other for affirmation, knowledge, and techniques to use in our gardens. As a result, we improve the quality of our harvests, as well as the quality of our lives.

Happy Expectations

I read the other day that relying on someone else to make you happy is not wise. Humans, regardless of asserted efforts and good intentions, will eventually let each other down. The expectations we set for one another cannot be met, and as a result, we oftentimes end up feeling disappointed and disillusioned with the person we thought would make us happy, as well as ourselves.

Does this mean happiness is elusive and as such, we're better off not to commit to long-lasting relationships? Put simply, no. Enduring relationships are essential to a balanced life. That being said, in order to maintain healthy relationships, we must take responsibility for our own emotions. Each day, we have a choice - we can choose to be happy, or we can choose not to be. Thus, think of yourself as a gardener, and your life as a plot of freshly tilled soil, and sow accordingly.