I haven't blogged in a long while. For one, I've been trying to focus on two writing deadlines that are looming ahead; one for a poetry anthology, one for an essay collection. For another, spring has sprung, and I have been in the garden as much as possible. My boys have virtually taken up residence in the spirea hedge alongside the house. Every spring I get kind of giddy with the weather. I dig massive new flower beds, scatter zillions of seeds, buy dozens of plants, talk about building a wrap around deck and just living outside. Then by late May, the heat kicks in and it all lies parched, sizzling and neglected for the duration of the summer. This year I am trying to keep the adrenaline surge in check. I am making my time in yard more meditative. I told my neighbor (who likes to come over periodically and helpfully point out what I need to do) that my garden is where I am getting to practice process over outcome.

It's working....I don't feel as frenzied this season. I go out there and putter haphazardly while the boys whisper secrets to each other in their hedgehouse. Our yard sits on a huge corner lot, really more than we can handle given our other interests and commitments. I am accustomed to viewing it through a harshly critical lens, noticing every weed, furrow and flaw. This year, I have made a conscious decision to embrace it. Or, as they say here, to love on it.

I think it loves me back.

filed under: soulspirit