A Pastime Much Like The Present

It's not a new statement that I continue to go through transition as a parent, as a wife, as an aging woman.  I was told awhile ago to come up with some hobbies, so far, one thing I've decided to pursue, is gardening.  I have always loved gardens - I visit them in almost every city (vacation) I go to if I'm permitted and indulged.  Unfortunately, I never know what plants and flowers to have in my own.  I think I can see myself tooling around with one of those little green carts. I can see myself taking tea and writing in a space I have created for rest and enjoyment. It's going to take some research and possibly more garden visitations to understand what I need to do, but it is a firm goal. Down the road I shall be a gardener like Samwise. Send all your tips and strategies to NY c/o The Old Acre.

I wonder, though, if gardening is actually an art that lives in the soul. Like writing.  Can you learn how to be a gardener, sure, but it is something that is innate?  Are all the best ones "naturals?"

I love that we are individually gifted.  Each person has special God given talents and we get to use those for encouragement and enjoyment.  There is nothing more affirming than when someone tells you, "You are so talented at ____" or "You have touched my life with _____." It's a compliment that starts at the surface and drip drops all the way to coat your soul.  Compliments that take a little time to digest are my favorite.  I'm not very good at accepting compliments initially, but you can bet, as only a writer can, I mull over your words until my brain and heart connect them, and then I'll smile, even though it might be 2 am.

You know what else I love?  That we can share with others the things with which we are gifted.  You can help me to understand gardening, or sports, or math.  The latter being fairly unlikely actually.  It is actually a very good bonding mechanism - sharing and learning - or it could totally ruin a relationship.  Tread carefully.  But truly it is a special experience to learn with someone who is gifted and passionate.

I'm a writer who hopes one day to become a gardener.  To walk among the things that you helped raise from a tiny seed.  It's like a second chance at motherhood; gardening brings out some of those same experiences, joys and woes.  Like your children, you know the seasons are temporary and you get to soak them up.  Your plants brighten your days and enhance your years.  Just like your kids you hope they will always come back. To your heart.