I can relate, especially to "crushed by the weight": "These last few years have found me crushed by the weight of my promises. I’m learning to say “no,” to channel my energy into fewer pursuits and higher quality."
Kim -- Loved the lessons learned from peony farming. Like you I have a black thumb when it comes to plants, but my daughter Julie and her husband Dave worked on an organic farm in Oregon, and Julie maintains a teaching garden at her school. All your lessons resonate with them! Thank you for distilling and sharing such insight!
Really?! We’re on Diamond Ridge. Maybe we’ll cross paths. I’m talking to the Homer library about teaching a free writing workshop this summer if you’re interested…
Such a relatable piece! Thanks for sharing it. I used the word "unsustainable" just this morning in describing my workload to my husband. Maybe I should go work with the horticulture team at my botanical garden gig! Just kidding - it's like 100 degrees and 1000 percent humidity in Southwest Florida. Enjoy the North!
Kim. Condolences on the loss of your mother. We only get one Mom, I lost mine very early and miss her every day. Regarding your son, you gave him those strong wings to fly. Travel is an education in and of itself. When my son traveled to Germany for a summer college class by only instruction was to live like a German. It worked maybe too well, he came home with a fondness for stout beer. Thankfully he’s overgrown that. We learn more from plants and animals than they learn from us.
Hey Joe Fast! Welcome to The Waterproof Notebook, and thanks for subscribing! I am sorry you know this pain of losing and missing a mother, and yours at so young an age. (I at least had many years to enjoy mine.) Great quote: We learn more from plants and animals than they learn from us. Indeed!
Wonderful post full of wisdom. Wishing you joy as you navigate these new life experiences. I love how you seek out what calls to your soul. As always, much love and admiration.
I can relate, especially to "crushed by the weight": "These last few years have found me crushed by the weight of my promises. I’m learning to say “no,” to channel my energy into fewer pursuits and higher quality."
Debud and bloom on, Matt!!
Already done!
Kim -- Loved the lessons learned from peony farming. Like you I have a black thumb when it comes to plants, but my daughter Julie and her husband Dave worked on an organic farm in Oregon, and Julie maintains a teaching garden at her school. All your lessons resonate with them! Thank you for distilling and sharing such insight!
-- Kitty
Thanks Kitty! One of my peony sisters worked with kids learning to grow food on a nonprofit teaching farm in Florida. Very transformative work!
Love your post! I have a peony farm in Homer - Alyeska Flower farm - out East End.
Your story resonated with me so much. Thanks for sharing.
Really?! We’re on Diamond Ridge. Maybe we’ll cross paths. I’m talking to the Homer library about teaching a free writing workshop this summer if you’re interested…
What a particularly wonderful post. And what a great profile of you!
Now I want some of those pants.....
Final thought: I grew up calling them pee-own-ees. Might still do. :-)
Thanks Kristi! The pants: the graphene material (my pair) is mid weight and would be good for fall/winter in the South but too hot for your summers. Check out the lightweight and COOLSWAP active cooling (wicking) fabrics for your summer gardening. https://dovetailworkwear.com/collections/coolswap-active-cooling-womens-workwear/products/day-x-coolswap-work-pants
Or
https://dovetailworkwear.com/collections/coolswap-active-cooling-womens-workwear/products/day-x-coolswap-work-pants
Would be my suggestions. The latter are sold out online but you can sometimes find them at a co-op where they sell workwear.
Such a relatable piece! Thanks for sharing it. I used the word "unsustainable" just this morning in describing my workload to my husband. Maybe I should go work with the horticulture team at my botanical garden gig! Just kidding - it's like 100 degrees and 1000 percent humidity in Southwest Florida. Enjoy the North!
I remember that knee-buckling humidity! I would not survive an hour of Florida weeding. Can you grow succulents in the AC?
I’m so glad you are tending to your own field this summer. Thank you for sharing, my friend. ❤️❤️❤️
Some days I cry in the peonies. They don’t seem to mind.
That was a beautiful story Kim.
❤️
Kim. Condolences on the loss of your mother. We only get one Mom, I lost mine very early and miss her every day. Regarding your son, you gave him those strong wings to fly. Travel is an education in and of itself. When my son traveled to Germany for a summer college class by only instruction was to live like a German. It worked maybe too well, he came home with a fondness for stout beer. Thankfully he’s overgrown that. We learn more from plants and animals than they learn from us.
Hey Joe Fast! Welcome to The Waterproof Notebook, and thanks for subscribing! I am sorry you know this pain of losing and missing a mother, and yours at so young an age. (I at least had many years to enjoy mine.) Great quote: We learn more from plants and animals than they learn from us. Indeed!
Wonderful post full of wisdom. Wishing you joy as you navigate these new life experiences. I love how you seek out what calls to your soul. As always, much love and admiration.
Thanks River. It’s nonlinear and never dull.