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Since I returned from Vermont, every time I walk through the yard I sorta squint in an attempt to ignore it. Like if I just don’t see the mess somehow it will just go away or maybe I will step out and some garden fairy will have come during the night and weeded and mowed. This avoidance hasn’t really been effective in stopping the thoughts… “This is a disaster, completely overwhelming, embarrassing, and how did I let this happen.”

And today when I took the boys out to play in the backyard for the first time since we’ve been back - the negative self-talk started again. I sat down in complete despair over the mess. Then my little one snuggled up to me and said “Mom, look at this beautiful jungle.” Sigh. Just like a three year old to remind one that it is all in how you view the world.

From my spot by the herb garden, I watched them play, and thought it is kinda cool looking (albeit a little wild) and was able to start pulling weeds.

 


Comments

kate
08/07/2011 19:55

being present dang it all to hell. That's what kids teach us. that and that we are amazing for having survived another day!

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Christine link
08/21/2011 08:09

I live on the West Coast in Canada and just came back from a month where only watering has been done. The grape vines were running up over the house, (still are, my husband will need a ladder for that bit). The tomatoes were buried in overgrowth. The lavender was full of bees and jumping over to the next bed, etc. No-one helped me attack it yesterday and for a moment I was angry about it. Especially since my children are old enough to really help and even proclaim to want chores to earn cash. But, I find tending a garden is a labour of love. And if the weeds are taking over, then I try my best to nip off the seed heads, but other than that may have to learn to love them for that season. Like your child commenting on the wonder of the jungle, I edit the weeds out in my mind as I walk past a lovely flower or a productive raspberry patch. We gardeners and mothers must stick together. It is much better to have grown the garden and the weeds, than not to have grown it at all!

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Sarina link
08/21/2011 13:31

Thank you Christine for you beautiful reminder and for the permission not to weed! You are so right it isthe growing that matters - and you live in a beautiful area to do it!

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