Some fragmented thoughts on a tangled mess, acting against a weed vs. being for the flourishing of the garden, strawberries, and a favorite Tracy Chapman song
I’m planning on getting on the wait list for next year for a community garden that’s walking distance from where I live, and I love reading about others’ community garden experiences!
Fast Car is one of those songs for me. When I hear it, I'm riding as a passenger down Waco streets, feeling truly completely loved (perhaps for the first time) for all I was from a friend like a big sister to me. It's a remarkable thing to learn what real friends are after a lifetime of small town politics and social drama wishing I could fly away. Baylor was my ticket to anywhere. To freedom. And with her, "I had a feeling that I belonged. I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone."
Ugh. Bindweed. I “sermonize” all the time as I work and enjoy the gardens. Weeds are a common illustration to my listeners even as they get pulled up along with a menacing weed. Apologies always offered to those caught in the fray.
Wandering through an old discount store recently the radio played “Red Rubber Ball” by The Cyrkle. Had to google the artist but knew every single word of the 1966 almost-#1-hit. Gave me great satisfaction since I couldn’t remember what I was looking for in the store.
Carry and keep on. Always grateful to follow in your thought steps.
"Anyway, tending to flourishing requires more than just removal of threats." Jeff, these words will stick with me today. So much energy can go into battling against forces that seem to overwhelm goodness. Today I am going to focus on the goodness around me, the flourishing that is happening in my little family. Thank you for starting my day off so well with your beautiful and thoughtful prose. I will definitely be out tending my garden today!
Cursed be the Weed that Binds
(To be sung to the tune of the hymn "Blessed Be the Tie that Binds" by John Fawcett)
Cursed be the weed that binds
Your plants in strangling grip
The tendrils of these evil vines
Climb 'round to reach the tip.
Oh bindweed, gardener's bane
Like rabbits, deer, and ants
Just when you have a nice display
It eats your favorite plants.
It looks so nice at first
With flowers dainty white
But don’t be taken in,
You’re sure to lose the fight!
By Diane Morissette, Master Gardener
I’m planning on getting on the wait list for next year for a community garden that’s walking distance from where I live, and I love reading about others’ community garden experiences!
Fast Car is one of those songs for me. When I hear it, I'm riding as a passenger down Waco streets, feeling truly completely loved (perhaps for the first time) for all I was from a friend like a big sister to me. It's a remarkable thing to learn what real friends are after a lifetime of small town politics and social drama wishing I could fly away. Baylor was my ticket to anywhere. To freedom. And with her, "I had a feeling that I belonged. I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone."
What a beautiful reflection! Thanks so much for sharing.
completely agree re:the promise...It has been one of my cherished songs for many many years
Strawberry jalapeño jam is yummy. Sorry, I don’t have a recipe.
Digging up garlic in NE CT this week.
I think I will start pulling some of my garlic next week. We'll see.
"The Promise" is one of my favorites, too.
A nostalgic favorite is Stan Rogers’
The Field Behind the Plow His song Lies is also a favorite. Stan was a Canadian songwriter who died too early
Try pairing strawberry and basil!
Ugh. Bindweed. I “sermonize” all the time as I work and enjoy the gardens. Weeds are a common illustration to my listeners even as they get pulled up along with a menacing weed. Apologies always offered to those caught in the fray.
Wandering through an old discount store recently the radio played “Red Rubber Ball” by The Cyrkle. Had to google the artist but knew every single word of the 1966 almost-#1-hit. Gave me great satisfaction since I couldn’t remember what I was looking for in the store.
Carry and keep on. Always grateful to follow in your thought steps.
Hi Jeff,
Such elegantly written despair! You might relate to my post The Worth of Weeds” on my website www.gailthorellschilling.com
Hang in there!
Gail
I needed some space to gently cry this morning for the loss of my beloved husband six year's ago. Tracy's song let me do that. Thank you.
"Anyway, tending to flourishing requires more than just removal of threats." Jeff, these words will stick with me today. So much energy can go into battling against forces that seem to overwhelm goodness. Today I am going to focus on the goodness around me, the flourishing that is happening in my little family. Thank you for starting my day off so well with your beautiful and thoughtful prose. I will definitely be out tending my garden today!
Now I know what to call it!
We sold a home with a huge garden a few years ago, and I still remember well my annual war with bindweed. It will survive us all.