Garden dreaming
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I am motivated by my sense of vision quite often. What I mean is, I will find myself daydreaming about something and then can’t get it out of my mind until I achieve whatever it is that I am dreaming about. This is why I have a vegetable garden. I found myself obsessing about it for an entire winter until spring finally came. I couldn’t have gotten my shovel out any faster. I am not one to sit on a project. It drives Adam crazy, as I think he wishes I’d just relax sometimes. Of course, as soon as I do relax, I just come up with another project! I blame this on my mother- if all else fails, blame it on your mother, right? Seriously, though- I think it’s a good quality. It makes me feel like I have control over my life, even when I don’t.
Our life is sort of up in the air right now. Adam just began his last year of residency training and is beginning to look for jobs. It’s crazy to think that we might be back in Seattle this time next year. When I found out that we were moving to Albany, NY- I was just completely floored. I really thought that I’d be counting down the days until our return to the northwest. It was hard leaving all of our friends and family, and it took me a lot of time to adjust to life without a career. But, somehow these past three years have been some of my happiest. We have built a beautiful family life in New York. Adam always says that we have a good little crew. It’s actually a little sad to think that this east coast experience is coming to an end. That said, we’re ready to be closer to our families. The idea of having grandparents nearby to take our kids for a night sounds like true decadence. But, I am going to miss my garden.
My garden has been more than just a hobby. I can’t even count how many hours I have spent outside working, nor can I count the hours that I have spent inside thinking about it. It’s really becoming the space that I envisioned when we bought this house. It truly is my happy place. The thought of leaving all that I have created is a bit disheartening. But instead of worrying about that, I am trying to envision my future life in the northwest. The summers are not as hot, but there is arguably a climate for year-round herbs and greens. I should have no trouble growing carrots and other root vegetables. Beyond the garden, I have visions of kayaking along the Puget Sound. It is a strange thing- I can see myself sending the kids off to school, writing for a while, and then heading out in my kayak. I tell you, I am a master daydreamer! But, doesn’t that sound like a sweet life?!? When I think about my next garden, I see a space filled with hydrangeas, coneflowers, and other various perennials. In the summer, I will build a huge teepee and grow pole beans up it for the kids to use as a fort. I see a front yard filled with random vegetables amongst the flowers and shrubs- very little grass will be grown. I want a front yard that’s conversational, even a bit odd. Maybe I’ll be the crazy garden lady who invites neighbors to pick fresh herbs. Who knows… but after writing this weird post, I am no longer sad about giving up my garden or my wonderful life in NY. After all, life is what you make it. I’ll have my “good little crew” and my shovel. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the northeast and daydream about what lies ahead.
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5 Responses and Counting...
I love your outlook on life. But you already knew that!! I think your goal should be to get that awesome garden here in the NW… and then be featured in the North West Living section of the Sunday Seattle Times where they do their feature articles on cool things like this. Colorful pictures and at least 3 to 4 pages dedicated to your garden! I ALWAYS read those little excerpts of the paper. And oh… yah…Brian has wanted a Kayak for 2 years now. Just hasn’t happened yet. Be our inspiration!! 🙂
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Is this all a ploy to get me to build yet another brick patio when we move back?
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I’ve always admired your go-to attitude, you do dream big, but you’re very talented and always manage to pull it off. Someone will be very lucky to buy your house with all you’ve done to it and to inherit you’re beautiful garden. And I have a feeling when we get you back in the NW you’ll be thrilled with a whole new pallet to dream up and make happen. We can’t wait to have your “crew” close by!
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Your gorgeous yard will be a great selling point when you have to put your house up for sale! And your garden here will be just as lovely, I’m sure.
One of my friends recently took her front grass out and planted veggies there, and my SIL has a strawberry bed instead of a front flower bed, I think it’s a great idea!
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We can’t wait for your crew’s return either and you know we have more of the kind of weather of NY than the other side of the mountains!!!
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