This morning and yesterday I spent three hours each working in the garden, weeding, trimming, harvesting, scattering seeds for the fall, watering, etc. The sun was warm but not hot on my face and arms, and the breeze made the glistening around my brow feel cool. White butterflies fluttered about like bits of confetti. At one point I stood up just in time to see a hummingbird that had been hovering over the zinnias. I heard goldfinches singing, I love their chipper song, and saw woodpeckers perched atop a pole. I stood looking up with my hand over my eyes, watching as they shared their own words.
For me, gardening is satisfying, and balances my creative life. I can go out there, and simply do what needs to be done. I don't have to invent anything and it makes me feel like I have accomplished something concrete. While I get physically tired, because it is work after all, it recharges me mentally.
When I was finished, I picked a bunch of kale that is destined for a salad, green beans, radishes, and one okra. The okra is just getting started. Then I broke for lunch and also decided to get a jump start on dinner. I tossed together a cucumber, beet, and radish salad and started marinading tofu, peppers, onions, and zucchini to grill kabobs for dinner.Each summer once the fourth of July passes it always seems like it's just all down hill from there, as the start of school creeps closer. Well, I think I'm just going to ignore that sinking feeling. In the garden, I can be rooted in this time of summer.