Michelle McGrane posted a snippet of an extended article from Jeanette Winterson‘s blog a few days ago. (Michelle always posts the nicest poetry and interesting links.)
Here are my own selection of gems from Winterson’s post:
In the post-modern world of fragments and dislocation, uncertainty, insecurity, the powerlessness of politics, and where money exists one day and disappears the next, there are three things that seem to me to be the permanent stuff of life: Love. Art. Gardening.
* * *
What I love about gardening is that it cannot be virtual. I have to get out there and get my hands dirty.
* * *
Gardening becomes relaxing and meditative not because it isn’t back breakingly hard work, but because it returns us to a freer mental and emotional state. It is therapy for the heart.
* * *
… in the end, the pleasure of life, or so it seems to me, lies not in what you can get other people to do for you, or what you can wriggle out of – that’s the office culture – but what you can do yourself.
The entire article is wonderful with so many insights and reassurances that you really should read it yourself. Find your own delights.
After this morning’s Doggy Dash, I’m heading out in my yard to get dirty. (It helps that it’s a stunningly beautiful day in Portland today.) Writing will wait.
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Isn’t it a wonderful article, Deb! I’m so glad you enjoyed it too.
Your photographs are exquisite x
I so agreed with your comments. Whenever I step outside the door into my garden I can feel my mood lighten and I am instantly calmer. Just seeing the success you can have with only a little knowledge is enough to spur you on to greater things. I love the photos too!
Glad you enjoyed the photos. My garden is at its best in spring.
It’s true, GM, about a little success sending us on.
I miss you. I miss SM. You are an amazing woman and I have been a shitty friend. I am so sorry.
I love you.
Kate
Love you, too! Miss you, too! You are not a shitty friend, though. You have a lot going on!
deb, i love those quotes! my mom LOVES gardening and one of my favorite memories are those of us digging in her garden and getting our hands dirty. of course, i can’t do that here with my limited city space, but one day….
by the way, thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog. and how exciting that you “know” manny pacquiao. yes, we are quiet proud of him.