This election season, I took it upon myself to research the candidates and to know what is going on. I have talked to people whom I know don’t agree with me. I would like to better understand why they think the way they do. They have been difficult conversations, and very triggering for all involved. I certainly know we are not going to change each other’s mind. The whole experience has left me feeling stressed and agitated. Sunday afternoon, I decided I needed a break. I went outside in the sunshine and moved 8 of my At Last rose bushes.

Is gardening therapeutic for you? It is for me. I felt so much better. There is nothing like getting down and dirty. This is the time of year when I look at what has worked in the gardens and what I want to change for next year. I am always very inspired and motivated in the spring. I have visions of gardening, and taking care of my family with organic homegrown vegetables. I see myself in August, sweating while I am canning the tomatoes and pickling the cucumbers. Last spring, I planted cucumbers, zucchinis and tomatoes by my Lime Light hydrangeas. Bonus round, I had butternut squash that grew out of the compost that I had used to fertilize the soil. I love when God plants my vegetables for me. The butternut squash did well and I had a few cucumbers, but little else. I need to leave most of the food growing to the farmers. Next year, I will stick to my small vegetable bed. I will plant lettuce, herbs and maybe a tomato plant.

I harvested the vegetables and I decided to plant roses in the back corner. I hope they will thrive and flourish in a safe place. The were in my front yard and the deer were enjoying them as an appetizer. I am tired of spraying deer repellent. I hope they will be beautiful and have enough sun in the back yard. I will keep you posted. I have decided as you are my witness to make my gardens more permanent and not redo everything in the spring.

I am so grateful the OutdoorFit workouts enable me to pick up a shovel and plant pretty roses in my garden.

Love,

Mary

 “From a contemplative stance we will know what action is ours to do, which words we are called to say, and how our spirituality must be fully embodied in our political choices.” Richard Rohr