I am testing
myself. I am a person who tends to take on too much at times. I love to make things, fix things, grow things and do things. The last few years I have been challenging myself to slow down a bit. And ooooh, is it ever tricky for me. So...I am testing myself. When we moved here I found an apricot tree -a very sadly neglected but still living apricot tree - down the bank amidst some dead apricot trees and, what looks like, some plum trees. Here is my challenge - I am going to see if I can leave this tree well enough alone. No pruning. No mulching. Not even going to pick off the old mummies (even though I KNOW they are harbouring brown rot fungus which I used to oh so
painstakingly pick off my old tree! Horrors!!). No, none of that. I am only going to enjoy whatever fruit it gives us just as I have enjoyed the beautiful blossoms it is giving us right now. So delicate and beautiful.
Now...why couldn't I have issued myself the same challenge for the wallpaper in the bedroom? That is definitely something that should have been left well enough alone.
7 comments:
Heather-I know just what you mean! Those blossoms are gorgeous!
Yikes. That is a test....I am living right along with you as my instinct as well is to jump in and help out the tree. You see, I am also one who tends to try to do too much.
Good luck. You have my support and encouragement to let sleeping apricot trees lie.
sitting still, I believe for mothers is close to impossible.I often push myself to the point of collapse and question why the drive to be a human doing instead of a human being.
I will put money the tree bearing fruit! all by it's lonesome
Good luck on slowing down and letting nature be the gardener that's what I am trying to do in my flower bed I love flowers that reseed.
I love what Cathy said above, "letting nature be the gardener"....an ideal very much a part of permaculture, I think.
Slow, patient, under-achieving (intentionally), and taking the path less travelled as mamas is not what we are encouraged to do/be. Society and the mainstream try to create disillusionment with that...I get stressed each time I glance at a magazine rack of women's publications...the the articles in bold lettering pressuring us to conform, succeed, spend, achieve, be more, be better, be faster, sexier...gah!
Thank you for continuing to shine a light on this valuable awareness, that we may be inspired by you!
May you enjoy apricots in July aplenty:)
~Erin
Sorry, Heather, I'm going to have to be the one to say "just do it!" You are so lucky to have that beautiful old apricot tree - pick off those mummies and give it the nurturing it has been lacking. You'll both be happier for it. I think it would have been much easier to leave the wallpaper than this tree. At least the tree will thank you with yummy apricots!
p.s. Maybe I take on too much at times, also. :)
I hope you pass the test--I am also one of those who takes on way too much, and it makes my husband nuts.
I'm pullin' for you!
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