...having spent thirty years in both personal and professional relationships with food and agriculture, I can claim to understand the field (I swear, that is an unintentional pun) better than some.
Having read Braiding Sweetgrass and Gathering Moss, as well as collection of essays by Ross Gay, I embrace the sentiment that gratitude represents spiritual progress. And spirituality is "openness to other". I appreciate your writing and gentle, humorous nudges!
Since I've been gardening for more than 3/4 s of my life, I have this deep connection not only to the food I grow, but the soil,air, and rains that nurture these and all other plants. I talk to the bees,butterflies, spiders,etc. , while outside. That is where I feel I 'belong' on this sacred Earth.
Melody, I believe that if more people could (or would) steward a garden for a few seasons, we'd all be better off. We no longer have as many direct lines to experience that connection. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Hello Betsy... Hello sweet smelling boxwoods.... Hello bending old dogwood.... Hello dead appearing redbud..... Hello crow in the distance.... Hello God who warms me this day..... and gives me a voice to cry hello... Beautiful article Betsy.... I already noticed the little things around me now I'm looking like a head patient because I'm out in my yard crying hello.... That's OK though... I have your permission....
Thank you, Barry. That word "crying" really jumped out. As I worked on this essay, I found myself quite unexpectedly in tears with the realization of how much our friends must miss us. Love that you took the time to offer an earnest HELLO! <3
Having read Braiding Sweetgrass and Gathering Moss, as well as collection of essays by Ross Gay, I embrace the sentiment that gratitude represents spiritual progress. And spirituality is "openness to other". I appreciate your writing and gentle, humorous nudges!
Thank you, Susan. I think we are all more "other" than most are willing to admit. Grateful for your comment and point of view.
Since I've been gardening for more than 3/4 s of my life, I have this deep connection not only to the food I grow, but the soil,air, and rains that nurture these and all other plants. I talk to the bees,butterflies, spiders,etc. , while outside. That is where I feel I 'belong' on this sacred Earth.
Melody, I believe that if more people could (or would) steward a garden for a few seasons, we'd all be better off. We no longer have as many direct lines to experience that connection. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Hello Betsy... Hello sweet smelling boxwoods.... Hello bending old dogwood.... Hello dead appearing redbud..... Hello crow in the distance.... Hello God who warms me this day..... and gives me a voice to cry hello... Beautiful article Betsy.... I already noticed the little things around me now I'm looking like a head patient because I'm out in my yard crying hello.... That's OK though... I have your permission....
Thank you, Barry. That word "crying" really jumped out. As I worked on this essay, I found myself quite unexpectedly in tears with the realization of how much our friends must miss us. Love that you took the time to offer an earnest HELLO! <3
So beautiful. Likewise, and thanks from us all.🙏
The memories - and the joys - of sharing so many place-connected Thanksgivings with you all will never fade. Thanks, Charlie!