[When a man gives you cut flowers, it's nice. When a man gives you a rose bush (pictured above) on your first date... you might be a goner.]
It's been a year since I posted about my pending divorce and cross-town move. It's amazing how much has changed during that time, and how much hasn't. I think I put the T in Transition, because I didn't exactly delve into gardening at the new house like I thought I would.
First things first. Like my sanity. A little peace. Furniture, which I still don't have. Finding a new groove with my teenage son every two weeks for two weeks at a time. A new (and very important) relationship.
In 2009, I "lost" a husband of twenty years and two cats. The eldest of the two cats just passed away at nearly twenty-one years old. I'd had her for the entire length of the marriage. I do miss that cat.
In the last year, I blogged very little and Tweeted halfheartedly before deciding I hated Twitter. I did, however, do a lot of Facebooking. I loves me some Facebook. And gardeners are on there chattering away, posting pics and inspiring others the way blogs had in the past. And nurseries and garden shows are starting Fan pages on Facebook, so it's getting easier to keep up with the latest.
Will I continue to blog? Maybe. Maybe not. I do love being able to search my blog when I'm trying to remember something I planted or what time of year a certain plant bloomed, etc. And connecting with kindred spirits is an important element of blogging; Otherwise, why don't I just keep a plant diary, right? Note to kindred spirits: Find me on Facebook in case I ditch the blog.
So many more gardeners are blogging now, and it's hard to keep up. I abandoned the notion of adding more blogs to my blog's sidebar. There. Are. Too. Many. Again, Facebook can be a time saver in the sense that you aren't obliged to post anything but you can still keep in touch with friends far and near. And meet new ones in that weird past meets the present, Friends of Friends Facebookey way.
The downside to Facebook is that it isn't archived or searchable or editable. Argh! Not good when you want to find dated posts and photos. But you can play Scrabble with your friends and loved ones! Super fun!
And you can share articles and YouTube clips, not just on gardening, but on anything that floats your boat. Wanna make fun of Tiger Woods? Go for it. Want the latest news from all your favorite news sources? Look at your Wall. And, you know, good old garden talk too. It's all good.
Life continues to shift between peace and chaos, and in those moments of peace I finally feel the urge to garden again. Working part-time at the cutest little ol' nursery in town has definitely helped to reawaken my enthusiasm for plants. And the fact that it's Spring.
Time to bask in sunshine and to plant flowers and tomatoes and basil and those yellow zucchinis I love so much. And time to to yank out those God-awful Home Depot plants the sellers put in and replace them with cool stuff.
I also intend to buy a gas grill this summer. Yep, that'll be me... grillin' and chillin'. Because life is short and I intend to drink in every moment of bliss that comes my way.
I know just how you fee when it comes to blogging. Sometimes you just need to give it a break. I think most writers go through short and long periods of non-writing. Don't worry about it. When the muse strikes you'll know it.
ReplyDeleteGrillin' and chillin', that sounds so good...
I suppose that you need to do what makes you happy, but I also wish you would keep blogging.
ReplyDeleteYou have a wealth of knowledge on all subjects of gardening that I would like to follow. Unlike some horticultural bloggers -- you're an easy read. It's a gift.
Fred's website and blog covers a lot of information (as does your site -- can't tell you how many times I've used your nursery guide) -- but the blog is all about what is happening RIGHT NOW. In a way -- blogging is the new radio.
That's important when it comes to gardening -- since much of it is so seasonal. Without you -- I'd be planting tomatoes in November.
It's good to hear your voice here. It's been a rough road the last couple years! Hoping things are settling down and life is blissful once again.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Bill, Angela. I hope you don't give up the blog entirely. You have been an inspiration and a great resource. Whatever you decide, thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog. I hope everything goes well in your life (and that you keep blogging)!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back :) Hope to see more posts soon!
ReplyDeleteOh Angela dear, Welcome back and PLEASE don't stop blogging. There is no way this old gal could do Facebook. I urge you to continue blogging -- not only for the inspiring and useful information you give, but for your excellent writing skills, humor and tenderness. There are so many good informational sites. But yours has personality, heart, wisdom, humor AND information. You cannot possibly know how reading your posts have lifted my spirits during long winter days in the north. I know you must do what you must do,. But I'm voting you continue sharing your literary/horticultural wisdom and wit with those of us who "can't go there" when it comes to Facebook. Thank you for your gifts and your generous spirit.
ReplyDeleteGarden Gran
Garden Gran,
ReplyDeleteFOR YOU... I figured out how to cross-post from Blogger to Facebook... via MY PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!! In other words, the blog has been spared for now.
I didn't figure out how to do this before my Mother's Day trip to Annie's Annuals, so I will re-post my phone photos to the blog... in your honor.
Why? Because you seem to have the gift of seeing me in the light in which I wish to be seen. I do have slight reservations about enabling Facebook avoidance, however. Most people I know who just couldn't "go there", have much richer lives thanks to Facebook. It's quite a thing. And age is no excuse. Facebook skews older and takes less than 5 minutes to sign up. Need any help? ;-)