Ten Tips for the Beginning Gardener- Notes to Self

1. Start seeds inside.  Yes, it does make a difference.  You'll have produce sooner.
2.  Give tomatoes and squash A LOT of room.  They may start small, but they definitely don't stay that way.  In fact, maybe give squash it's own location in another part of the yard. 
3. Think more about what you eat- look to plant at least kale, celery, cukes next year.  Keep the other good essentials- tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, other greens/lettuce, squash, herbs.  This means. . . dig up more of the yard next year... or find other creative places to have food growing amongst the landscape.
4. Weed twice a week, but leave the purslane because you can eat that too.
5. Talk more to the plants.  It's okay.  No one can hear you but them.
6. Have more stakes handy and know how to use them.  Or find a better system for the ever expanding tomato plants.
7. Make sure all poison ivy is cleared from the area before beginning a garden
8. Don't go on vacation too long.  You're garden will miss you and it will show.
9. Plant more marigolds.  They are a beautiful and functional border.
10. Keep a log of watering to avoid thinking "I watered yesterday right? I don't think they need it today."

A Children's Book for Dieting

I am amazed that there are so many people out there that still think it is okay to make girls be healthy and fit by scaring them into how they should be. And how they should be to these people, is often not what any body should be.  I struggled with self- image and self-acceptance most of my life.  From being bullied in junior high, to becoming way too thin on an unhealthy vegan diet in high school and all the in betweens in my 20s.  It has taken my to my 30s to realize that as long as I am healthy, active and feel well, I am okay.

Now I can't post all the blame to society or peers for my past self-image difficulties, but I do not see how anyone can deny that outside sources play a part in how we as a society view girls and women.  I know a hell of a lot of "thin" girls that are unhealthy because they consume sodas, processed foods and rarely exercise, but are able based on their make up to appear thin.  But their organs are not happy on the inside.  Why does it have to be about dieting and being thin? Why is the focus not on being HEALTHY and ACTIVE.  These are the keys to longevity and happiness.

I rant a little because I recently read about Maggie Goes on a Diet and it infuriated me.  I really hate the word diet- it should be Maggie changes her lifestyle, or anything else less demeaning.  I found out about this book from Kathy of Happy Healthy Life who also posts at Family Kitchen.  I agree with her sentiments.  Why does the focus when communicating to young girls have to be focused on their size?  Young girls are so incredibly sensitive to all feedback they receive.  While at that developmental stage they are trying to assert their independence, they are also still craving the loving support and attention they had as little girls. 

The focus for any child and any adult is that we want to eat well and live well.  All this means is eating lots of whole and fresh foods and staying physically active, as well as finding a source to care for your self mentally and spiritually.  It is not that hard.  And if all girls were taught the strengths of these behaviors- we may not all be a thin magazine image but we will all be healthy on the inside and out.

Rant completed. 

The fun part of the roller coaster

There is this roller coaster at Cedar Point.  I've only been there once, a month before the husband and I got married.  But I wanted to go on this ride over and over.  The husband still brings it up any time we talk with someone about Cedar Point.  At the one high point of the coaster, just as it begins to drop- the climax- I laughed the most giddy school girl laugh apparently he has ever heard.  No screams, no fear, just unadulterated joy.


There are times when life just feels like that.  Things seem to be falling in line just as they should, marriage and relationships feel strong and life is just good.  The husband is off to San Diego tomorrow to visit old friends and I start my job as a social worker for one of the large inner city high schools in our city.  I am so excited about this job- my dream job.  Sure, the state is threatening to take over this very school and that could put my job at risk yet again (I was laid off last year and re-hired).  But right now I have a heightened sense of optimism.  We are both doing what we want with our careers, and the husband with his education.  We have come to a stage in our partnership that we've worked through any individual issues that may effect us as a couple.  I have found peace and gratitude in starting a regular yoga practice, improving my gardening skills and finding a way to be more self accepting than I have been before.

I know there will always be difficulties ahead in our partnership, our marriage, our lives, but for right now I am savoring this time.  I have no delusions that we still need to work at what we have to keep it going this well, but I also feel a sense of relieve that I can relinquish old anxieties and just enjoy life.