
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” ~Margaret Atwood
I do!
Apologies for the almost abstract photo taken of the few remaining cabbage transplants as they sat waiting in their white ice-cube tray (repurposed after it got a crack) in the last rays of the afternoon sun.
Why is the photo so uninspiring, you might wonder.
It was a day of glorious blue skies, 62 degrees at its peak, and we’re only going down to 32 degrees tonight, the merest touch of freezing, like allowing oneself to sink to the bottom of the pool only in order to push back up, rising in a shower of glittering bubbles, breaking the surface into a glory of sunlight. Besides the cabbages, there were onion sets, broccoli, and lettuce seedlings to get in, and a million seeds finally germinating (mustard, peas, radishes, carrots) seemingly overnight.
When I finally thought to grab a picture, my hands had dirt on them, so I had to hold the camera gingerly, and I didn’t exactly take my time with the shots. The above was the best I could manage. I’m afraid my attention was elsewhere — and I don’t regret a moment of it.
I think I’ll make this my photo for week nine of the Focus 2010 project. With the coming of this delightful weather, I can’t seem to settle to anything much except the garden. I even fantasize about it while working (a dangerous habit). So this shot actually perfectly illustrates my focus right now.





Sounds like you had a fabulous day. And it’s wonderful when you get to spend the day with something that captures so much of your focus. I like the photo – I like the shadow. And I can’t wait until I can have dirty hands again from the garden

Talon´s last blog ..Crooked
Oh, I did, Talon. And I so needed it after the work deadline was finito! I hope your dirty hands are just around the corner.
Yes. Clearly a perfect example of your focus! Yay for spring!
elizabeth´s last blog ..ode to joy, volume 9
So true, Elizabeth. I’m glad you came up with this project!
Wonderful! The thought of you gingerly holding the camera with your garden dirty hands to take this shot absolutely brings it to life!
Heidi´s last blog ..Australian Native Botanical Garden Visit – Part 2
LOL, Heidi. I guess it explains a lot!
Dear Meredith, It really does seem that the wait to be out once more in the garden will really not now be a long one. I think that it is always the same for us all as a long winter draws to a close.
Edith Hope´s last blog ..Ladders, Loppers and Lawsuits
For us, it appears to be over (pause for knocking on wood as I type). We’re in the 70s today, and I’ve got all the windows open, letting in the refreshing spring air.
A wise man once said to me, “Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.” He was an avid gardener, but this could translate to many things, I think. The Margaret Atwood quote made my mind immediately go there.
Lynn´s last blog ..Last day, 88 friends and dessert before dinner
He was indeed wise, Lynn, and this advice could easily apply across a broad spectrum.
Thank goodness Spring is finally peaking around the corner!
alisha´s last blog ..52 Projects–7
Amen, and amen, Alisha!
It shames me that I am not a dirt digger. I claim the wonderful vegetables “we” grow and share with friends when actually my spouse is the farmer. I dress myself in the disguise of his excellent work.
Granny Annie´s last blog ..THE GUINEA FOWL TAKE THE FIELD
I don’t think we should be ashamed of anything we are or are not, Granny Annie. (You confused me for a moment; I thought you were Annie’s Granny!
) It sounds as if your spouse has developed his passions, and I’m sure you have, too, and you know how to enjoy the fruits of both, and share them. What could be better?