I’m sitting on the back porch in Marathon, Texas. I am doing absolutely nothing except listening to the birds. The Air B&B we are staying at is an old homestead that dates back to the 1800s. The little house is nestled at the foot of the Davis Mountains, and surrounded by old remnants of adobe homes. Little pieces of china and glass that date back to the original homesteads are all around the dirt paths and alleys, thrown away into a burn pile by the former owners. Just trash to them, but treasures to me…..reminders of moments from long ago.
A lovely woman comes every day to feed the birds and water the gardens. I just finished practicing a Bach Sonata and came out for a small break.
“You play violin?” She made the violin playing gesture, then patted her heart and said in broken English “My Father play violin.”
We smiled together. I couldn’t speak Spanish and she couldn’t speak English.
“Beautiful gardens. I have mucho grande garden too.” She said thank you, and we smiled some more. Then she left. I wonder if she would leave this lovely life for all the money the world has to offer. Probably not. Some things money just can’t buy.
All that glitters is not gold.
Days like today are such a gift to my soul. The wind is cool. The birds are singing. The trees are rustling. Two yellow butterflies are floating along in the wind and I am able to just sit and breathe it all in. I’m away from politics, from finances, from the to-do list, and from the hustle-and-bustle of the expectations of life. I have time to think and time to dream….
I want to make the Prickly Pear Jam with my friend.
I want to really learn the Chaconne and memorize it.
I want to make a mosaic out of the pieces of glass I’ve found.
I want to write some letters to friends and loved ones I miss.
I want to give more and take less.
I want to love more.
I want to make more Pesto and get ready for the Fall garden.
I want my life to be filled with moments that do not glitter, but that are simple and lovely.
I know it’s possible to have days like this, even amongst the lives we all live now. I guess it just has to be intentional. Either that, or take a small little weekend get-away to a place that is quiet and still, to get the heart and mind back in order. If you have a chance, find a quiet retreat like Marathon, Texas. Listen to the birds and feel the wind. Do nothing and breathe it all in.
Then get your hands back in the dirt and prep those Fall Gardens! Don’t forget the plant swap over Labor Day. Lots of bulbs and other goodies will be available for *free*….. Bring a plant, take a plant and meet some of the special garden helpers you support.
Happy Gardening, my friends!