This rock used to serve as stepping stones in our backyard, until Asher discovered his ability to lift them up and throw them against our backyard brick fence. Then, their main purpose was to serve as some kind of rock throwing therapy for my little lover of throwing all things. He spent many a day diligently throwing each piece against the fence and delighting in the way that each would bust into new, smaller and more numerous pieces. I really think that it was some kind of necessary activity for him at the time, because, no matter how hard I tried...I just could not keep him away from this work. He was determined to get it done. And, now that they appear to be at just the right size and number, he has likened to stacking them in just the right way. I find it fascinating, his infatuation with order and pattern. It is something that I don't totally understand, but I see how it helps him feel more comfortable in the world. When I look at this stack of rocks, I actually see quite a masterpiece in it, really. A bit of method to the madness.
Today I will be trying to bring a little bit of much needed order into our backyard. The one that has been overrun with weeds that tower over my children. I figured it was about time to get out there and do some weeding when I kept hearing Asher asking me to take a walk through the "secret jungle". And, I was completely convinced when I actually "lost" my little girl amidst said jungle for several, long minutes. Despite these initiatives, I have yet to get out there and get it done. So, today will be the day that I at least BEGIN. I know from my efforts last week at tackling the front yard...that this is hard work. Therapeutic, yes...but painfully repetitive. I think I will re-read this post, by Karen at the always reflective Cheerio Road...just to get my perspective centered. I have to continuously remind myself to just take it one weed at a time, which takes me back to childbirth when I had to remind myself over and over to take it one contraction at a time. Completely incomparable, but similar in the mantra department.
And, my choices at this point are either spending my day outside with the weeds or staying inside and trying to gain some order over this disaster area we call home. I think I'll step outside now.
11 comments:
oh as a fellow tackler of these so called weeds, i know the labor that it takes. just yesterday i tackled the front yard and the garage...because just as you said; it was either inside or out...i've come to conclusion that the inside stuff can wait until it is 150 out...much luck with the project
Jessie, just mow them weeds and it will look like you have a beautiful green lawn!!
Auntie Vee
good luck! i did some so called "pruning" yesterday of ONE bush, and then came inside...too tired to go on.
Good luck with those weeds! Such a satisfying thing to bring some order to a backyard. I love Asher's breaking and stacking of the stepping stones. It sounds very therapeutic. Your pictures remind me of photos I have seen like this below, of travelers in the Himalayas who come across stones stacked up in veneration of something holy.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fishtan/1400305820/
It can take so much work and energy just to maintain and keep up a home - I know that I'm sorry to admit that I used to wonder what stay-at-homes Moms did all day. I definitely thought there would be more pedicures and lunches out with friends. Funny. It's still awesome but DEFINITELY a full time job =)
I hope your backyard project has gone well today. I love the story of Asher and the stepping stones. I can just see his adorable face as he broke them, and then stacked them. Hope you have a GREAT day.
One weed, one contraction, one step, one breath at a time.
Thanks for this reminder. I can never hear it enough.
Hope some order is being made and found.
Well, I guess it is better to do it now then next month, when it is 90! Ahh, I am so not ready for that. I hope it goes well for you! Hope to see you on the river next week!
Make peace with your lot. It takes a whole life, but what better pursuit?
Yes, I remember this task at the beginning of the month. I kept asking Matt why he got the easy job of picking up dog poo and I was stuck with the weeds! Just when I thought I had them all, I looked back and saw 5 more. Ugh! One thing I've always wondered about is...why are the weeds the only thing that's green in my backyard!!
As for Asher...what a lucky little boy he is to have a mama that lets him break stepping stones against the back wall. :)God knew just the type of mama this little boy needed. :)
the snow is finally melting and soon the ground will thaw just enough to begin our yard clean and planting extravaganza ~ i am sooo excited :) i have become a garden geek, tee hee
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