Note To Self: Life Lessons From The Pea Patch

I've been puzzled lately at my recent can't-sit-still, got-to-move-and-DO things change. Spring Fever? Denial? I don't know- but yesterday while toiling in the garden, several things came to mind.

First, is Johnny Reb. He has been the topic of conversation in our home for endless days now. We are all consumed with worry over his continued decline. One of the biggest questions we hear is, "How old is he?" Johnny Reb is only 68. Entirely too young to be leaving us already in our eyes. He and Granny should be cruising around on the back of that tryke, seeing the country. They should be off playing and exploring. They should be living life LARGE and having a blast together.

But they aren't. Their adventures are limited to the new facility Johnny Reb had to be moved to yesterday, and getting to know the staff and residents there. Seeing his downward spiral brings a stark reminder of our own mortality. It all sounds like a cliche (because it is-- Live Life to the Fullest and all that jazz,) but those worn old phrases apply oh so well.

You know those dreams you have? Well, for what it is worth from this little corner of the world, you'd best get busy living. Because you never know when you'll be getting busy dying, leaving all those marvelous things left undone, words unsaid and valuable lessons unlearned, unshared and not enjoyed with your loved ones.


That is probably a big part of my restlessness of late- I don't want to sit on the edge of my bed, wishing for more time to go and do. To play with my kids, ride the pony, plant the garden, learn to use the smoker, or any other dream we may come up with large, small or in between- time is short. Life is a Gift. It's why it's known as The PRESENT. Open it up and dive in-- and live each and EVERY second to the utmost.


So, I opened the Present. The kids ride and "play pony" for at least two hours every day. Our tiller is broken, but I still wanted a garden. Guess what-- I've got a garden going. Improvise, adapt and overcome. Apply that to all those things that frustrate you to no end, and see where it leads you. Hopefully my stubbornness will lead me to peas, lettuce, radishes, squashes, watermelon and cukes. Oh and maters. Can't have a summer with out fresh maters from our own garden.

Get up. Get away from the damn computer, television, telephone, cell phone, video games, movies, technology. Get out in the sun. Survey your world. Dream BIG. Dream Small- but dammit, dream and make them come true one way or another. Don't impose limits, and don't let anyone else impose them on you either. It is YOUR life- your Present, your Gift.

Get Busy Living.


Because when your time comes to Get Busy Dying,

Its

Too

Late.



And those words and about $5 might can get you a cup of coffee from Starbucks..... It's your decision folks. Live it or lose it.

~MM