I pulled this quote from a Jess Walter book I recently finished, I believe it was Over Tumbled Graves. You would think I'd have noted the name of the book when I recorded the quote, but at the time I was sure I would remember it. Alas unless it's the name of a plant my memory fades (and even then...). Anyway, the quote:
"Like all people, they realized too late that mystery was the key to staying interested in the whole business, to distracting themselves from the surety of what came next..."
"Next" (to my way of thinking) could be many things; the job you get up and go to everyday but no longer enjoy, the relationship you're in that's going nowhere, and then of course there is death.
I am still working through the layers of grief involved in loosing my dad, all the things I wish I would have thought to talk with him about. My dad was a master at making light of just about everything though, not getting too serious. An excellent method of distraction.
Gardening is many things for me, one of them certainly is a method of distraction. I think it was one of dad's too. Anything that can absorb every minute you let it—and give back so much—is an excellent distraction. Also, is there anything as mysterious as gardening? Well okay a few things, but it's up there near the top.
"mystery was the key to staying interested in the whole business"...
You could substitute the word curiosity. Curiosity is my natural response to mystery, and without curiosity, what is the point, really? Anyway, rambling thoughts to accompany a slightly mysterious image, another gift from my husband.
This may be a short post, but it encompasses a universe: life and gardening! Yes, it's all about curiosity. And hope. I don't think you can be seriously invested in gardening if you don't have at least a moderate amount of hope.
ReplyDeleteHope, yes indeed.
Delete"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." - Audrey Hepburn
DeleteFrustrating as plants and gardens can be at times, I also think they're the most excellent kind of distraction. I've never been able to clearly identify what drew me to gardening. I didn't grow up among gardeners, or even have friends prior to adulthood that gardened; however, I vaguely remember puttering in the garden with my father as a young child before he lost his life in a car accident when I was 6. Sometimes little things can have a lasting impact.
ReplyDeleteYes they can, and sometimes the pull of plants and nature can reach out and grab ahold of even the unlikely.
DeleteYes, interesting image, for sure! So much truth here...I have similar thoughts about my mom...and other loved ones who've passed. Distraction, curiosity, and of course gardening are helpful and encouraged.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first looked at the image without my glasses on I thought the person was walking away from the camera, which of course makes it even more mysterious.
Delete"Let curiosity guide your life." - (M-)
ReplyDelete"The outdoors holds both magick and mystery, and I immerse myself in its beauty." - Laurel Woodward
Wisdom.
DeleteI like murder mysteries and wondered if the female detective from Spokane was one of the reasons you were interested in reading it.
ReplyDeleteGardening is more than a distraction for me, it's a meditative experience. It gives my mind a break, just long enough till I'm able to process whatever life put front of me.
When I saw today's vintage postcard I thought: this lady is showing what happens when a pruning job goes wrong.
chavli
Actually I was just in that dry spell when all the things I wanted to read (the holds I had placed) weren't ready and I needed something that was available, it's not my usual kind of book, but I enjoyed it.
DeleteIt’s astounding to me how many things I did not ask my parents. Now unexpectedly losing my sister, there are even more holes. You just don’t think that way in everyday life. Nor do you offer the kind of love and thanks you feel when you think there’s lots of time.
ReplyDeleteI tried to learn this lesson after losing my maternal grandparents, whom I was very close to, but also took for granted. COVID stole a couple of quality years that I should have had with my dad.
DeleteFirst, Loree, I am so sorry. I lost my mother in January, and although she was sick for a very long time, I find I want to ask her things occasionally. I especially miss my sister who died in 2018. I wish our relationship had been easier. Anyway, I am terribly sorry for you and your grief. There is just nothing like it. As for mystery, that's what keeps me gardening and writing about it. I told Carol the other day that I was sick of writing and talking about gardening. Of course, the weather had been dismal until late so I'm sure I had the August doldrums. Anyway, on the first cool morning, I went outside and saw a new-to-me skipper, and I thought, this is why I garden. There's a mystery around every corner. Thank you for reminding me of it. ~~Dee
ReplyDeleteThank you Dee, you've been through a lot. I can't imagine losing a sibling at such a relatively young age.
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