"There are some people that if they don't know, you can't tell them."  Louis Armstrong

I am beginning to work on the most slowly evolving art project of my life, and the irony of it is that it will never be finished.  I cannot think of a better passion to reinforce in anyone's life the lesson that 'the joy is in the process.'

I am a gardener by nature and nurture.  My grandparents were devout gardeners from both sides of the family tree.  My parents have always grown flowers, vegetables and fruit and do so intuitively.  For me, flowers are my pigments and the plants lend themselves as sculptural elements in a living still life.  Sometimes the combinations work, sometimes they do not, and sometimes it takes a season to know for sure. 

Strategically, maybe, the flower catalogs arrive during the bleakest hours of the winter season.  They bring with them the promise of vibrant summers and beautiful showy blossoms dripping with perfume.  They remind you of what it is like to walk barefoot through the grass and to be awoken by robins hopping around the yard.  Remember those open window mornings?

There are few things in my life that I calculate and catalogue as carefully.  I maintain a binder of everything I've planted with pictures, heights at maturity, and scientific names because I cannot immediately recall these details if ever asked.  And I would just as eagerly show you this binder as a new parent would whip baby pictures out of her purse.

I am not afraid to get dirty and rather enjoy it.  You can count on me ruining all of my tennis shoes by the end of spring.  I am also not afraid to admit I am growing worms in my laundry room as they break down vegetable scraps and contribute magical things to my roses.  Sometimes it's just fun to tell people you've got worms and leave them guessing.

Although I cannot imagine a lack of desire to garden, I know there are many who channel their energies down different paths. I can only hope you have a similar passion in your life which brings you joy in the process.