Sometimes we need a break from everything, absolutely everything. One thing we always need a break from is the quest for perfection. Getting older helps with that; there's not a single thing I can do perfectly anymore. My garden is not perfect and never will be. Just the other day the top of a large ash tree hit the ground, blocking my "fitness" trail (i.e. a path of moss I tend lovingly). I will have to call the tree service for their regular post-winter clean-up. I want them to start at the road and work their way back, chipping the downed trees and branches--We live in the woods. This will take at least a half day and cost my winter savings.
The daffodils and early blue hyacinth are pushing up. I picked a few daffs today for my shelfie. And the Lenten roses are lush. I've sprayed the hyacinth and nandina with Deer Off to deter the still-hungry deer. I've put out pansies and sprayed them too. They will weather the few frosts still to come in North Carolina. I'm using Squirrel Repellent liberally. What a late winter garden: everything smells like urine!
So--perfection. My favorite magazine, UK's The Simple Things, had a feature on The Slapdash Manifesto. I.e., whatever is good enough is good enough. I love that. After all, being imperfect is what makes us human. My house, my garden, my baking, my knitting, my hobbies, (my hair!)--all works in progress. Simple means imperfect, and simple is really, really enjoyable.
The Slapdash Manifesto consists of general principles for good enough:
- Become a dabbler. Just have a go. Begin.
- Enjoy the journey. Its the doing, not the result that matters.
- Try. Get in the spirit. Forget criticism, your own or others.
- Make your own rules. Have fun.
- Pause. Go slow. Stop and smell the roses, or eat cake, or take a nap.
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