You Grow Girl™

The first thing I did after the 9-11 attack was go outside and water the shrubs and flowers. After a stressful day I find calmness in watering my houseplants. And now that I'm in yet another situation where I find myself re-evaluating love and life, I seek solace in the simple act of pruning. I suppose one thing remains constant -- plants give me peace. Perhaps it's Mother Nature at work, or something even bigger. I'm not sure. I do know that whenever I'm surrounded by plants a certain sense of contentment fills my head. (You should see how happy I am in a greenhouse!)

For the past week I've been getting up early in the morning and pulling weeds (Scotch Broom to be more specific) all day long. While I pull and yank these pesky weeds from the ground, my dog runs through the forest chasing after squirrels. The whole process keeps me from sitting around feeling sorry for myself and whatever problems I may have. I spend hours singing Culture Club and Journey songs (no one is around of course) while I rip weed after weed up by their corkscrewy roots. I'm wiped out by the time the sun sets (and so is the dog).

I read somewhere that the way plants move in the wind is supposed to be soothing like sitting in a rocking chair. It's a friendly reminder that there are bigger things than your ego or your heart. Even when your lover leaves you or you're fired from your dream job -- instead of throwing the self-pity party of the century, go outside, sit down and look up at the trees. Or sit in the grass and be still. Don't think about why a relationship ended or freak out over finances. Just sit and appreciate the plants around you. As new agey as this sound, I think plants know when us humans are out of whack. Our tone of voice alters them. Our tears intrigue them. Our laughter invigorates them. And I have a feeling my singing Journey songs probably scares them...heh.

At any rate, I have this gut feeling that plants do more for us than provide oxygen. Think about it. People in busy cities flee to the park for lunch. Children appear happier climbing trees. Houseplants are given as homewarming gifts. And don't even get me started on giving those you love flowers. Perhaps it's our quest to find Eden. Or maybe looking up at a redwood tree that's older than our grandparents humbles us a bit. In times of war, conflict, disappointment and heartache, plants give us beauty, peace and tranquility. They give us hope even if our lives seem to be a complete mess.