When Life Hands you a Lemon Tree
had just ordered hand pruners from was interested in creating an area just for "enabling tools." He gave me a list of those regular stock tools that were especially easy on old bones and explained why, then asked me to make recommendations for others.
I wrote to the various makers of gardening tools explaining what I was looking for, and asking them to send information. I could use that for the book, as well as passing the information on to my first contact.
They sent information. They also sent the tools. Wonderful tools that I know will make things do-able in my garden.
I had realized that as a garden writer I might sometimes get books to review - but tools? Yes! And the means to tell others about these same tools and how it can help them continue to garden despite limitations. I feel incredibly lucky that I can not only take advantage of improvements in tools and technology, but that I can tell others about them. The fact that I have the power to string words together - that is pure good fortune. That I have readers and a hopeful message is even better.
That power to string words together has become the sweetener for this latest lemon. Unlike the time when I was 25 and got my first lemon tree, I am no longer reduced to trying to entertain myself with junk novels and TV. (Good thing, since we don't even HAVE a TV!) I can write. I can create. I have valuable things to say - both informative for all gardeners, and then with messages of special hope for others, like me.
And as my free time has expanded, and my medications have helped me to settle into some sort of routine, as I have learned not to sweat the foggy times but to seize the moment when my mind is clear - I find that my outlets have also expanded.
The phone rings and it is a man from Texas with a new website - would I be interested in doing some writing. Yes!
I open my email and it is the company I've been doing consulting for, asking me to fly in and meet the staff and to talk about some brand new projects "now that I have more time."
Another e-mail arrives, asking me to write about the upcoming flower show for a major national newspaper.
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