I was sitting in traffic and watched a very overweight woman, younger than me, with a walker, struggle to open the door of what I would generously call a bodega.  It was a dirty windowed little storefront in the middle of the block with what looked like 5 cans of something on a shelf. I realize, of course, she has mobility issues, thus may not work or have a car, and even going a few further blocks to a supermarket may be insurmountable. Of course, I could not help but compare myself to her. I have been very focused on my health lately. How could I not be?  No one is just letting themselves age anymore. I get on the yoga mat or Peloton every day.  I prioritize sleep, have good skin thanks to expensive products and shiny, thick hair. I drink protein smoothies for breakfast, mushroom powder in my coffee and creatine in my water. I deliberately walk around with great energy because I want everyone to see how healthy I am.  I am showing off. Being healthy has become a flex. Our billionaires aren’t sporting “banker’s bellies” anymore. They are trim, tan, and retreat to mountain homes to work and relax. I don’t have a mountain house, but for me, spending my Sunday writing and reading, is all planned and calculated to reset and recreate myself. 

Yesterday a good weather day coincided with a day I was home to work in the garden. I wore myself out. I think it was mostly because I was in the fresh air all day. This is my first spring in this house, and I finally have the chance to put my imprint on the garden. Last year we tore out the old shrubs along the border, they were woody and overgrown for their space.  I left the perennials and a white rose bush. At the end of last growing season, we bought a large, raised bed for vegetables. We put it in the center of the border garden. It is 3 ft tall to keep the dogs out and holds a lot of soil. All winter I have steadily filled it, layering with paper shreds, shredded shrubs and compost.  We now added 20 bags of container soil to top it off.  I am going to let it settle for a week then sow Swiss chard, radish, kale and other cold weather crops. On either side of the container will go roses, I found 6 plants I like, all pinks and yellows.  Come May I’ll add lavender too. In front of the house, we removed an old pine that was blocking the pretty brick detail of our English Tudor style house.  I ordered 36 plants from Possibility Place Nursery to replace the old tree.  The sun is intense on this side of the house so I chose prairie plants that will survive my occasional neglect.  

Naturally, ibuprofen and hot baths were in order, then wine and pistachios on the back porch. After all that, I slept very well indeed.  

Peace,

Amiee