A little while ago I was having a writing related conversation with someone. After discussing a new project they asked ‘and what else have you been doing? Besides writing, of course?’ Sounds simple enough, but this question made me panic. Because I couldn’t think of anything.
Slush reading, I could have said, but I don’t think that counts as something else. Working… in publishing, doesn’t count either.
The ever-patient Rabia told me to calm down. You have a husband, you look after a household, you have pets. But I don’t think these count either. Because ‘what else have you been doing’ doesn’t mean the day-to-day of eat, wash, work, cook, clean, sleep. It means, what do you do to relax? What keeps you sane? So not having anything to say started me wondering about that state of relaxing, that state of being sane. Do I fail at down time?
But she’s too wise. Didn’t you garden the other day? Yes! Yes I did. In fact, gardening was done with the help of a very good friend, so that’s gotta count, right?
That’s what else I have been doing! And look, photos to prove it:
First thing I want to do is fix the balcony upstairs. It’s a decent sized space that rarely gets used, and I’m hoping a bit of plant life will change that. And maybe a larger table with chairs that aren’t broken, and even an umbrella?
So, with that in mind, I’ve started with some natives. At the moment they’re in rather small, recycled pots, But as they grow so will the pots. Hopefully they will provide shade and encourage the birds to come.
Next stage, to get rid of the old, dying plants up here or at least try and save them. The orchid, for instance, I’d love to see flower again.
Under the ever-watchful and disapproving eye…
But the balcony is only the beginning. Check out the backyard. A lot of work to do. I want to lay a path of recycled bricks where that big patch of sand is. Put in more natives, trees and shrubs that will hopefully grow in the atrocious sandy soil. Would like to rescue that bedraggled grapefruit tree too.
It will all take time, and would be easier if I had a bit more cash around. But I’m looking forward to it! And so is my little helper.
