A Census taker came to my door this week. It seemed strange since I had submitted my “count” online. We spoke for a bit and we got around to talking of reviving Spring Hope, NC (where I live). I even got an invitation to attend the next City Planning Committee Meeting. What a wonderful surprise from an interruption in my day.
It reminds me that online exchanges simply cannot bring the connections that can occur with an in-person interaction.
I used to play a game called Plants and Zombies. I had to kill the Zombies with things I “grew” in my app yard. I could distract myself for a lot of minutes (even hours) tossing my virtual plants at fake attacks. After weeks of wasting time I realized that this game wasn’t benefiting me or my family and I deleted the app. Once the app was gone, there was no evidence that I had “labored’ at all.
With Labor Day here and signaling the unofficial end to summer, I was reflecting on what I’m laboring for. I labor for my family, I labor for my community, and I labor for keeping my rights of freedom. Of course, these are labors of love, even when they are more work than I was expecting.
My Victory Garden is slowly taking shape but it is definitely a labor of love. In times where American ingenuity seems to be a thing of the past, Victory Gardens can help us strive for something better. By planting our own fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, we can all be healthier and happier. We can take in our patch of earth, and make something beautiful and useful out of it.
From the dirt in our backyard, or even growing inside an apartment, on a porch, or high on a balcony we can plant things that provide beauty and utility. When we succeed, we’ll feel an urge to share the fruits of our labor. We can feed our families, make our neighborhoods healthier- greenspace has been shown to reduce crime and reduce food insecurity. This “labor” not only makes us happier, but helps us appreciate that we can take a few seeds and improve our environment and provide so much with something that starts so tiny.
By sowing a seed, we act in a symbol of hope. We bury them in dirt, expecting that one day, they will flourish. It is an act of providing for a better tomorrow. One where, like our gardens, we evolve and grow.
Victory Gardens first started during the First World War, where rations had to be saved for the Military. At first, it was a patriotic act – a way to relieve government spending. Now, it can be a symbol for self-sufficiency, community, and mental well-being.
A contributing, grateful member of society only betters the country surrounding them. Building a garden is, in a way, an act of gratitude in itself. Our veterans fought to protect our country, which includes our backyards. By using them to grow food, and provide habitats for wildlife we are seizing freedoms our veterans fought for us to have.
My Grandparents inspired me to grow my own Victory Garden. Their garden blossomed when Victory Gardens were popular and unpopular in American society. As a child, this only produced happy memories. My Grandparents learned how to be self-sustainable with their surroundings, and that passed on many lessons for me.
Growing my own flowers, fruits and vegetables gives me great happiness. I can share my produce with those I feel thankful for, and feed my own family. I know what is on and in my food. I can care for and maintain a beautiful environment, and help the planet. So, no matter where I live, I leave my neighborhood better it was before.
Even if our tomorrows aren’t always promised, our memories and lessons survive past us. We can create something that we pass on to the next generation. This, in essence, is what my Grandparents did with me. They inspired me with gardenscapes and their time.
On Labor Day I’m inspired to be more thankful. So many workers have given selflessly to keep our nation productive and free. These humbling moments in my Victory Garden remind me of how fortunate I am. From the comforts of our land to being the recipients of the fruits of our labor is what makes me grateful that I’m able to be an American.
One of the beauties of growing things is the circle were are taken on. Making your environment beautiful can make you feel appreciation. Appreciation can make you feel responsible to keep your environment beautiful. So, the more beauty we provide for ourselves, the less bitter or entitled we may feel. Instead, we may start feeling grateful and prosperous. Which will manifest itself with kindness. And anytime we can show kindness we create a better community.
Funny how a kind census taker made me realize, around Labor Day, that I am grateful for my community and prosperous because I have family and friends to share my garden with. I hope this Labor Day that you are feeling grateful and prosperous, too!
I thought I’d share a family favorite- this my mom’s recipe that my step-mom makes, so the new name “Ex-wife oatmeal cookies”. (These really are a must try-not your average oatmeal disappointment):
Ex-wife Oatmeal Cookies
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ c flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
3 cups oats
Powdered sugar (in a bowl for coating)
Cream shortening and sugars together then add eggs and vanilla. Mix soda and flour together then add to sugar mixture and stir in oats.
Roll cookie batter into balls (about tablespoon size) then roll to cover in powdered sugar.
Place on a cookie sheet 1 inch apart. Lightly press each cookie with a glass (you can dip the glass in powdered sugar if the dough is sticking). Bake at 350 degrees for 9 to 11 minutes. Cookies will be light brown on the edges.
Makes about 3 dozen cookies (depending on the size and how much cookie dough you eat)
DeeAnn
The Victory Garden Gal
www.VictoryGardenGal.com