Sunday, March 3, 2013

Writer's Block

I've got plenty to say.  Half written posts lined up in my drafts folder taunting me.  But I seem to be distinctly lacking the energy to say anything these days.

Instead I would rather be out doing.  We are enjoying what remains of the winter.  Taking rides a long ways up ...


And then racing all the way back down.


It has occurred to me lately that I'm getting older (it is a matter of perspective I know).  There may come a day when I won't be able to move the way I used to and I want to be able to move as much as I can right now.

So in addition to ski hills we have also been hiking.  Strathgartney Park is relatively close to us and provides a great getaway any time of year.  During these quiet winter days though it's particularly nice as we pretty much have the place to ourselves.  

No one here but the trees
A little closer to home we walked down to the beach to see the iceberg floating just off shore.


Not to worry though, I haven't completely forgotten about gardening.  I did start my onion seeds a week or two ago.  Little green shoots are poking up.  And I wrote a list today of all the other seeds I need to start.  Poking through the too large pile of tomato seeds and debating the merits of each as I only have space for half of what's there.  I'll get back on track soon.

42 comments:

sharon said...

I know wxactly how you feel ..there will be a day when we cant...I wated to ski but decided to watch my granddaughter..learn to snowboard...but I will probably be on green next year if Im still able


Gardeningbren said...

My mother used to say when she got older...you lay down, you die...meaning...don't stop moving, enjoy life, push ahead, and don't settle. Wow, sure sounds like that's exactly what you are doing. (me too) Glad you have some seeds started. Bet that felt good.

Really great photos M.

Yes to the book, forgot to say. With thanks.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

By all means enjoy winter. You will soon be consumed with the garden. Or maybe you will be consuming the garden. :)

Casa Mariposa said...

I worked with 2 teachers who recently retired at 65 who were amazing. Very young at heart and superb at their profession. They are my inspiration. :o) I don't usually have writers block as much as I can't get the words to say what I want them to say. They roll around in my brain like rocks in a tumbler, not ready to spill out til they're polished and shiny. I just have to be patient.

sweetbay said...

Who wouldn't want to be skiing and hiking? :)

Laurrie said...

You say "I wrote a list today" --- that's the kind of winter gardening I am doing. I am writing lists and editing them, and then reviewing my lists and then, well, I am writing more lists. Many have headings like "to do" or "must get".

You are right on track for the season : ) Happy late winter!

Sarah Shoesmith said...

Why would anyone want to sit inside when there is all that fun to be had outdoors? Your comment about enjoying what remains of the winter made me smile- most gardeners can't wait for it to be over. I think you have the right attitude. Well done on starting sowing - if it's any consolation, I'm not having half the fun you are and I haven't sown a single seed yet. Enjoy the rest of the winter!

HolleyGarden said...

So glad you're enjoying winter! So many times, winter is wished away. (me included in that) Skiing and hiking are great exercise. Wish I could enjoy both more!

Jason said...

Looks like you are making the most of the season. Your beach is very beautiful in winter.

Debbie/GardenofPossibiities said...

Ah, I thought I was the only one who had half finished blog posts taunting me! It does seem like enjoying the outdoors is a much better option than finishing those posts. Enjoy the last few days of winter.

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Marguerite I see you are getting hit by some spammers here .. they have nothing better to do ? LOL
I am already at the stage that I can't do the things I love as intensely anymore .. not so much by age but by numerous conditions .. some days you can fight it and some days you can't .. makes me crazy at times .. I know when I can get out in the garden I did not do enough physically this winter to prepare myself .. it is always "after" that you feel the BIG sting of not doing what you should? haha .. but this is a great post on having some fun winter exposure !! Good for you girl !
Joy : )
PS .. hurray for the seeds popping through !!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I would love to have all that snow and be able to play in that winter wonderland!!

Melanie J Watts said...

I just look at my inlaws, in their mid eighties, to remember to enjoy live now. It's great that you are a skier. We were in Whistler for two days last week. I hadn't been there for a long time, it's changed so much.
Love you post about the built in shelves, it looks so much better and functional too.

Janet/Plantaliscious said...

Sounds as if you are having plenty of fun, enjoy it, you live in a spectacular place. The garden isn't going anywhere and it is early in the season yet. I keep having to remind myself to do likewise, though it helps that we are about to order an outboard for our dinghy so that we can go fishing even when we can't sail.

Marguerite said...

Hi Sharon and welcome. There's always time to try isn't there? Maybe that's part of the trick of growing old, never forgetting that we can still try new things.

Marguerite said...

It's a nice push seeing those green stems growing, makes me excited to plant more. Soon it will be full steam ahead. I heard someone say recently "I want to wear out, not rust out". Thought it perfectly captured my frame of mind. The book will be on its way by week's end.

Marguerite said...

LOL, hopefully both Lisa! We are just about out of garden produce (the freezer still yields a few bits and pieces yet but not for long) and I can't wait for some fresh greens. Already though I'm thinking of taking time away from 9-5 work to get into the garden.

Marguerite said...

Tammy, that sounds more like my issue. I have things I want to say but when I sit to type them it's just not happening. Sentences are not flowing freely lately.

Marguerite said...

very true. I do have similar problems in summer when I would rather be biking or in the garden. I love the blog but I need more hours in the week to get everything in.

Marguerite said...

Laurrie, I could garden in lists every day :) I'm a notorious list maker. I didn't even mention the two page garden to do list, or the tree list. We're two peas in a pod.

Marguerite said...

I think, living in such a cold climate, it's important to enjoy the winter. Sometimes I have to remind myself of that but when I do get out it makes the season go by so much faster. Spring will come soon enough and then there will be a different kind of fun to have.

Marguerite said...

Holley, I've done my share of wishing winter was gone too but this year particularly I'm really enjoying getting outdoors. I think I'm starting to realize there may well come a day when I can't get out.

Marguerite said...

Jason, we are so lucky to live in close proximity to the beach. It's beautiful all times of year for very different reasons.

Marguerite said...

Maybe it's just procrastination and avoidance but getting outdoors feels a lot better than sitting at the computer lately.

Marguerite said...

argh Joy, spammers are making me crazy lately. No problem for the longest time and then this past week or two it's been spam central. I refuse to go back to word verification though, it takes me try after try to get those letter sequences right. You bring up such a good point, it's not just age. We never know when our options might be taken from us for any number of reasons. Good reason to get out and enjoy each day thoroughly.

Marguerite said...

Snow seems to be a decreasing commodity lately, even in our cold climate it's been a less than stellar snow year. Makes me wish for the crazy deep snow of my childhood.

Marguerite said...

Melanie, while it's fun skiing here I sure do miss BC mountains. There is no substitute. I have wished many times I could go back and visit Powder King again.

Marguerite said...

Janet, we really do live in such a wonderful place. There are days when we thank our lucky stars we decided to move here. Skiing will quickly give way to seeds though, plant sale and garden tour discussions are already happening in our community. Spring is not far off.

Jennifer said...

Its good to take a break every once in a while. I think it refreshes you. Winter will be gone before you know it, so I think its great that you were able to get out there and enjoy it.

Anonymous said...

I enjoy the snow and was a very avid skier all over the country. Unfortunately, health reasons keep me off the slopes now. You have to do while you can because you never know when the time comes where you can't.

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

Enjoy life to the fullest!! I never snow skied but loved to sled and the feeling of cold fresh air hitting your face, flying at what seemed like the speed of light, what a rush!! Imagine snow skiing is similar.

RURAL said...

Oh cool, a iceberg...don't think we see too many of those on blogs.

So you started the onion seeds already?

Jen

Optimistic Existentialist said...

ME TOO!! I really miss those days for sure.

Cindy said...

I'm back home on the Island just two days and I'm ready for Spring and our garden pictures to start. The mail is piled high and all my blog friends have been busy. Today we are heading out to the farm to tap trees as the sap will be running any time now.

Jane said...

Are there ski hills on PEI?? A silly question perhaps but I've never spent a winter there yet! I'm with you on the "keep moving" plan. You'll move easier in later life if you keep moving NOW!

Marguerite said...

Not silly at all! There is one ski hill - Brookvale in Queens. A very small hill really but a fun place to get out for an afternoon. We have been venturing off island recently to Poley in Sussex,NB. Still smaller than we're used to but a great place regardless and we can get there and back in a day. Next year we'll probably expand a bit further. The best skiing around here we've been told is Sugarloaf in Maine.

Marguerite said...

Jennifer, if the weather continues as it has winter will be gone in just a few days! They're talking early spring in these parts. I don't mind the sound of that at all.

Marguerite said...

Donna, that's so true. Life can change very quickly.

Marguerite said...

Janet I haven't sledded in years but what a rush. used to be our favourite thing as kids. We were always so out of control though, hitting big bumps and flying kids everywhere. I try to stay upright now when I'm skiing :)

Marguerite said...

One the things I found fascinating when we moved here was seeing ice on the water. I still haven't gotten tired of it. Started onions a couple weeks ago now but don't follow my lead - I haven't grown a usable onion in my life yet. Each year I try a new tactic though, who knows, maybe this is my year?

Marguerite said...

That must have been some vacation! I hadn't thought of it but yes the sap should start moving soon. The weather is getting increasingly warm.

Gardeningbren said...

Thanks, it's arrived!!! Wonderful..am so pleased and with the extra special gift inside Marguerite. Many sincere thanks. Bren