Marilyn's Musings

Hello everyone! It is hard for me to believe that we are one month into 2006. How are you doing with your New Year resolutions? I hope you are all on track to making this year the best ever.

When you read this, I will be right in the middle of the yearly task of pruning. I usually don't mind this chore. It is something I actually enjoy. When the task is done, I always enjoy looking down on my freshly pruned rose bed. It’s like the plants are getting a “season” of rest…and ultimately renewal.

Speaking of getting some rest, l think this time of year is also a great time for each of us to have a little down time as well. For instance, as you are out in your garden pruning your roses, put all your worldly cares away and let yourself imagine how beautiful your plants are going to be in a couple of months…all the gorgeous colors, and the healthy, green foliage that will be on them. In the evening, sit down by the fireplace and spend some relaxing time looking at the print-outs from the local nurseries of their new supply of bareroot roses. Then spend a leisurely Saturday morning or two with your significant other (if he or she will come along) picking out a few of those beauties to add to your rose beds.

I firmly believe that if we are to be the very best that we can be, we need to take a lesson from nature and have a “season” of rest, too. Then when springtime comes we will have a new zest for life…just like our roses.