I was a little stressed about completing this week’s ARTicipate project. Since we announced the project, I’ve only been home (in Pittsburgh) five of those 14 days. I’ve been getting my travel on, leaving little time to create (or even run my life properly, for that matter). This is what happens when you sign up for things: you get busy. Real busy. However, that didn’t stop me from working with my hands, even if it wasn’t the way I originally pictured.
Instead of writing or crafting something, I decided to dig deep. Quite literally. Last Thursday – one of the only nights I’d had at home in over a week – I pitched in and helped Cat plant the garden. Sure, it may not be considered “art” – but once the lettuce, carrots, and tomatoes start sprouting, it will give me more inspiration than ever. Of that, I’m certain.
I absolutely love our urban garden. And I use the term “our” loosely. Last year, Cat planted and maintained the garden on her own, while I made it my personal mission to not let a vegetable go to waste. This year was the first in which I actually pitched in and helped plant. Because Cat will soon be moving (down the street, but whatever), I feel the garden now serves as some sort of “memorial.” This backyard represents a lot of memories & moments we’ve shared as roommates. Long chats on the back deck. Hammock swinging. Summer parties and swimming. We’ve really grown into this space.
Not too many folks in Pittsburgh have a backyard this beautiful, nor garden boxes so wonderfully designed. We’re lucky that we have both. Even luckier that we’ve been able to be roommates for more than 5 years at this point. Time flies when you’re having fun, right?
Although this garden is much smaller than my grandmother’s, it still reminds me of helping her weed in the summer. It’s amazing to me how many memories I can conjure up from working/staying at the farm throughout my childhood. I still think it’s helped me grow into the hard worker I seem to be today.
Cat watering the garden. I don’t even think words can convey how beautiful the greenery is back there. It’s like I don’t even live in a city.
I planted green beans in the picture above. Please forgive my “at home” clothing. Tie-dye seems to be a staple in my personal life.
Although I didn’t necessarily have an “outcome” with this project, I soon will – in due time. Sometimes I think these are the best kinds of projects: a little bit of energy, lots of tending, with tons of nourishment in the end. I’ll be sure to post pictures as the garden progresses. I look forward to cooking with all of the food it yields. Though, admittedly, I’m sure Cat will do most of the watering.
On Wednesday, Frankie will do a link round-up of any and all creations for ARTicipate. Be sure to send them to her at tobefrankblog (at) gmail.com. Be sure to go check out Frankie’s blog, too, to see what she did for “memorial.”
Without further adieu, here is this week’s word: GREEN. When Frankie and I were concocting prompts, we knew we wanted to include a color. We chose green because of the many non-color associations it has, and we’re so excited to see what people create.
Good luck creating this week!
