Monday Musings ...

It is all about me.

Cathy Linker Lafrenz

Apr 29, 2025

The pressure is on.

Today is April 28.

There are 2 days left in the month.

And the panic of spring is setting in.

The team has really made great progress. The larkspur, dianthus, stock and snapdragons are all in the ground.

I have seeded lettuce, spinach and herbs. I am trying to seed ground cherries again as I miss their sweet tomatoy-pineapple taste.

Is “tomatoy” a word??? And seriously, how does something taste like a tomato and a pineapple??

Some of the containers have been planted. The perennial beds are being cleaned and planted. But there is still so much to do.

There is a strong possibility that I am working in the garden as you read this.

Or I am passed out on the sofa with fatigue!

And on to that topic … OMG!! I am tired!!

This season has shown me … Seventy is not for wimps. I get tired much easier this year. I feel okay but my stamina is definitely reduced.

Some of that is definitely my fault. I spent a lot more time knitting instead of taking walks in the winter.

Please remind me of that next winter!!! I won’t listen but you can remind me!

But like most post-menopausal women, I don’t sleep well at night. And I am sure that attributes to my fatigue.

Some of my fatigue has come from standing on hard soil as Connie and I plant Blossom Boxes.

4750 plants.

Once upon a time, I could have slammed that many plants in before noon.

Now… not so much.

There is this ….

The Map.

Yes, we carefully follow this map so you know exactly what plant is what.

Until our brains suddenly spin off into space and the marigolds are where the feverfew is suppose to be and we have no idea where the ageratum goes!

It's a project to produce 125 perfect curated boxes.

And there are moments that we are not good at creating these. Seriously, you have no idea how much we panic!!!!

But 125 beautiful boxes will be ready on May 9th and 10th for pick up. We did plant a few extras. But we need to make sure everything grows and gets transported without an incident.

So please don't ask me to put you on a list. That is currently beyond my capability.

First I would have find paper and pen and in the midst that search … I would have try to remember what I was looking for!

And that is why I don’t sleep at night.

Picture this …. Photo season has arrived at Miss Effie's.

My darling Honey didn't leave me with an overflowing bank account. But he did leave me this incredible property with a beautiful view, tiny vignettes of charm and buildings that are just appropriately shabby.

It is perfect for sharing with you.

Whether it is senior pictures … like the beautiful Abby.

Or prom photos.

Or a little girl with a can-do attitude …. I LOVE hosting photoshoots.

Send me an email (cathylafrenz@gmail.com) for inquiries and to book a date.

Aligning my priorities …. I am realizing that I can't do it all. Ok. I can't do that much.

But this is what I do well …

I can align my values with my purchases. I can spend my money locally, buying and supporting women's owned businesses. (Look at Goods Unite Us to find business that support your beliefs.)
I can embrace slow fashion and make some garments that I wear. (Goodbye, Amazon. Hello, ThredUp and Ravelry!)
I can grow and preserve some of my food needs. And I can buy other needs from vendors and individuals that support causes that I believe in. (Come see us at our FarmHers Market every Wednesday starting May 7th)
I can purchase more sustainable items and recycle what I can no longer use. (I use the Commons App to find products that use sustainable packaging, fair trade, and are not just “greenwashing” us!)

And I can create a space that invites community. A place where together we can refresh our souls and build a better world.

A world where our children are fed.

A world where women have the healthcare and the equality we deserve.

A world that supports all individuals … not those chosen by race, religion, gender or DNA.

A world that honors justice … not the warped vision of lawlessness that the White House extolls.

I want to create a softer, quieter, peaceful space. A space to create. A space to learn. And a space where we can join together to build a community of kindness, joy and love.