We Are Who We Are

Coming inside with various detritus, like this rose branch, stuck to my clothes is just another day. Thank God I married a man who just thinks it’s funny and not exasperating.

The other day our daughter was searching for a pencil in my desk drawer. After several frustrating minutes she exclaimed, “You have everything but a normal pencil in here! I found a branch and a paintbrush but I can’t write with either one of those!” To which I replied ever so sagely (and smugly), “Madison, we are who we are.”

Isn’t that the truth? We can’t help what we love. For me, it’s no secret that apart from making things I adore roses and gardening. I mean, you’re here so you know that already but there were many years that I was embarrassed to admit it. My college nickname was “Grandma” because I did all sorts of what I guess were grandmotherly things: I made “quilts” (well tried to at least–hence the air quotes), I grew roses and I muted the ads on TV. As I got older, I kept my passion for plants on the DL so to speak; I guess I didn’t want to live up to the old nickname. And besides, have you ever noticed that some people look at you weird because you’re out in your yard all the time? I had some not-so-friendly neighbors in the past who actually despised my garden, if you can believe it.

Of course, I’m no longer that way and this blog is the equivalent of shouting it from the rooftops. I could talk about gardening until the cows come home and I’m OK with being seen in the yard all summer long–even when I’m wearing ridiculous outfits which is usually. I mean, what if Empress Joséphine didn’t ever embrace her passion for roses? Oh my gosh I shudder to think. We certainly wouldn’t have the amazing diversity we do today. So there it is. I am who I am! Don’t be afraid of being who YOU are!