Lorax

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From There to Here, From Here to There, This Blogging Thing is Everywhere*

Shooting Star Hydrangea CloseupToday I surpassed a personal milestone. A year ago February, I set out to write every day for a year.  During that time, the earth made a complete revolution around the sun. Four seasons came and went. Garden squirrels came and went too, along with aphids, scale and thrips. Raccoons dropped by, leaving tell-tale paw prints next to the overturned sod before washing there ‘hands’ in the fountain.  It’s every critter for themselves in the world of gardeningnirvana.

Writing daily was sometimes challenging, but it was always worthwhile.  I gained confidence along the way. Dr. Seuss said it best:

“Oh the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ‘blog’ will make you the winning-est winner of all.”

The good doctor was right. Here’s what I won:

  • The ability to persevere through illness, fatigue and, yes, procrastination.
  • Discipline, in both writing and gardening.
  • Goal-setting.  It had been awhile since I set such a lofty goal.  It was important to me to see it through.
  • The most generous, thoughtful, gracious, intelligent and engaged readers a person could hope for. (You know who you are)

*With apologies to Dr. Seuss

Dedicated to my fellow bloggers who inspire me daily. ♥

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Occupy Lorax

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

I grew up reading Dr. Seuss books, and for the most part remember them for their nonsense rhymes and abstract illustrations.  I wanted to walk up those endless stairs, slide down the hills and cross the bridges of his fantastic literary world.  In between the original book and The Lorax movie released this month, was the television special by the same name.  I remember it as dark and sad and very scary when I first saw it at age 12.  In many ways Seuss was ahead of his time.  The environmental message was a powerful one, though far too frightening for me.

We joined friends on this cold, March day to see the updated film, loosely based on the book.  We all enjoyed it for what it was, a kid-friendly and amusing tale with a message from the Lorax himself, who “speaks for the trees.”  The New York Times stunningly bashes this film, with a review as spiritless and gray as the 1972 TV special.  I read another review by a mom who suggested the Times lighten up.

What I enjoyed the most is the conversation we had after the movie, and the knowledge that my children are far more aware of deforestation, endangered animals and how important it is to be stewards of the earth.

I wish the incomparable Dr. Seuss could have lived to see the Occupy Movement spread around the globe, for he said it best: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It’s not.” – The Lorax