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The Importance of Dreaming and Planning

Posted on February 3, 2012 at 12:00 AM

My daughter and I were visiting this evening via text messages.   She is working on a plan to give her flock of chickens more outdoor yard area and in the process is also working on setting up suitable space for the addition of some goats in the future.   Her enthusiasm was quite infectious and as a person who loves to plan and execute projects (most of which revolve around small scale agriculture), I immediately identified with her somewhat consuming interest in the matter.   It does indeed seem that the apple does not fall far from the tree!                   

                        

Part of my long time passion for food gardening is that it is a productive outlet for the life energy I seem to channel into planning and making what I dream up – actually happen.   I suppose I could apply that energy and aptitude to something that yielded financial rewards but honestly that does not hold the same appeal for me because the labor of a modern victory garden provides not only material rewards of beautiful nutrient dense food, but feeds my need to redesign and recreate my own part of this world – continually evolving and pushing the limits of what has been accomplished previously.   It is a process by which I define myself, through a continual transformation of this little patch of earth that for a brief time I have stewardship over.   Mind you, it’s not like all the plans work out or are even worthy of having been tackled, but more often than not they result in good things and my life is definitely enriched in the doing of it.   Dreaming up, planning, and then executing the next “thing” is an affirmation that I am indeed alive and that tomorrow holds interesting and worthwhile pursuits.   When we quit dreaming (whatever the source of our passion may be) that is when we cease living.                             

 

I hope you are not only feeding your family from the fruits of your gardening efforts – but feeding your dreams and plans as well.                                   

 

Laura

kitsapfreedomgardener

Categories: Garden Thoughts

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13 Comments

Reply Robin
07:16 AM on February 03, 2012 
Well said Laura. There is a lot more to the passion of gardening then just sowing some seeds.
Reply GrafixMuse
08:03 AM on February 03, 2012 
That's awesome that your daughter has her own chickens and is dreaming of adding goats. When the ideas spark, it is enjoyable to begin to research the project and learn about it.

I often find myself daydreaming of a more sustainable lifestyle. Some are outlandish and ambitious probably won't come to fruition (run a farm where people can volunteer, do some chores for food, and to learn how to be more self sufficient), but some may happen someday if the situation is right (chickens).
Reply Daphne
08:05 AM on February 03, 2012 
It must be wonderful to have a child that takes after you like that. My son has a passion for cooking, but hates vegges and physical labor. He is so not into gardening. My daughter likes veggies and likes the idea of gardening, but she is OCD. She had trouble cooking for herself since she hates to make a mess. She has thought about getting a plot at the local community garden, but she knows she wouldn't be able to prepare half the things she could grow.
Reply kitsapfreedomgardener
09:02 AM on February 03, 2012 
Robin - Exactly!

GrafixMuse - From those daydream musings - the spark of inspiration and change comes.

Daphne - It sounds like their passions and interests run a different direction, but it's all good!
Reply Mike
09:54 AM on February 03, 2012 
What a wonderful reflection on dreams, plans, and the fruition of them.:) Just over the last couple years my Mom has become interested in growing her own vegetables and it has been so nice to share our experiences with each other.
Reply stefaneener
11:24 AM on February 03, 2012 
I remember a conversation with my eldest once about why she doesn't garden, and she said, with a "duh" sound in her voice: "YOU garden." I asked if she would if I weren't here, or if she'd moved out, and she said, "Yes, probably. At least basil." So it made me feel as though I'm getting through to the people who matter most, at least a little, even if I don't feel it now. Your story made me hopeful.
Reply Larry
12:07 AM on February 04, 2012 
You are very blessed to have a daughter you can share one of your passions with. Without the dreaming life wouldn't be worth living. Dreams are the start of inspiration and then planning. Dreams can also remind us that if we are having hard times we can be assured that there are better things ahead.
Reply kitsapfreedomgardener
12:40 PM on February 05, 2012 
Mike - Finding common ground (pun intended!) is an excellent way to strengthen relationships!

stefaneener - Take heart, my daughters interest in gardening and such was definitely held back until she had a place of her own.

Larry - Dreaming does keep optimism alive.
Reply Tucker
12:44 AM on February 06, 2012 
I realize that this violates your financial incentive "rule" but I really, really, really wish you would write a book about all aspects of vegetable gardening. You've done so much that would benefit others from your building seed blocks, to your expertise in starting and transplanting seedlings (which I have yet to master), building compost bins, your hoophouses, trellis system, your hens that work the garden, etc (etc, etc, etc. - don't knowwhere to stop!). I realize you have put a lot in your blog but, frankly, blogs are difficult to read i bed like a book. :) I hope you will consider this!
Reply kitsapfreedomgardener
01:18 AM on February 06, 2012 
Tucker - I have indeed given thought to that but there are so many books on that topic out that I feel like it would be difficult to do anything bur replow ground already covered so well elsewhere. I do think though, that I may choose to write something that integrates the garden info within a writing of another sort altogether. Always have bits and pieces of ideas rattling around in my head, perhaps someday a clear path of what needs to be said and how will unfold and it will happen. Until then, I will journal through my blog. Thank you for your encouragement - I am truly grateful for it.
Reply Tucker
12:02 AM on February 11, 2012 
Ah but the number of books focused on the PNW are minimal. Gardening West of the Cascades is the bible but it is getting pretty old now and Steve has no plans to update it per his blog. There are lots of new techniques and products out that weren't considered in his book. In addition, his book has virtually nothing about optimal use of a greenhouse, a subject that I want to know more about and tailored to this area. You have that incredible table of seed starting dates that you post yeary that is so helpful and that subject isn't covered in his book. His book is heavy on the "whys" but not so heavy on the "hows." Agreed? :)
Reply kitsapfreedomgardener
10:56 AM on February 11, 2012 
Tucker - You are quite persuasive. I promise to give it some more thought.
Reply Sustainable Eats
02:27 AM on February 14, 2012 
Laura you are a planner - why not WRITE a planner? I'm so excited she is thinking of getting goats - wish I could get her some of my babies coming! xo!