Fruits

Defiant tomatoes - that's the variety, not their attitude.

My garden has been ramping up slowly. If you've never gardened in the Colorado foothills you may be dismayed by the pride I have in my meager results.

I've learned the importance of celebrating the small victories. Not just in gardening. In my writing life. My family. My financial accomplishments. I'm solidly Midwest, middle class, gloriously mediocre.

It has taken me decades to come to terms with being ordinary. 

On the other hand, I have to realize I do some amazing things. Most people, if you take the time to ask, have done or are doing amazing things in life.

Growing tomatoes is a small miracle. Writing a novel and getting it published is another. Sometimes, just surviving one more day is miraculous. Raising children. Running a mile. Unknowingly touching a life in a positive way. Watching the sun rise or set, really watching and listening and feeling.

In a novel I'm polishing, a character uses the line, not everyone gets to be an astronaut. Meaning, not everyone gets to do publicly noticed, amazing, adventurous things. But please take note of the quiet miracles in your life.  

What's one thing you've accomplished? It could be small in the grand scheme of things, but it may be the focal point of your life. Or even a side quest that had unexpected results. Let's celebrate the fruits of this gift of life. No matter how modest the harvest.

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