Today I transplanted the butternut squash. They were outgrowing their seedling greenhouse. Their leaves were grazing the ceiling, in an attempt, I am certain, of pushing through, throwing the infamous rock on the glass ceiling, and asserting their independence. Squash plants are stubborn and strong. Like rebellious teenagers and historical leaders, they find it easy to claim their own space, and their own pace to gather control of themselves and their environment. This is painting them in a good light, and because my perception of them comes from love. Others might describe them as bullies or imperialist dictators, taking over land that does not belong to them, suffocating their neighbors for light, territory, and resources. Still, right now they are my independence-seeking toddlers, who have outgrown their cribs, and are insisting on that coveted Disney character bed. With a bit of a heavy heart, for they are no longer my tiny babies, I have complied. They stand happy in their new abodes, a bit confused and apprehensive about the change, but at the same time claiming victory over my compliance.
As I laid them in their pots, I reassured them, and whispered, in that annoying baby talk reserved for infants. They smiled at me and loudly declared “We are not babies anymore, mama”. Very well, it was a lesson that will undoubtedly prepare me for my own human toddler.
Now that their greenhouse spots are empty, it’s time to sow more seeds!
Manifest Joy Harvests 