Wrestling with tags

I am a bit of a tag 'virgin' so this could go horribly wrong.

I have been tagged by Stuart at Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas to list eight things that I should be thankful for. After reading Stuarts tribute to his family I thought, regardless of my inner feelings, that I could not repeat the same things here.

Here are my eight thoughts.

1. For being in the right place at the right time - today and tomorrow is that time.

2. I could live without feet and I could live without arms but I could not live without sight. To be a gardener, the one sense, even above smell and hearing, is the ability to see the worlds natural beauty.

3. Having the 'creative' gene is something I would never pass over if I ever had my gardening time again.

I sometimes return, although not often, to the place I grew up and plied my landscaping and gardening skills. In gardens, scattered across my old 'manor' are my creations that are being used and hopefully loved by their current owners. I can picture, for example, the Prunus 'Autumnalis' outside the main entrance to Highfield School in Liphook which I donated after completing 15 years as their contractor and I was thankful for that opportunity.

4. For my freedom. In a world full of horror and sadness I am pleased to have the freedom to create and to share. It is that freedom that allowed so much expression in my 26 years as a gardener which continues today through this blog and my house building project in France.

5. For being imperfect - a strange thing to say you might think but it is this imperfection and the ability to know where my limits are that makes me strive for better things.

6. For the ability to help and encourage - we all need this, even me so I try to give graciously and help copiously.

7. For the tranquillity and wonder of life here in France - it has to be seen to be believed.

8. For the cup of tea at the end of a hard day with ten minutes to sit, unwind and ponder and just be thankful.

I am going to Tag the following. Be warned though, this is a very difficult exercise to complete!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Richard at Real Oasis

Bob at Gardener To The Big House.

Andrew at Lavendon Garden

Gill at My Tiny Plot (if she can find the time after here recent news :)

Richard at AtWaG

Open register

Neil at Complete Gardens

Funky at Garden Monkey

Comments

[Mike Seaton]

My Tags :-

1. Having the ability to be able to be 'in touch' with nature every day
2. Being able to competant enough to pass on a little slice of my knowledge gained each day to someone who may need it
3. Have the 'invisible' force of my Parents driving me on towards reaching my ultimate goal in life
4. To be loved, wanted and respected as an individual
5. To be content that every lawn I renovate or lay is naturally improving the Worlds Carbon Footprint with minimal fuss or PR coverage
6. The natural abilty to be able to teach and pass on 25+ years of turf culture knowledge to those new to the profession
7. Happy in the knowledge that 'Dog Rocks' may save my lawn from urine stains from my two bitches
8. Being content knowing that no matter how technological our live have or may become, I will always have an in demand 'hands on' skill that has been improved over time with mechanisation, but has actually remained a true science for centuries.
9. A world wide industry has been built around the concept of sport being played on a natural grass surface - praise to the individuals who who have given and will give their 100% committment in ensuring that the natural grass sports surfaces meet the grade against all pressures placed upon them by the weather or Accountants!
10.I am happy in the fact that I had the foresight to purchase many years ago www.lawn.co.uk which clearly defines my professional interests and personal passion for all lawns in our 'Green and Pleasant Land!

[Philip Voice]

I think you did well to come up with ten 'reasons to be thankful' Mike.

[Stuart]

Well done Phil. Magnificent job with coming up with 8 and not including your family. Great little insight into your world as well. Thanks for playing along.

[Philip Voice]

Hi Stuart - I thought you had the the family theme covered just right ;)

I did find it a tough exercise though