A few weeks ago while driving from NY to MA, I spotted the back end of an abandoned shopping mall from the passenger window.  The cracks in the pavement were sprouting weeds, as if an earthquake had shifted the plates just enough to let in sunlight and water.  I often wonder why we don’t have a system for reclaiming land from defunct development, so large tracts of greenery could be used again for growing, playing or nothing at all.  It’s been a cold start to spring here, so between the cement lot and grey skies, my mood began to mirror the landscape.

Later that same day I heard a Wendell Berry quote for the very first time:

“Under the pavement, the dirt is dreaming of grass.”

I loved it because it felt so hopeful, and as we’re get ready to sow seeds and plants for this year’s garden I know it’s only a matter of days before I feel the warm sun on my back.  Although I can’t reclaim abandoned parking lots, I can make the best of what we have, and take pleasure in our little slice of New England heaven.  What a powerful transformation from such a small shift of perspective. Thank you Wendell Berry.

Happy springtime!

Joan