Somewhere between Martha Stewart and Pinterest, this generation of Mothers inherited the notion that our homes need to be spotless and we need to be REALLY good at... everything. In this particular instance, I'm going to assert that feminism has not been an entirely healthy concept. Stay with me. Feminism tells us that we, as women, can do ANYTHING! We can run a business and have a "Better Homes" household, we can cousel our children and fill up their cup, and we can be the lovers that once dazzled the pages of paperbacks. We.can.do.it.all. ...but do we really want to it all? I don't. I want to be a teammate with my spouse. I want to be a sister to my friend. I want to support a local business. I'd rather not label and canister my baking supplies, in coordinated fashion. There's a mom, a parent on my kid's tball team. I dubbed her "supermom". She clearly logs some healthy time at the gym. She is always smiling. Her toes are recently polished...

What a joy! The first breath of diced rich green strands. Oh how pleasing to the senses! I only got through half of front lawn before the sun set, my breath still visible in the lingering frosty air. Lush and inviting, the summons of fair skies. Almost May.

Protected, we craft a life in the lush hollow. Here, tree frogs sing and the birds serenade as chickens peck and tree limbs sway. Here, the first blossoms of spring patiently emerge and we nod with the awareness that nature always reveals the rhythm. "Steady", she assures. Though this dirt is new to our labors, with steady patience, the flowers and fruits will surface. Steady. No need to rush. In her own time. Springs glides in to view.