I WAS GOING TO SKIP ANY MENTION of 9/11, not because it’s not on my mind, but because it’s tricky: Today marks the 10th anniversary of one of the primary catalysts for my eventual exit from city living, for my withdrawal from the mainstream, and also the day that Jack the Demon Cat quite unexpectedly came to live with me. To tell the story, I’ve posted an excerpt from my book “And I Shall Have Some Peace There.”
THE LECTURE that he’s been giving for a number of years is not-so-subtly called “Kill Your Lawn.” Ecological horticulturist Dan Jaffe Wilder knows that starting over and creating an entire native habitat instead of a lawn isn’t for everyone. But Dan just wants to grab our attention and get us to start to make some changes at least in the way we care for the turfgrass we do want in our landscapes. And maybe give up a little square footage of it to some other kind of more diverse planting, too, like the wild strawberries (Fragaria virginiana, inset). Alternative, more eco-focused styles of lawn care, along with some lawn alternatives is what he and I talked about on the podcast. Dan is Director of Applied Ecology at Norcross Wildlife Foundation in Wales, Massachusetts, and its 8,000-acre sanctuary. He’s also co-author with Mark Richardson of the book “Native Plants for New England Gardens.”
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
Was there, too, and it’s tricky for me, too. Hard to know what to do or say. Better to just be. Catalysts are gifts in our lives. I know my priorities came sharply into focus, and it seems yours did, too.
Margaret, I was thinking of you and Jack last night.
With best wishes to you both today.
Pru
While it’s important to remember, it’s emotionally difficult to remember. When I recall the story of Jack coming to you on this day – I can’t help but believe he was put before you as a gentle reminder that ‘home’ is where you were meant to be.
Be careful stepping outside today.. Jack may have left you an anniversary present on the porch!
Jack’s mention was one of my favorite parts of your book. I began to write about 9/11 on my blog, and I did not think I could do justice in a short blog.
Margaret, for some reason this weekend I am not watching anything about 9/11 because even after 10 years it is difficult to remember. So I am focusing on the good that came out of that. Yesterday I was telling my mom about your book and how you found a life companion on that day. I was so glad when I saw this post. God sends us little angels in all shapes and forms.
I can’t watch, either, Maria — I understand. Thank you for saying hello today. Jack is here beside me, snoring quietly, between his many feedings of the day.
I love Jack the Demon Cat, and I love that you now love Jack the Demon Cat as a cat lover and one of your “learn something everyday” things. And I am so glad he came to you on this day.
For me, 9/11 too is tricky and complicated. Thank you for reminding me of a moving part of your book that is one of the few things I’ve read about today that makes sense to me.
Thank you, Mary, and welcome. Tricky and complicated, indeed.
Hi, Wendy. I keep wishing him happy anniversary, but all he wants is kibble and another nap. :)
Did you hear the interview with Philippe Petit on Studio 360?
There’s also a clip from Man on Wire.
http://www.studio360.org/2011/sep/02/
Wonderful!
I watched the televised memorial service Sunday morning. In addition to the raw emotion and all the memories, I noticed the full grown swamp white oaks that served as a background for the speakers. Beautiful. Planted to provide a full canopy of shade. That afternoon I went to weed my own garden, and sure enough, I found a swamp white oak seedling, barely 6 inches tall, under my own ruin of a late summer garden.
Hello Margaret: What a wonderful and uplifting story about how “Jack” came into your life and converted you into a cat person. Good for him and good for you!
The love of my life – my “Joey” (chocolate brown mackeral tabby) – had been watching me working in the our backyard vegetable garden one fine day in May of 2000, and started meowing. When I looked up and saw him, he immediately ran to me and promptly threw himself on the ground in front of me exposing his belly and asking for a belly rub. The name “Joey” came to mind immediately and it was love at first sight. Happily, he is still with me and my husband and we enjoy him and coddle him every day. May you enjoy many more happy years with Jack.
As to remembering 9/11 – I work in mid-town Manhattan and was in the office when the first plane hit the Twin Towers. My immedite thought was also that so many people have just been killed, and what a horrible accident that was. But, when the second plane hit, I became terrified – because this could not be an accident. It is always difficult to remember those feelings of terror and the sense of loss – it makes me so very sad. In order to cope in the following days, I turned to my garden. I created a small Remembrance Garden for those who perished. By planting bulbs, perennials and shrubs, they would be a symbol of rebirth each Spring for all the lost souls. Creating this garden gave me some comfort after the tragedy and working in my garden at any time always soothes me. I hope that you always find comfort in your garden, too.