Hard Work and Great Rewards

Ever since I was a kid I was taught to work hard.  When I was a kid my rewards didn't seem that great.  Basically I worked hard so I wouldn't get in trouble.  My dad was a stickler for doing what you were asked or told to do.  In a word responsibility.  Growing up doing farm chores we didn't get a whole lot of down time.  There was always something to do.  That's not to say there wasn't time for fun, it was there for you after your chores were done.  When you're a kid and don't want to do chores it takes a long time to get them done.  So rewards seemed short on coming, but only because I didn't get things done in a timely manner.

Fast forward to being an adult, here I am.  I have my own home, and family.  My kids are almost grown and don't need a lot from me, unless they're short on funds.  So my time is more or less my own.  I still have responsibilities but they are of my own doing.  My rewards are also my own. Thanks to my upbringing I actually do enjoy working in my yard and taking care of my home.  I enjoy cooking for my family.  I can't say I love doing dishes or cleaning toilets, but you have to take the bad with the good, right?

This week I get to do some landscaping and make a quiet garden spot just for me.  It will take a ton of hard work, but in the end the reward will be worth it.  I already have the roses in place and some of the anchor plants so I will need to add a couple of beds, a seating area and some comfy chairs with a small table for water or snacks, a pathway complete with paving stones, and some grass to soften everything up.  It will be a place for me to settle in to writing my latest project or reading a great book.

I have another huge project to finish before the snow flies.  My garden spot has been over run by weeds and voles.  It isn't a pretty sight and will take much more had work and time.  It won't be totally ready to produce fruit and vegetables until spring.  But next year I will be able to grow my own organic fruits and vegetables.

Life is full of great rewards, if only you're willing to put in the hard work to receive them.

Until next time.