01: Letters from the Slow Lane

Leaving work unfinished

Dear friends,

It rained this afternoon, a rare thunder that circled just above our casita. I opened all the windows and let in the scent of petrichor and wet sage. Water is such a treasure in the desert, manna, nourishment. I knew this was the moment I was waiting for. The rain loosened the soil. It was time to do what I had been resisting, to pull the growing tumbleweeds from my backyard.

I dressed in long pants and long sleeves to protect myself. Outside the clouds hung low and the air was refreshingly cool. Still, I sweated as I yanked and dug up shallow roots of the thorny invasive weed, so pervasive on land where sagebrush has been removed.

An hour in, I had completed a single patch near my back gate. I saw the horehound in the side yard and the dry grasses in the front all calling me to complete the job. A loud part of me demanded I keep weeding; I had already geared up, I was already started, might as well finish.

But a quieter part asked me to put down my shovel, remove my work gloves and stroll into the sunset. I listened to the whispers.

The sun balanced between horizon line and the grey cumulus burned through the sky like an eyeball gazing on the world. Three nighthawks circled and cried overhead. I breathed deep in the evening air.

Just a short walk. My house beckoned me back to settle into evening, to cook dinner and finish my book. But I was grateful for the momentary lapse in achieving. A time out of time to simply be effortless in the world.

When was the last time you did something for no good reason, did nothing for the sake of nothing? Are you glad you did? Comment below and let me know. I’d love some fresh inspo.

Take it easy,

Johanna

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