12 by 8. That’s the universe I live in. 12 by 8, inches. Twelve hours a day, glued to my computer screen. I know, I can use my eyes, and my ears, and my mind to visit the world, from that tiny window. Still, that feels pretty limiting. I hadn’t really thought about it that way, until last weekend, when I decided to follow Charlotte’s hint to plant some vegetables in our yard.
In the midst of pulling out some weeds, it hit me big that I hadn’t been out in the world, really out, in a long long time. Out, as in getting down close to the earth. Out, as in getting drunk from forgotten smells, the grasses, the dirt, the air. Out, as in hearing the white noise from the dancing stems. Out, as in seeing the nearly invisible hairs on the tiny leaves . Out as in fighting with the subterranean roots, that threatened to overtake the fertile soil. Three hours later I rose, my body aching, and happy.
Since then, it has come to my attention, that the wonder of the Internet, and more broadly technology, comes at a price. We have shrunk our world to a series of metal boxes and rectangles. Computer, TV, car, plane, it’s all the same. A world that is tasteless, odorless, and cold. A world that filters all the noises and sights from the outside, according to some pre-established programs. A world that takes us further and further away from nature.
No wonder I feel cut off. 12 by 8, inches, that’s the extent of my connection.
La Marguerite 
12 hours a day? You’re crazy, woman! You need more time outside in the dirt. Then you’ll be less likely to get down just because you read some idiot online blathering “DOOM!” 🙂
i hear echoes in the dirt, spring has indeed visited you.
empiric knowledge permeates every cell of you, welcome to my small world. this is what connects us, beyond this little screen.
radishes and arugula.
beau printemps marguerite.
Happy equinox to you. Sounds like you found an excellent way to celebrate it.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to each one of you, gardeners and also cyber friends and bloggers.
Tomorrow is the first day of Spring, that’s right. Celebrating new growth, new life, and all that earth gives us.
[…] [Ed note: cross-posted from La Marguerite] […]
[…] 21, 2008 by lamarguerite Ilex, and Nadine, wished me Happy Spring, yesterday. I should rejoice, I know. Trees are blooming, the sun has been out nonstop, and the birds play […]
I followed your link to the drawing and saw that Nadine, wise woman, told you then…two months ago…to get out and take a walk! Nature is important, especially to those of us who write about it!