May 8, 2025
🌱 🌷 Starting Seeds - The Slow Life Stories - Bedtime Stories for Adults - Calming Stories for Grownups and All Ages
Welcome to The Slow Life - A village filled with cozy stories for everyone. This story is called Starting Seeds, and it’s about a generous neighbour, a cat who loves lasagne, and noticing quiet sounds.
🇨🇦 These stories are written, edited and narrated by Jennifer Zwicker.
~~~~
Benefits of listening to cozy stories or adult bedtime stories with The Slow Life:
1. Relaxation and Stress Relief
• You want to unwind after a stressful day.
• The gentle pacing, soothing tone, and comforting narratives help calm your mind and body.
2. Help Falling Asleep
• Many people use bedtime stories as a sleep aid. We’ve been told ours help.
• A calming story distracts from anxious or racing thoughts, making it easier to drift off. Especially with a second reading as we have, because you already know what happens.
3. Comfort and Nostalgia
• You’re looking for the emotional safety and warmth that often comes with familiar or gently imaginative stories.
• Cozy stories can evoke fond childhood memories or a sense of being cared for.
4. Escape and Imagination
• A peaceful story can provide a gentle escape from reality without overstimulation.
• Listeners enjoy being transported to a calm village, a peaceful garden, or a quaint and cozy inn.
5. Mindfulness and Presence
• The slow, descriptive nature of cozy storytelling encourages a mindful focus on the present.
• It can be a form of meditative listening, grounding you, the listener, in sensory details and slow pacing.
6. Companionship and Connection
• Perhaps, for people who live alone or feel lonely, a narrator’s voice can feel like friendly company.
• It’s a quiet, non-demanding form of social presence.
🧡 Bedtime stories for grown ups
🧡 Bedtime stories for kids
🧡 Meditation story
Starting Seeds is a story about going for a walk in the morning, talking to a friendly neighbour who then gives some seeds out of the goodness of their heart, and planting those seeds on my patio. There is beauty, there is comfort. It may help put you to sleep. Calming stories to help you sleep. Relieve anxiety.
⚠️ Take care listening while driving or doing any activity that requires your full attention.
- All stories - Copyright Jennifer Zwicker 2024, 2025
1
00:00:02,029 --> 00:00:07,620
Welcome to The Slow Life, a
village filled with cozy stories
2
00:00:07,630 --> 00:00:12,810
for everyone.
I'll read this story 2 times to
3
00:00:12,820 --> 00:00:17,530
help you zone out or even fall
asleep during the second
4
00:00:17,540 --> 00:00:23,250
reading.
This story is called Starting
5
00:00:23,260 --> 00:00:29,150
Seeds and it's about a generous
neighbor, a cat who loves
6
00:00:29,160 --> 00:00:33,070
lasagna and noticing quiet
sounds.
7
00:00:36,600 --> 00:00:41,110
I've been out for a morning walk
on the trail that reaches the
8
00:00:41,120 --> 00:00:45,320
beach.
I took a few breaths to match
9
00:00:45,330 --> 00:00:51,140
the waves strolling in and out
before heading back home.
10
00:00:52,520 --> 00:00:57,710
As I came up to my neighbor's
place, I saw that she was out at
11
00:00:57,720 --> 00:01:04,069
her garden shed, all set up at
her outdoor table to plant seeds
12
00:01:04,080 --> 00:01:10,830
to start growing inside.
I'd stopped in to say hello and
13
00:01:10,840 --> 00:01:15,460
after chatting for a few minutes
about the weather and how
14
00:01:15,470 --> 00:01:19,850
excited we were about how the
gardens will soon be coming to
15
00:01:19,860 --> 00:01:25,870
life again, she had given me her
extra egg curtains to do some
16
00:01:25,880 --> 00:01:32,200
seed planting of my own.
She'd also offered me some extra
17
00:01:32,210 --> 00:01:37,160
seeds that she had more than
enough of for her own use.
18
00:01:38,500 --> 00:01:43,630
It's still fairly early as I
arrive home and I like it that
19
00:01:43,640 --> 00:01:48,310
way.
My shoulders drop in relaxation
20
00:01:48,620 --> 00:01:52,250
knowing that a bit of my day is
now planned out.
21
00:01:53,620 --> 00:01:58,650
I had already prepped for this
day by getting bags of potting
22
00:01:58,660 --> 00:02:04,290
soil and collecting newspapers
from my parents to contain the
23
00:02:04,300 --> 00:02:07,930
mess I'm bound to make during
this process.
24
00:02:09,270 --> 00:02:15,000
I think my backyard patio and
table are the perfect spot to
25
00:02:15,010 --> 00:02:19,170
host my seed planting this
spring.
26
00:02:19,180 --> 00:02:23,990
Sun is still mild enough that I
don't need to hide under the
27
00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:29,230
patio umbrella, which hasn't yet
been brought out for the season.
28
00:02:30,880 --> 00:02:34,850
For starters, I cover the
outdoor table with the
29
00:02:34,860 --> 00:02:40,990
newspaper, layering sheets until
the whole surface is filled with
30
00:02:41,000 --> 00:02:44,210
stories.
I giggle.
31
00:02:44,220 --> 00:02:49,070
I had a few of my favorite comic
strips that have been around
32
00:02:49,080 --> 00:02:54,310
since before I was born.
You know, the one about the cat
33
00:02:54,320 --> 00:02:57,470
who hates Mondays and loves
lasagna?
34
00:02:58,970 --> 00:03:02,440
The crossword puzzles are
impressively complete.
35
00:03:03,280 --> 00:03:09,250
Some pages have partial rings
from coffee cups, and one page
36
00:03:09,260 --> 00:03:13,690
is missing a window of space
where they'd cut out something
37
00:03:13,700 --> 00:03:18,370
interesting.
It seems to have been a recipe
38
00:03:18,380 --> 00:03:23,090
from their favorite column.
I wonder what it was and if they
39
00:03:23,100 --> 00:03:27,700
tried it yet.
I head back into the kitchen
40
00:03:27,710 --> 00:03:32,200
where the rest of my seed
packets are in the buffet drawer
41
00:03:32,250 --> 00:03:38,990
with the matches and tea lights.
Some are store bought, folded in
42
00:03:39,000 --> 00:03:44,070
their glossy paper with bright
pictures on the front and much
43
00:03:44,080 --> 00:03:46,810
appreciated directions on the
back.
44
00:03:48,400 --> 00:03:53,710
Others are saved in envelopes
I'd sealed and written on last
45
00:03:53,720 --> 00:03:57,980
fall.
Butternut squash that had grown
46
00:03:57,990 --> 00:04:04,350
up a wooden ladder against the
fence, sugar snap peas that had
47
00:04:04,360 --> 00:04:10,670
done well on the patio in big
pots and pumpkins, which yielded
48
00:04:10,680 --> 00:04:15,820
enough for Jack O lanterns and a
few pies around Thanksgiving.
49
00:04:17,560 --> 00:04:23,150
As good as growing my own plants
right from seed fields, saving
50
00:04:23,160 --> 00:04:27,850
seeds from those plants and
using them the following year
51
00:04:27,900 --> 00:04:32,980
feels even better.
Some of the trees are the egg
52
00:04:32,990 --> 00:04:38,480
curtains from my neighbor with
perfectly sized cells waiting to
53
00:04:38,490 --> 00:04:43,810
be reused.
I'm all for wearing gardening
54
00:04:43,820 --> 00:04:49,640
gloves at times, but today I get
my fingers dark with soil,
55
00:04:50,170 --> 00:04:52,840
knowing I can scrub them off
later.
56
00:04:54,070 --> 00:04:58,280
I fill each space in the
curtains with potting mix.
57
00:04:58,810 --> 00:05:05,010
The smell of the damp earth
rising upwards, noticing the
58
00:05:05,020 --> 00:05:10,400
quiet sounds that accompany me
is all part of the experience.
59
00:05:11,230 --> 00:05:16,350
The soft crinkle of the bag that
holds the soil, my hands
60
00:05:16,360 --> 00:05:20,690
crumbling the bigger chunks that
drop into the curtains and
61
00:05:20,700 --> 00:05:27,310
trays, and the birds never far
away, probably eyeing the black
62
00:05:27,320 --> 00:05:32,270
seeds beside me that will turn
into sunflowers throughout the
63
00:05:32,280 --> 00:05:37,010
summer.
I remember with the peas to soak
64
00:05:37,020 --> 00:05:42,610
them in some water for a few
days first, so I get their trays
65
00:05:42,620 --> 00:05:47,370
ready, but the soil will have to
wait while the peas begin to
66
00:05:47,380 --> 00:05:53,210
sprout their tiny tails.
Once a tray is filled with
67
00:05:53,220 --> 00:05:59,110
enough soil, I place a packet of
seeds beside it to mark which
68
00:05:59,120 --> 00:06:05,330
ones will be filled with what.
The butternut squash is first
69
00:06:05,400 --> 00:06:08,170
because it's the one I'm most
proud of.
70
00:06:09,090 --> 00:06:14,720
I haven't bought seeds for these
in years because the crop always
71
00:06:14,730 --> 00:06:20,080
does well and I can save so many
of the seeds for the following
72
00:06:20,090 --> 00:06:24,720
spring.
I like the size of the seeds.
73
00:06:25,250 --> 00:06:29,520
They're easy to handle and
difficult to lose between your
74
00:06:29,530 --> 00:06:33,920
fingers or be taken by a sudden
gust of wind.
75
00:06:35,540 --> 00:06:41,210
I place the seed into each cell
as gently as putting a sleeping
76
00:06:41,220 --> 00:06:46,760
puppy into their bed, whispering
to them in my mind.
77
00:06:46,970 --> 00:06:53,150
See you soon, little ones.
I scoop more soil up into my
78
00:06:53,160 --> 00:06:59,050
hands to cover them just enough
to keep them safe, not worrying
79
00:06:59,060 --> 00:07:04,510
about the dirt that spills over
the sides as the paper will help
80
00:07:04,520 --> 00:07:08,360
me gather it all to be used in
the final trays.
81
00:07:10,040 --> 00:07:15,220
I plant the pumpkins the same
way and then the ever dependable
82
00:07:15,230 --> 00:07:19,030
green beans.
They seemed to grow no matter
83
00:07:19,040 --> 00:07:23,190
what, as long as I pay a little
attention to them.
84
00:07:24,940 --> 00:07:29,550
Some of the other packets are
less familiar, so I'll need to
85
00:07:29,560 --> 00:07:33,870
pay closer attention to the
instructions jotted on the
86
00:07:33,880 --> 00:07:37,850
backs.
I picked them up from the seed
87
00:07:37,860 --> 00:07:42,710
exchange at the library.
The brown envelopes with
88
00:07:42,720 --> 00:07:47,540
handwriting in all capital
letters or beautiful cursive.
89
00:07:49,250 --> 00:07:54,240
At one of the cafes, they'd left
a box of seed packets near the
90
00:07:54,250 --> 00:07:59,130
napkin dispensers.
I took a few while waiting for
91
00:07:59,140 --> 00:08:04,650
my drink, drawn to names like
Calendula and Purple Carrot.
92
00:08:06,120 --> 00:08:11,720
Those go in to different trays.
The zinnias and calendula get
93
00:08:11,730 --> 00:08:16,580
the shallow ones.
I plant more than I should, more
94
00:08:16,590 --> 00:08:21,190
than I'll have space for, but
the abundance can be shared with
95
00:08:21,200 --> 00:08:26,040
friends and neighbors, just as
they do with their seedlings.
96
00:08:27,550 --> 00:08:32,840
But let us Seeds are like dust,
so fine I have to pinch them
97
00:08:32,850 --> 00:08:36,039
carefully, trying not to lose
any.
98
00:08:36,950 --> 00:08:41,919
I scatter a few extras, knowing
I'll thin them out if needed.
99
00:08:43,130 --> 00:08:49,340
I continue on enjoying each
repeated step, looking forward
100
00:08:49,350 --> 00:08:55,780
to using my tiny watering can to
keep them fed and happy while I
101
00:08:55,790 --> 00:09:08,660
wait starting seeds.
I've been out for a morning walk
102
00:09:08,710 --> 00:09:11,230
on the trail that reaches the
beach.
103
00:09:12,480 --> 00:09:18,360
I took a few breaths to match
the waves strolling in and out
104
00:09:18,580 --> 00:09:24,410
before heading back home.
As I came up to my neighbor's
105
00:09:24,420 --> 00:09:30,470
place, I saw that she was out at
her garden shed, all set up at
106
00:09:30,480 --> 00:09:35,650
her outdoor table to plant seeds
to start growing inside.
107
00:09:37,310 --> 00:09:42,920
I'd stopped in to say hello and
after chatting for a few minutes
108
00:09:42,970 --> 00:09:47,200
about the weather and how
excited we were about how the
109
00:09:47,210 --> 00:09:52,800
gardens will soon be coming to
life again, she had given me her
110
00:09:52,810 --> 00:09:57,690
extra egg curtains to do some
seed planting of my own.
111
00:09:58,960 --> 00:10:04,250
She'd also offered me some extra
seeds that she had more than
112
00:10:04,260 --> 00:10:10,520
enough of for her own use.
It's still fairly early as I
113
00:10:10,530 --> 00:10:13,580
arrive home and I like it that
way.
114
00:10:14,540 --> 00:10:20,430
My shoulders drop in relaxation
knowing that a bit of my day is
115
00:10:20,440 --> 00:10:25,220
now planned out.
I had already prepped for this
116
00:10:25,230 --> 00:10:31,340
day by getting bags of potting
soil and collecting newspapers
117
00:10:31,350 --> 00:10:36,300
from my parents to contain the
mess I'm bound to make during
118
00:10:36,310 --> 00:10:41,490
this process.
I think my backyard patio and
119
00:10:41,500 --> 00:10:48,120
table are the perfect spot to
host my seed planting this
120
00:10:48,130 --> 00:10:51,840
spring.
Sun is still mild enough that I
121
00:10:51,850 --> 00:10:56,600
don't need to hide under the
patio umbrella, which hasn't yet
122
00:10:56,610 --> 00:11:02,520
been brought out for the season.
For starters, I cover the
123
00:11:02,530 --> 00:11:08,120
outdoor table with the
newspaper, layering sheets until
124
00:11:08,130 --> 00:11:11,310
the whole surface is filled with
stories.
125
00:11:12,890 --> 00:11:16,120
I giggle.
I had a few of my favorite comic
126
00:11:16,130 --> 00:11:20,590
strips that have been around
since before I was born.
127
00:11:21,570 --> 00:11:26,120
You know, the one about the cat
who hates Mondays and loves
128
00:11:26,130 --> 00:11:30,310
lasagna?
The crossword puzzles are
129
00:11:30,320 --> 00:11:35,660
impressively complete.
Some pages have partial rings
130
00:11:35,670 --> 00:11:41,140
from coffee cups, and one page
is missing a window of space
131
00:11:41,430 --> 00:11:44,340
where they'd cut out something
interesting.
132
00:11:45,420 --> 00:11:49,710
It seems to have been a recipe
from their favorite column.
133
00:11:50,300 --> 00:11:53,660
I wonder what it was and if they
tried it yet.
134
00:11:55,030 --> 00:11:58,900
I head back into the kitchen
where the rest of my seed
135
00:11:58,910 --> 00:12:04,430
packets are in the buffet drawer
with the matches and tea lights.
136
00:12:05,590 --> 00:12:10,840
Some are store bought, folded in
their glossy paper with bright
137
00:12:10,850 --> 00:12:15,940
pictures on the front and much
appreciated directions on the
138
00:12:15,950 --> 00:12:20,660
back.
Others are saved in envelopes
139
00:12:20,730 --> 00:12:23,730
I'd sealed and written on last
fall.
140
00:12:24,920 --> 00:12:29,930
Butternut squash that had grown
up a wooden ladder against the
141
00:12:29,940 --> 00:12:36,620
fence, sugar snap peas that had
done well on the patio in big
142
00:12:36,630 --> 00:12:42,800
pots and pumpkins, which yielded
enough for Jack O lanterns and a
143
00:12:42,810 --> 00:12:49,620
few pies around Thanksgiving.
As good as growing my own plants
144
00:12:49,630 --> 00:12:55,100
right from seed fields, saving
seeds from those plants and
145
00:12:55,110 --> 00:12:58,970
using them the following year
feels even better.
146
00:13:00,530 --> 00:13:05,080
Some of the trees are the egg
curtains from my neighbor with
147
00:13:05,090 --> 00:13:09,420
perfectly sized cells waiting to
be reused.
148
00:13:10,980 --> 00:13:16,650
I'm all for wearing gardening
gloves at times, but today I get
149
00:13:16,660 --> 00:13:21,790
my fingers dark with soil,
knowing I can scrub them off
150
00:13:21,800 --> 00:13:25,680
later.
I fill each space in the
151
00:13:25,690 --> 00:13:30,580
curtains with potting mix.
The smell of the damp earth
152
00:13:30,590 --> 00:13:37,340
rising upwards, noticing the
quiet sounds that accompany me
153
00:13:37,390 --> 00:13:43,180
is all part of the experience.
The soft crinkle of the bag that
154
00:13:43,190 --> 00:13:48,110
holds the soil, my hands
crumbling the bigger chunks that
155
00:13:48,120 --> 00:13:53,900
drop into the curtains and
trays, and the birds never far
156
00:13:53,910 --> 00:13:59,700
away, probably eyeing the black
seeds beside me that will turn
157
00:13:59,710 --> 00:14:02,340
into sunflowers throughout the
summer.
158
00:14:03,730 --> 00:14:08,780
I remember with the peas to soak
them in some water for a few
159
00:14:08,790 --> 00:14:14,680
days first, so I get their trays
ready, but the soil will have to
160
00:14:14,690 --> 00:14:19,180
wait while the peas begin to
sprout their tiny tails.
161
00:14:20,680 --> 00:14:25,910
Once a tray is filled with
enough soil, I place a packet of
162
00:14:25,920 --> 00:14:30,800
seeds beside it to mark which
ones will be filled with what.
163
00:14:32,310 --> 00:14:37,000
The butternut squash is first
because it's the one I'm most
164
00:14:37,010 --> 00:14:41,190
proud of.
I haven't bought seeds for these
165
00:14:41,200 --> 00:14:47,470
in years because the crop always
does well and I can save so many
166
00:14:47,480 --> 00:14:50,270
of the seeds for the following
spring.
167
00:14:51,760 --> 00:14:56,910
I like the size of the seeds.
They're easy to handle and
168
00:14:56,920 --> 00:15:02,090
difficult to lose between your
fingers or be taken by a sudden
169
00:15:02,100 --> 00:15:08,130
gust of wind.
I place the seed into each cell
170
00:15:08,200 --> 00:15:14,400
as gently as putting a sleeping
puppy into their bed, whispering
171
00:15:14,410 --> 00:15:18,470
to them in my mind.
See you soon, little ones.
172
00:15:20,090 --> 00:15:25,480
I scoop more soil up into my
hands to cover them just enough
173
00:15:25,490 --> 00:15:30,870
to keep them safe, not worrying
about the dirt that spills over
174
00:15:30,880 --> 00:15:36,490
the sides as the paper will help
me gather it all to be used in
175
00:15:36,500 --> 00:15:41,820
the final trays.
I plant the pumpkins the same
176
00:15:41,830 --> 00:15:45,920
way, and then the ever
dependable green beans.
177
00:15:46,630 --> 00:15:51,380
They seem to grow no matter
what, as long as I pay a little
178
00:15:51,390 --> 00:15:56,490
attention to them.
Some of the other packets are
179
00:15:56,500 --> 00:16:01,310
less familiar, so I'll need to
pay closer attention to the
180
00:16:01,320 --> 00:16:04,010
instructions jotted on the
backs.
181
00:16:05,310 --> 00:16:09,760
I picked them up from the seed
exchange at the library.
182
00:16:10,290 --> 00:16:14,520
The brown envelopes with
handwriting in all capital
183
00:16:14,530 --> 00:16:21,430
letters or beautiful cursive.
At one of the cafes, they'd left
184
00:16:21,440 --> 00:16:25,400
a box of seed packets near the
napkin dispensers.
185
00:16:26,510 --> 00:16:31,630
I took a few while waiting for
my drink, drawn to names like
186
00:16:31,640 --> 00:16:38,120
Calendula and Purple Carrot.
Those go in to different trays.
187
00:16:38,530 --> 00:16:42,600
The zinnias and calendula get
the shallow ones.
188
00:16:43,190 --> 00:16:48,590
I plant more than I should, more
than I'll have space for, but
189
00:16:48,600 --> 00:16:53,520
the abundance can be shared with
friends and neighbors just as
190
00:16:53,530 --> 00:16:59,830
they do with their seedlings.
The lettuce seeds are like dust,
191
00:17:00,060 --> 00:17:05,190
so fine I have to pinch them
carefully, trying not to lose
192
00:17:05,200 --> 00:17:09,349
any.
I scatter a few extras, knowing
193
00:17:09,359 --> 00:17:15,849
I'll thin them out if needed.
I continue on enjoying each
194
00:17:15,859 --> 00:17:22,319
repeated step, looking forward
to using my tiny watering can to
195
00:17:22,329 --> 00:17:25,819
keep them fed and happy while I
wait.
196
00:17:28,329 --> 00:17:31,000
I wish you sweet dreams.
00:00:02,029 --> 00:00:07,620
Welcome to The Slow Life, a
village filled with cozy stories
2
00:00:07,630 --> 00:00:12,810
for everyone.
I'll read this story 2 times to
3
00:00:12,820 --> 00:00:17,530
help you zone out or even fall
asleep during the second
4
00:00:17,540 --> 00:00:23,250
reading.
This story is called Starting
5
00:00:23,260 --> 00:00:29,150
Seeds and it's about a generous
neighbor, a cat who loves
6
00:00:29,160 --> 00:00:33,070
lasagna and noticing quiet
sounds.
7
00:00:36,600 --> 00:00:41,110
I've been out for a morning walk
on the trail that reaches the
8
00:00:41,120 --> 00:00:45,320
beach.
I took a few breaths to match
9
00:00:45,330 --> 00:00:51,140
the waves strolling in and out
before heading back home.
10
00:00:52,520 --> 00:00:57,710
As I came up to my neighbor's
place, I saw that she was out at
11
00:00:57,720 --> 00:01:04,069
her garden shed, all set up at
her outdoor table to plant seeds
12
00:01:04,080 --> 00:01:10,830
to start growing inside.
I'd stopped in to say hello and
13
00:01:10,840 --> 00:01:15,460
after chatting for a few minutes
about the weather and how
14
00:01:15,470 --> 00:01:19,850
excited we were about how the
gardens will soon be coming to
15
00:01:19,860 --> 00:01:25,870
life again, she had given me her
extra egg curtains to do some
16
00:01:25,880 --> 00:01:32,200
seed planting of my own.
She'd also offered me some extra
17
00:01:32,210 --> 00:01:37,160
seeds that she had more than
enough of for her own use.
18
00:01:38,500 --> 00:01:43,630
It's still fairly early as I
arrive home and I like it that
19
00:01:43,640 --> 00:01:48,310
way.
My shoulders drop in relaxation
20
00:01:48,620 --> 00:01:52,250
knowing that a bit of my day is
now planned out.
21
00:01:53,620 --> 00:01:58,650
I had already prepped for this
day by getting bags of potting
22
00:01:58,660 --> 00:02:04,290
soil and collecting newspapers
from my parents to contain the
23
00:02:04,300 --> 00:02:07,930
mess I'm bound to make during
this process.
24
00:02:09,270 --> 00:02:15,000
I think my backyard patio and
table are the perfect spot to
25
00:02:15,010 --> 00:02:19,170
host my seed planting this
spring.
26
00:02:19,180 --> 00:02:23,990
Sun is still mild enough that I
don't need to hide under the
27
00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:29,230
patio umbrella, which hasn't yet
been brought out for the season.
28
00:02:30,880 --> 00:02:34,850
For starters, I cover the
outdoor table with the
29
00:02:34,860 --> 00:02:40,990
newspaper, layering sheets until
the whole surface is filled with
30
00:02:41,000 --> 00:02:44,210
stories.
I giggle.
31
00:02:44,220 --> 00:02:49,070
I had a few of my favorite comic
strips that have been around
32
00:02:49,080 --> 00:02:54,310
since before I was born.
You know, the one about the cat
33
00:02:54,320 --> 00:02:57,470
who hates Mondays and loves
lasagna?
34
00:02:58,970 --> 00:03:02,440
The crossword puzzles are
impressively complete.
35
00:03:03,280 --> 00:03:09,250
Some pages have partial rings
from coffee cups, and one page
36
00:03:09,260 --> 00:03:13,690
is missing a window of space
where they'd cut out something
37
00:03:13,700 --> 00:03:18,370
interesting.
It seems to have been a recipe
38
00:03:18,380 --> 00:03:23,090
from their favorite column.
I wonder what it was and if they
39
00:03:23,100 --> 00:03:27,700
tried it yet.
I head back into the kitchen
40
00:03:27,710 --> 00:03:32,200
where the rest of my seed
packets are in the buffet drawer
41
00:03:32,250 --> 00:03:38,990
with the matches and tea lights.
Some are store bought, folded in
42
00:03:39,000 --> 00:03:44,070
their glossy paper with bright
pictures on the front and much
43
00:03:44,080 --> 00:03:46,810
appreciated directions on the
back.
44
00:03:48,400 --> 00:03:53,710
Others are saved in envelopes
I'd sealed and written on last
45
00:03:53,720 --> 00:03:57,980
fall.
Butternut squash that had grown
46
00:03:57,990 --> 00:04:04,350
up a wooden ladder against the
fence, sugar snap peas that had
47
00:04:04,360 --> 00:04:10,670
done well on the patio in big
pots and pumpkins, which yielded
48
00:04:10,680 --> 00:04:15,820
enough for Jack O lanterns and a
few pies around Thanksgiving.
49
00:04:17,560 --> 00:04:23,150
As good as growing my own plants
right from seed fields, saving
50
00:04:23,160 --> 00:04:27,850
seeds from those plants and
using them the following year
51
00:04:27,900 --> 00:04:32,980
feels even better.
Some of the trees are the egg
52
00:04:32,990 --> 00:04:38,480
curtains from my neighbor with
perfectly sized cells waiting to
53
00:04:38,490 --> 00:04:43,810
be reused.
I'm all for wearing gardening
54
00:04:43,820 --> 00:04:49,640
gloves at times, but today I get
my fingers dark with soil,
55
00:04:50,170 --> 00:04:52,840
knowing I can scrub them off
later.
56
00:04:54,070 --> 00:04:58,280
I fill each space in the
curtains with potting mix.
57
00:04:58,810 --> 00:05:05,010
The smell of the damp earth
rising upwards, noticing the
58
00:05:05,020 --> 00:05:10,400
quiet sounds that accompany me
is all part of the experience.
59
00:05:11,230 --> 00:05:16,350
The soft crinkle of the bag that
holds the soil, my hands
60
00:05:16,360 --> 00:05:20,690
crumbling the bigger chunks that
drop into the curtains and
61
00:05:20,700 --> 00:05:27,310
trays, and the birds never far
away, probably eyeing the black
62
00:05:27,320 --> 00:05:32,270
seeds beside me that will turn
into sunflowers throughout the
63
00:05:32,280 --> 00:05:37,010
summer.
I remember with the peas to soak
64
00:05:37,020 --> 00:05:42,610
them in some water for a few
days first, so I get their trays
65
00:05:42,620 --> 00:05:47,370
ready, but the soil will have to
wait while the peas begin to
66
00:05:47,380 --> 00:05:53,210
sprout their tiny tails.
Once a tray is filled with
67
00:05:53,220 --> 00:05:59,110
enough soil, I place a packet of
seeds beside it to mark which
68
00:05:59,120 --> 00:06:05,330
ones will be filled with what.
The butternut squash is first
69
00:06:05,400 --> 00:06:08,170
because it's the one I'm most
proud of.
70
00:06:09,090 --> 00:06:14,720
I haven't bought seeds for these
in years because the crop always
71
00:06:14,730 --> 00:06:20,080
does well and I can save so many
of the seeds for the following
72
00:06:20,090 --> 00:06:24,720
spring.
I like the size of the seeds.
73
00:06:25,250 --> 00:06:29,520
They're easy to handle and
difficult to lose between your
74
00:06:29,530 --> 00:06:33,920
fingers or be taken by a sudden
gust of wind.
75
00:06:35,540 --> 00:06:41,210
I place the seed into each cell
as gently as putting a sleeping
76
00:06:41,220 --> 00:06:46,760
puppy into their bed, whispering
to them in my mind.
77
00:06:46,970 --> 00:06:53,150
See you soon, little ones.
I scoop more soil up into my
78
00:06:53,160 --> 00:06:59,050
hands to cover them just enough
to keep them safe, not worrying
79
00:06:59,060 --> 00:07:04,510
about the dirt that spills over
the sides as the paper will help
80
00:07:04,520 --> 00:07:08,360
me gather it all to be used in
the final trays.
81
00:07:10,040 --> 00:07:15,220
I plant the pumpkins the same
way and then the ever dependable
82
00:07:15,230 --> 00:07:19,030
green beans.
They seemed to grow no matter
83
00:07:19,040 --> 00:07:23,190
what, as long as I pay a little
attention to them.
84
00:07:24,940 --> 00:07:29,550
Some of the other packets are
less familiar, so I'll need to
85
00:07:29,560 --> 00:07:33,870
pay closer attention to the
instructions jotted on the
86
00:07:33,880 --> 00:07:37,850
backs.
I picked them up from the seed
87
00:07:37,860 --> 00:07:42,710
exchange at the library.
The brown envelopes with
88
00:07:42,720 --> 00:07:47,540
handwriting in all capital
letters or beautiful cursive.
89
00:07:49,250 --> 00:07:54,240
At one of the cafes, they'd left
a box of seed packets near the
90
00:07:54,250 --> 00:07:59,130
napkin dispensers.
I took a few while waiting for
91
00:07:59,140 --> 00:08:04,650
my drink, drawn to names like
Calendula and Purple Carrot.
92
00:08:06,120 --> 00:08:11,720
Those go in to different trays.
The zinnias and calendula get
93
00:08:11,730 --> 00:08:16,580
the shallow ones.
I plant more than I should, more
94
00:08:16,590 --> 00:08:21,190
than I'll have space for, but
the abundance can be shared with
95
00:08:21,200 --> 00:08:26,040
friends and neighbors, just as
they do with their seedlings.
96
00:08:27,550 --> 00:08:32,840
But let us Seeds are like dust,
so fine I have to pinch them
97
00:08:32,850 --> 00:08:36,039
carefully, trying not to lose
any.
98
00:08:36,950 --> 00:08:41,919
I scatter a few extras, knowing
I'll thin them out if needed.
99
00:08:43,130 --> 00:08:49,340
I continue on enjoying each
repeated step, looking forward
100
00:08:49,350 --> 00:08:55,780
to using my tiny watering can to
keep them fed and happy while I
101
00:08:55,790 --> 00:09:08,660
wait starting seeds.
I've been out for a morning walk
102
00:09:08,710 --> 00:09:11,230
on the trail that reaches the
beach.
103
00:09:12,480 --> 00:09:18,360
I took a few breaths to match
the waves strolling in and out
104
00:09:18,580 --> 00:09:24,410
before heading back home.
As I came up to my neighbor's
105
00:09:24,420 --> 00:09:30,470
place, I saw that she was out at
her garden shed, all set up at
106
00:09:30,480 --> 00:09:35,650
her outdoor table to plant seeds
to start growing inside.
107
00:09:37,310 --> 00:09:42,920
I'd stopped in to say hello and
after chatting for a few minutes
108
00:09:42,970 --> 00:09:47,200
about the weather and how
excited we were about how the
109
00:09:47,210 --> 00:09:52,800
gardens will soon be coming to
life again, she had given me her
110
00:09:52,810 --> 00:09:57,690
extra egg curtains to do some
seed planting of my own.
111
00:09:58,960 --> 00:10:04,250
She'd also offered me some extra
seeds that she had more than
112
00:10:04,260 --> 00:10:10,520
enough of for her own use.
It's still fairly early as I
113
00:10:10,530 --> 00:10:13,580
arrive home and I like it that
way.
114
00:10:14,540 --> 00:10:20,430
My shoulders drop in relaxation
knowing that a bit of my day is
115
00:10:20,440 --> 00:10:25,220
now planned out.
I had already prepped for this
116
00:10:25,230 --> 00:10:31,340
day by getting bags of potting
soil and collecting newspapers
117
00:10:31,350 --> 00:10:36,300
from my parents to contain the
mess I'm bound to make during
118
00:10:36,310 --> 00:10:41,490
this process.
I think my backyard patio and
119
00:10:41,500 --> 00:10:48,120
table are the perfect spot to
host my seed planting this
120
00:10:48,130 --> 00:10:51,840
spring.
Sun is still mild enough that I
121
00:10:51,850 --> 00:10:56,600
don't need to hide under the
patio umbrella, which hasn't yet
122
00:10:56,610 --> 00:11:02,520
been brought out for the season.
For starters, I cover the
123
00:11:02,530 --> 00:11:08,120
outdoor table with the
newspaper, layering sheets until
124
00:11:08,130 --> 00:11:11,310
the whole surface is filled with
stories.
125
00:11:12,890 --> 00:11:16,120
I giggle.
I had a few of my favorite comic
126
00:11:16,130 --> 00:11:20,590
strips that have been around
since before I was born.
127
00:11:21,570 --> 00:11:26,120
You know, the one about the cat
who hates Mondays and loves
128
00:11:26,130 --> 00:11:30,310
lasagna?
The crossword puzzles are
129
00:11:30,320 --> 00:11:35,660
impressively complete.
Some pages have partial rings
130
00:11:35,670 --> 00:11:41,140
from coffee cups, and one page
is missing a window of space
131
00:11:41,430 --> 00:11:44,340
where they'd cut out something
interesting.
132
00:11:45,420 --> 00:11:49,710
It seems to have been a recipe
from their favorite column.
133
00:11:50,300 --> 00:11:53,660
I wonder what it was and if they
tried it yet.
134
00:11:55,030 --> 00:11:58,900
I head back into the kitchen
where the rest of my seed
135
00:11:58,910 --> 00:12:04,430
packets are in the buffet drawer
with the matches and tea lights.
136
00:12:05,590 --> 00:12:10,840
Some are store bought, folded in
their glossy paper with bright
137
00:12:10,850 --> 00:12:15,940
pictures on the front and much
appreciated directions on the
138
00:12:15,950 --> 00:12:20,660
back.
Others are saved in envelopes
139
00:12:20,730 --> 00:12:23,730
I'd sealed and written on last
fall.
140
00:12:24,920 --> 00:12:29,930
Butternut squash that had grown
up a wooden ladder against the
141
00:12:29,940 --> 00:12:36,620
fence, sugar snap peas that had
done well on the patio in big
142
00:12:36,630 --> 00:12:42,800
pots and pumpkins, which yielded
enough for Jack O lanterns and a
143
00:12:42,810 --> 00:12:49,620
few pies around Thanksgiving.
As good as growing my own plants
144
00:12:49,630 --> 00:12:55,100
right from seed fields, saving
seeds from those plants and
145
00:12:55,110 --> 00:12:58,970
using them the following year
feels even better.
146
00:13:00,530 --> 00:13:05,080
Some of the trees are the egg
curtains from my neighbor with
147
00:13:05,090 --> 00:13:09,420
perfectly sized cells waiting to
be reused.
148
00:13:10,980 --> 00:13:16,650
I'm all for wearing gardening
gloves at times, but today I get
149
00:13:16,660 --> 00:13:21,790
my fingers dark with soil,
knowing I can scrub them off
150
00:13:21,800 --> 00:13:25,680
later.
I fill each space in the
151
00:13:25,690 --> 00:13:30,580
curtains with potting mix.
The smell of the damp earth
152
00:13:30,590 --> 00:13:37,340
rising upwards, noticing the
quiet sounds that accompany me
153
00:13:37,390 --> 00:13:43,180
is all part of the experience.
The soft crinkle of the bag that
154
00:13:43,190 --> 00:13:48,110
holds the soil, my hands
crumbling the bigger chunks that
155
00:13:48,120 --> 00:13:53,900
drop into the curtains and
trays, and the birds never far
156
00:13:53,910 --> 00:13:59,700
away, probably eyeing the black
seeds beside me that will turn
157
00:13:59,710 --> 00:14:02,340
into sunflowers throughout the
summer.
158
00:14:03,730 --> 00:14:08,780
I remember with the peas to soak
them in some water for a few
159
00:14:08,790 --> 00:14:14,680
days first, so I get their trays
ready, but the soil will have to
160
00:14:14,690 --> 00:14:19,180
wait while the peas begin to
sprout their tiny tails.
161
00:14:20,680 --> 00:14:25,910
Once a tray is filled with
enough soil, I place a packet of
162
00:14:25,920 --> 00:14:30,800
seeds beside it to mark which
ones will be filled with what.
163
00:14:32,310 --> 00:14:37,000
The butternut squash is first
because it's the one I'm most
164
00:14:37,010 --> 00:14:41,190
proud of.
I haven't bought seeds for these
165
00:14:41,200 --> 00:14:47,470
in years because the crop always
does well and I can save so many
166
00:14:47,480 --> 00:14:50,270
of the seeds for the following
spring.
167
00:14:51,760 --> 00:14:56,910
I like the size of the seeds.
They're easy to handle and
168
00:14:56,920 --> 00:15:02,090
difficult to lose between your
fingers or be taken by a sudden
169
00:15:02,100 --> 00:15:08,130
gust of wind.
I place the seed into each cell
170
00:15:08,200 --> 00:15:14,400
as gently as putting a sleeping
puppy into their bed, whispering
171
00:15:14,410 --> 00:15:18,470
to them in my mind.
See you soon, little ones.
172
00:15:20,090 --> 00:15:25,480
I scoop more soil up into my
hands to cover them just enough
173
00:15:25,490 --> 00:15:30,870
to keep them safe, not worrying
about the dirt that spills over
174
00:15:30,880 --> 00:15:36,490
the sides as the paper will help
me gather it all to be used in
175
00:15:36,500 --> 00:15:41,820
the final trays.
I plant the pumpkins the same
176
00:15:41,830 --> 00:15:45,920
way, and then the ever
dependable green beans.
177
00:15:46,630 --> 00:15:51,380
They seem to grow no matter
what, as long as I pay a little
178
00:15:51,390 --> 00:15:56,490
attention to them.
Some of the other packets are
179
00:15:56,500 --> 00:16:01,310
less familiar, so I'll need to
pay closer attention to the
180
00:16:01,320 --> 00:16:04,010
instructions jotted on the
backs.
181
00:16:05,310 --> 00:16:09,760
I picked them up from the seed
exchange at the library.
182
00:16:10,290 --> 00:16:14,520
The brown envelopes with
handwriting in all capital
183
00:16:14,530 --> 00:16:21,430
letters or beautiful cursive.
At one of the cafes, they'd left
184
00:16:21,440 --> 00:16:25,400
a box of seed packets near the
napkin dispensers.
185
00:16:26,510 --> 00:16:31,630
I took a few while waiting for
my drink, drawn to names like
186
00:16:31,640 --> 00:16:38,120
Calendula and Purple Carrot.
Those go in to different trays.
187
00:16:38,530 --> 00:16:42,600
The zinnias and calendula get
the shallow ones.
188
00:16:43,190 --> 00:16:48,590
I plant more than I should, more
than I'll have space for, but
189
00:16:48,600 --> 00:16:53,520
the abundance can be shared with
friends and neighbors just as
190
00:16:53,530 --> 00:16:59,830
they do with their seedlings.
The lettuce seeds are like dust,
191
00:17:00,060 --> 00:17:05,190
so fine I have to pinch them
carefully, trying not to lose
192
00:17:05,200 --> 00:17:09,349
any.
I scatter a few extras, knowing
193
00:17:09,359 --> 00:17:15,849
I'll thin them out if needed.
I continue on enjoying each
194
00:17:15,859 --> 00:17:22,319
repeated step, looking forward
to using my tiny watering can to
195
00:17:22,329 --> 00:17:25,819
keep them fed and happy while I
wait.
196
00:17:28,329 --> 00:17:31,000
I wish you sweet dreams.
