The Short Row
Ah, summertime, sweltering heat and harvesting, where sweat soaked clothes and hair cling to the body is a farming fashion statement. And let us not forget those must have accessories, the grass burrs. Why do it? Two reasons. One, I like fresh veggies and two, I’ve trained for this my entire life. I was born into a farm family and have heard so many times growing up that there would come a day when I’d appreciate knowing how to feed myself. And with the skyrocketing prices at the supermarket, I am thankful every day for the education. It’s hard work, but again, I was trained from birth about hard work and getting the job done.
It is that work ethic instilled in me by my parents that I carry into writing. Believe me there are times, especially when I am trying to figure out a twist in the plot or having to delete a whole chapter because it is not working that I ask, why do this to yourself. Then I hear those two voices echoing from the past. “We’re on the short row. All we like is finishing up.”
Whether I pick peas or pick verbs it is all about seeing it through and rewarded with the fruits of my labor.