Greener Pastures

“The grass is always greener over the septic tank.”

Erma Bombeck

The photos above are a random selection of landscapes from my travels thus far. As of this week, I’ve traveled 7754 miles in 46 days to 22 states. I’m heading back to Colorado to catch up on the two graduate classes I’m currently taking (finding reliable WiFi has proven to be a challenge), read my mail, wash my vehicles, and refuel for my next adventure. While in town, I’ll be crossing another item off of my bucket list, as I will be volunteering at the dunk tank during the community festival.

At my parents’ cabin, I can attest to the humorous quotation that the grass is always greener over the septic tank. There are several “grass is greener” statements that range from ridiculous to profound. We may laugh at Erma Bombeck’s words while silently contemplating a series of scenarios that would take us over the fence where the grass appears greener: A move to a new house because bigger seems better; a different spouse because someone else’s spouse seems (you fill in the blank); and so on. Perhaps there are times when jumping the fence makes the most sense, but I often question how many who do make the jump are happier as a result. We all have “views” of greener pastures, per se. However, I have discovered that you may think that the grass is greener on the other side, but if you take the time to water your own grass, it will be just as green.

I’ve traveled to many places within the past several years and have seen some of the most beautiful landscapes, U.S. National Parks, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I’ve met generous, loving people who made leaving nearly impossible. Throughout my life, I’ve lived in over a dozen homes in ten different towns. I’ve held several types of jobs in and out of the field of education. I’ve seen my share of greener pastures, but always preferred my own regardless of where that may physically be located. Today, my pasture is lush and green.

I’ll head out again soon on another jaunt before I have to report to work in early August where I will show up with my watering can in hand to ensure the grass in which I stand remains green, as my students continue to educate and inspire me.