Dear Lawn Guy who pulled over to hand his business card out the window while I was mowing the lawn,
First off, it’s seems like bad etiquette to pull over and interrupt a woman while she is in her groove, mowing the lawn, listening to her book. You rolled down your window to to tell me you mow lawns, business card out the window, expecting me to stop what I’m doing to accommodate you.
I had no pocket for your card, so I tucked it under a bush until I could fin
d a recycling bin. Leave it on my door or in my mailbox, but don’t stop me mid-mow. Would you have interrupted my husband to hand out your card? I doubt it.
I don’t need saving from the lawn mower. You’ll find me out here every Saturday morning; wearing my big brimmed hat, and sweating an embarrassing quantity of sweat.
Sure, the yard is daunting. Yes, my husband could mow it faster. But every Saturday I put on my hat, secure my headphones, and conquer the lawn.
I immerse myself in a story for a couple of hours and enjoy uninterrupted alone time. When I mow, I listen to a whole new type of story; psychological thrillers and podcasts that keep me guessing. I’ve discovered books I never would have picked up before.
I am so immersed in the narrative, I forget that the auto function is broken on the mower and I lose sight of how much lawn I’ve yet to mow. I forget all the reasons why I look like a woman you should rescue with your lawn services.
Mowing the lawn leaves me feeling energized and exhausted all at once. I look forward to it and I think I’m even getting better at. I don’t plan on giving up anytime soon.
So, next time you see me red faced and sweating behind that mower, just keep driving. Maybe give me a wave. If I’m not too caught up in my story, I just might wave back.
Sincerely,
Lawn Lady
Dear Lawn Guy: My Lawn Mowing Play List
What I listened to in a summer of lawn mowing, gardening, and cleaning
Podcasts
Episodes 1 – 21 in A Year of Polygamy Podcast
Episodes 1 – 3 of Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History
Books
An Audible Membership helps you listen to those audio books always checked out or missing altogether at your local library.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy
Current Listen: The Woman Upstairs
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