When the garden is withering, it’s time for a fresh approach
A man recently passed away, leaving a huge community garden over which he had been caretaker. These crops were once the main supplier to the local farmers market, but in his old age, the garden had been become neglected.
This new caretaker went straight to work to make the garden better than ever. He bought extra fertilizer, trucking in so much that the ground was completely covered. He planted seeds, but nothing sprouted.
A neighbor, longing for the fresh vegetables that he used to buy, approached the caretaker. “You’re over-fertilizing; you’re burning the seeds,” he said. The caretaker ignored him, and the following year he installed a well and irrigation lines. He left the water on continuously; the ground was always wet. He added another truckload of fertilizer. Still, nothing grew. He experimented by buying fewer seeds and cutting them in half, hoping to get as many plants with half the seeds.
The neighbor kept trying to explain to the caretaker why the garden wasn’t producing. Once the neighbor reached over and turned off the water. The caretaker became angry, and told everyone in town that this neighbor was killing the crops. The people believed him; why wouldn’t they? They never bothered to look for themselves. The town later blamed the “crazy, extremist” neighbor when the farmer’s market eventually closed. The garden itself waited patiently, hoping to one day be restored it to its former glory.
This garden is our country. President Obama and his team are the new caretakers. The seeds are the ideas and dreams of American ingenuity. The stimulus package over-fertilized our economy. Excessive regulations have drowned business growth. The Fed’s printing of money created “extra” money, but the money is worth less. The crazy neighbor? You know him better as “We, the people” of the Tea Party.
— Steve Pender
Rockwell
Yes, Rowan has talent!
My wife and I decided to take in the arts. So off we were to the Norvell with grandsons in tow to see “Grease.” Yes, folks, Rowan has a lot of great young talent to assure future first class productions.
After “Grease” we felt a little more “artsy,” so we got Meroney tickets to see “The Prisoner of Second Avenue” written by Neil Simon. Now he is a writer of great repute, having written several rave-reviewed plays that were made into hit movies. But, a great play can be a flop, if the actors are lacking in the theatrical flair.
Guess what? You got it … we were treated to a fantastic presentation of the play. Yes, Rowan has talent !
The lead actor, the Literary Bookpost’s Gary Thornburg, was absolutely superb. When we lived up North, my wife and I had the chance to see a few plays on Broadway, and I swear (sorry, Mom) he was clearly equal to any acting we saw there. Gary WAS his character Mel; you laughed at the “funnies” and felt real empathy for a man down on his luck (unemployment) as many in our current recession are experiencing. Honestly, folks, I could see Mr. Thornburg starring in this play on Broadway. (Bye, Gary.)
Sunny Boone, who played Mel’s wife Edna, was also great in her portrayal of a helpful wife trying to keep the couple financed and keeping her husband from “going crazy.” She, too, is a bright spot in Rowan’s talented theatrical troupe.
Sometimes we fail to see the forest for the trees.
Looking for something special to do for an evening? See you at talent laden “live theater” in downtown Salisbury!
— Ty Cobb Jr.
Rockwell