As an SJ, I typically rely on experience, tradition, and historical perspectives for guidance in my
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| The "Beginning" of a Colorful Year! |
present. We are not often considered to be "forward thinking" individuals, unless we are planning logistically.
However, when it comes to some of the tangible experiences that we SJs like to appreciate with our very much-used five senses (which we rely on to experience the world around us and gather information), looking ahead is sometimes absolutely necessary. And looking forward requires a lot of faith and hope, also two qualities we are not known for. (Unfortunately, we have a tendency to be rather pessimistic.)
In the years since we moved into our current home, I have purchased native Colorado wildflower seeds to scatter near our home and bulbs to naturalize in the hope of adding some color and beauty to our view during the "flowering" seasons of our Rocky Mountain location. It was necessary to purchase the seeds for the correct planting year, which required planning -- something SJs are known for. It also required planting the seeds and bulbs in early November with the HOPE that we would have enough snow or rain in the spring to help them germinate.
Snows increase my anticipation each May, which is when we hope to see the first flowers reach the point of revealing their splendor.
Ah, spring! A season of sensual ecstasy for the gardener! My dad was a gardener and also an SJ. However, his gardening was of a more "practical" nature (so he said). He found no usefulness in a flower garden. "One can't feed a family with flowers, so why use the time and effort to grow flowers?" he said. You'd think he was a pragmatic NT, but he was the same type SJ that I am. And he became just as excited over his cucumbers, beans, and tomatoes as I do over my flowers.
When the first bluebirds return to our favorite hiking trail, I know spring will soon overtake winter and I can hardly wait until early May when I can fill my pots (the extent of our suburban town home "garden") with annuals to brighten our entry! (One "disadvantage" to living in the Rocky Mountains is you must wait until after Mother's Day to plant annuals or you risk a late frost killing them. Guess what I want — and get — for Mother's Day! My plants to fill my pot garden!)
Each year we spend many enjoyable days overlooking the grassy hill before us and enjoying the emergence of the wildflowers.
This SJ "looks forward" to May! June! July! August! September! October!
