Digging Out A Stump

This has been the view from my back window for the last several months. My two beautiful California Lilacs succumbed to the snow and ice this last winter. As spring approached I really hoped they would bounce back. But alas, turns out Californians don't appreciate snow. I was super sad as these two plants were gifts so for a few months I refused to face reality and left the sticks in the dirt. Finally I decided they were beyond saving and my spouse chopped them down. Our yard debris bin was overflowing. 

We bought this cheerful banana tree at the home and garden show and hauled it home with this cheerful girl. 

Before we could plant the new tree I had to tackle the stump. Let me rephrase. My husband offered to tackle the stump but I wanted to take on the challenge. I was in a funk and I know something about myself - a huge does of hard physical work usually restores my mental cheer. 

It was hard.  

Really hard. 

The roots were intertwined and the dirt had hardened into the clay concrete typical of the Pacific Northwest.  Intertwined roots in clay concrete. No wonder it was difficult. 

About halfway through the process I figured out I react very similarly when change hits my life. I don't like change. I fight, I don't move, I dig in and hold still. Problem is not being willing to bend or flex is a good way to die. And insisting on keeping things the same never allows for new life. 

I got the stump out. 

I like our new plant.  As I look at this photo I'm noticing we need a new fence....change is inevitable.  I'm learning to flex.