And you thought you had it rough!

Througout the years, I have planted a few trees. When I do, I try to follow the instructions on how big and deep the hole should be, how much soil conditioner is needed, and how often I should water.

Most of the trees survive and eventually grow up. One or two have not. I guess that's the odds.

On a walk in the mountains today, I saw a huge Pine tree that seemingly grew right out from the rock upon which it sat. The roots wrapped around like tenticles and held to the rock and to life tight.

I wondered what would be said if I asked the nursey about planting a seedling on top of a granite boulder. I doubt they would recommend it. Yet there in front of me was a living example that it could work.

Looking at the tree, I had two thoughts. Although I could see it worked once, the method may not be duplicatable for me. And, even if not traditional, sometimes the impossible happens if everything is just right.

In tackling my book projects, I sometimes want to buck conventional wisdom and do it my own way, avoid the hard parts and spell any word and tweak any grammar rule any way I damned well please.

Yeah, it might work but ultimately it might be harder than just following the proven methods. I must remember there are more rocks without trees than there are with.

But if you get it to work just that one time...