This reminds me of the hours I used to spend in my vegetable garden. The real value that I received from the time investment was a happier me. The work I did gave me joy - it was not unlike creating art. And the few weeks over summer when I would carry in large baskets of the freshest, organic veggies - far too much for a family to eat - made it all seem worthwhile.

But the other side - sowing salad, nurturing the seedlings, tending to the young leaves, only to find them all munched by slugs after a rainy night - that wasn't so fulfilling.

It was great for a while and then I decided to just grow strawberries, raspberries and flowers, and spend far more time writing and putting love into my home and family.