I just turned 46 years old last week and, on Sunday afternoon, I mowed a lawn for the first time in my life.
I come from a long line of lawn-mowing women. Well, I suppose two women isn’t exactly a long line, but there is a family history. Whenever my mom would talk about my great-grandmother, Rosa, she would say, “She mowed her lawn into her 70s!” In fact, the only thing that stopped her from mowing her own lawn was when her car, which she thought was in park, started rolling backward out of her driveway. She didn’t want it to hit anyone, so she tried to stop it and it ran over her. That event resulted in a hip injury that affected her for the rest of her life. She was a really awesome lady, a force when it came to knitting, and a big tipper when grandkids did small chores. I wish I got to know her better. The other woman in my family who is known for mowing her lawn is my mom. She always liked the exercise and, as you know, she is a hard worker.
(That is Rosa in the amazing hat & coat.)
Compared to these hearty women in my lineage, I am a fragile flower who didn’t even know how to start a mower. I spent most of my childhood in military housing apartments, so we didn’t have a lawn. When we did live in a house, I had an older brother who usually mowed our lawn until my mom took over when he flew from the nest, so it’s not something I was ever taught to do. I would ride on the mower at my Opa’s house during the summers, but I never mowed. The go-cart they had was chronically broken, so we started driving the mower as entertainment. (I realize just how funny that sounds now, but it was thrilling as a 10-year-old!) My lawn-mower-driving days came to an end when I crashed it into my Opa’s car. Crash is a strong word since I was going about 3 MPH, but it was traumatic nonetheless and I’m still a little surprised the world didn’t end in that moment.
A few weeks ago, as it was becoming apparent that the first mow of Spring was around the corner, I told Jeff I wanted to mow the lawn. It’s typically a job we delegate to one of our boys, but I felt like it was something I wanted to do and perhaps something I should know how to do.
Number one – I wanted to know how to work a mower. I’ve never had the occasion to need to know how to use one, but it seems like a solid skill to have in one’s back pocket. It’s perhaps not as helpful as knowing how to change a tire or unclog a drain, but it might come in handy. I can’t think of any emergency situations that would require a mowed lawn, but you never know.
Number two – I wanted to mow the lawn in a diamond pattern and my 15-year-old doesn’t take design requests when he mows. I think this was my main reason for wanting to mow the lawn. I’ve always loved vacuum marks in carpeting and a checkerboard pattern in lawns. Basically, I want my weedy, patchy grass to look like a golf course and I felt like mowing it in a pattern would cover a multitude of issues. After the first few rows, I realized that mowing (and walking) in a straight line was an art form I had not yet mastered. In addition, I realized that any amount of pattern in the grass was not going to improve a lawn that needed to be raked of the remaining fall leaves, fertilized, overseeded, and thatched. I abandoned any semblance of a pattern about 1/4 of the way through my mowing job.
Number three – I wanted the steps and to enjoy the weather. I’ve been diligently pursuing 10,000+ steps a day and, most days, that means going on a brisk three-mile walk through our neighborhood. But, I’ve been trying to mix it up a bit and get some of my steps and exercise while also getting things done around the house. Walking over every bit of the lawn seemed like a good way to reach my step goal (and it was!) It was also a lot more physically demanding than I expected. That leads me to the next point…
Number four – I wanted to know how it felt to mow a lawn and the work that was involved. When we have the boys mow the lawn, we pay them $20 for the job. Given that it takes a little over an hour, that’s a pretty nice pay rate for a teenager. When they groan at the work, we’ll tell them, “It’s an easy $20.” Now, I don’t know if I’ll say that anymore! It wasn’t that it was very difficult, but it was definitely more work and energy than I anticipated. I wouldn’t put it in the easy-$20-category. I have a whole new respect for teenagers who earn their money mowing neighborhood lawns. I’m also thoroughly on board with getting a riding mower (more to deal with the leaves in the fall, but it will make mowing a breeze) when we’re ready to make that purchase.
Number five – I wanted to do something for the first time. When we think about doing something for the first time as an adult, I think most of us imagine something that’s adventurous, maybe even a little dangerous. We think about skydiving and hiking the Appalachian Trail. We don’t often think of something as simple as mowing a lawn or baking a loaf of bread. No matter how impressive or every day the first might be, I think it’s important to continue to have firsts throughout your entire life. It might be the first time you put a worm on a hook or have a picnic or ride a horse. It could be the first time on an airplane or seeing the ocean or using your passport. It might be the first time you try to draw or play an instrument or keep a journal. It could be the first time you plant a tree or a bush or a vegetable garden. We don’t just need to let firsts happen to us, but we need to seek them out, chase them, experience them, and learn from them.
Firsts keep us curious and engaged with the world. To experience firsts, you have to humble yourself and be willing to be a beginner, to step out of your comfort zone, and possibly even look foolish to others. You have to accept any frustration that comes with trying something for the first time. You have to be willing to ask questions without knowing what the answers will be. You have to be observant and teachable. There are so many good gifts and important lessons that come with firsts.
I hope this post encourages you to not only seek out things to do for the first time but to celebrate them. It’s a big, wide, amazing world that will always be full of things we can do for the first time. Lest you be overwhelmed by all of the options, you can simply start in your own home.
What is something you did for the first time recently?
46 Responses
Marian, I’m sure if we ever met in person, we would be friends! I’m a long-time follower, so you have given me plenty of info to confirm that opinion! Today, I laughed out loud because you wrote a sentence that I have said often: “To do something new, you have to be humble enough to be a beginner.” The fact that you know this and live it with the humility to even share your experiences with others is evidence of my original statement – if we ever meet, I am sure we will be friends! You are a kindred spirit.
Rose, your note is exactly what I was going to write to Marian, so maybe all three of us could have friends! I love this blog so much. Marian always gives us food for thought along with beautiful inspiration and creative ideas. Marian, I had to laugh at your lawn design goal. Those of us who appreciate art and beauty tend to want to make everything as beautiful as can be! My husband is often puzzled by that quality in me. For example, he thinks it’s odd to care about the color of my kitchen sponge. He’s probably right, but I really hate the purple ones! Ha!
I laughed a bit at your saying that mowing was an easy $20! I mow our lawn because of my husband’s allergies and I am now in my 70s. I am hoping to do it into my 80s, but we’ll see how that goes. And I agree with both Rose and Susan, even though I’m around your mom’s age I think we would be friends. You inspire me. Thanks for your great blog.
Also, Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
I was just talking about mowing the lawn with a friend. My dad had my brother and I mowing as soon as we could push the mower. After my divorce I did all of my own yard work for the exercise, and to save money. Now that I live in Florida, I pay a landscaper. It’s worth every cent lol
I love this post!!
I’m from a long line of women who never mowed the lawn. But I’ve been the family mower since my teens and I’m now 77. I love being outside, getting some exercise and I really love the smell of freshly mown grass.
I got into making firsts happen when I retired. Especially traveling to new places! I absolutely love visiting places I’ve never been before!
I started mowing the lawn at age 12 with a gas-powered push mower. All of us in our family mowed: dad, mom, me, sister, brother. I thought it was fun and easy! I never got paid to do it. Then as a young married woman in my 20s I started using a “human-powered” reel mower and I’ve been using it for the past almost 4 decades! You’ve never mowed a lawn until you’ve done it with a reel mower, and that’s one step up from using a scythe like my grandpa did. My grandpa liked to use the scythe for more exercise, and that’s why I like the reel mower too. The reel mower is much safer than other mower types and requires zero fuel (or cords) other than a strong operator.
I think you will be satisfied with your lawn mowing progress, so keep it up! Make it your goal to be good enough to get those patterns showing down the road! Be one of the very few women in this world who are mowing the lawn! We are few and far between.
As for other firsts, I agree with you, we should always be striving to learn how to do something, however simple, or just to experience something new that might be enjoyable in the end.
I can remember when I commented once to my cousin, who had just dug an in-ground pool with a shovel, that I wanted a garden pond and my husband wouldn’t dig it for me, and he said “what’s wrong with your two arms?”. So I grabbed a shovel and started to dig…it took a week, but it was done! That made me realize that wishing gets nothing accomplished. That you for your inspiring reminder that nothing is impossible if you have the will to try.
Marian, your words captured exactly what is in my heart and soul. Since my near death illness last May, I have spent almost an entire year building my strength and healing both my body and soul. I am on a quest to have new experiences and appreciate all the wonderful things our world has to offer. At the end of the month I plan to go deep sea fishing and be successful at shooting a large imported antelope in South Texas. Thank you for your encouragement
What is an imported antelope? I hope it’s not some poor live animal. Yikes!
I mowed my first lawn last summer…at 73. I grew up with a dad and brothers who mowed when I was a kid and moved on to a husband and sons who mowed when I got married. It was my neighbor who had knee surgery and had an electric mower that finally gave me the opportunity to try mowing a yard. And I agree….it takes more strength and energy than it looks like! Here’s to firsts at any age!
I am 80 yrs old this.month of April and I have and will never mow a lawn…I. fact our landscapers are mowing our 3 mowable acres for the first time this year ! ! I leave those chores to tbe professionals Including cleaning my house. And as for the firsts that I want to try this stage of my life there are none ! !
Also 80 and not a mower of lawns. But I just conquered programming LED theatre lights.
I learned to use a push mower when my husband was getting ready to deploy for the first time. I have to admit that I wasn’t strong enough to pull the cord to start the mower, so we had to buy a new “easy start” version before he left. It can be a serious workout depending on the yard, but I had a lot of free therapy sessions pushing the mower that year!
We paid our grandson $35 to mow our lawn during the summer between high school and college…it was 2020. Now, after hubby’s shoulder surgery, we are once again hiring it done, this time, it is a lawn company. The estimates are $60 to $100 per time! We DEFINITELY underpaid our grandson! 😉
Happy Belated Birthday Marian.i am 68 years old and, have been mowing for most of my life. My parents have an acre of land that I have been mowing weekly, on a riding mower for the past 20 years. It’s great to drive around their property and just think. You’re in your own little world when you’re mowing, either way you do it.
I love that quote about humbling yourself to be a beginner. You really are under scrutiny with any firsts, especially if you share those firsts. My stitches are too far apart, cake didn’t rise, pie filling too thin, grass too short in some areas, etc. The only way to get better is to repeat. Making sour dough bread is something on my list. Those pretty breads with the crusty cut tops – those are the ones. I just need to do it.
The thought of painting a portrait has always terrified me! I recently took a portrait painting class (watercolors) and finished my first portrait! It turned out better than I ever imagined thanks to an excellent teacher. I found that I really enjoyed the challenge of the experience. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Before I moved away from Virginia I was in a small baking club. We tackled bakes that we were all individually afraid to try on our own. We had many more successes than failures and enjoyed the challenges…we also got to eat them.
Hi Miss Mustard Seed. This is a great post. I mowed my first lawn, on a riding mower, when I was in my late 40’s. It was about an acre and a half of lawn. Now in my 70’s, I bought an electric car. It’s a Tesla that doesn’t have any gauges – just a computer screen on the dash. I love it! I bought it so I can take my little dog with me in the car since it has “dog mode”. It keeps the climate control on while the car is parked. That’s how much I love my dog, lol, I bought it a car.
Anne,
Loved that you bought your dog a car, I bought mine a new house. The things we do for our fur babies.
Congratulations on that first, I was 12 when I learned how to mow the grass, I had to beg to let my dad teach me.
Happy belated birthday, time flies when you are having this kind of fun. Hope you enjoyed the day!
My husband always mowed the lawn in a criss-cross pattern that came out looking like diamonds. He said it was good for the grass, helped it to grow evenly. I guess it worked because neighbors would stop and ask him why he did it that way. After a while, we noticed that a number of people started doing the same thing, and it did really seem to make the lawns look better. I always thought it was because we had Saint Augustine grass (it’s a creeper) and that encouraged it to spread, but not all the other lawns were creeper grasses, so I guess it doesn’t matter what kind of grass one has. Anyway, nice post, Marian.
what fun! I love St Augustine, it grows well in Texas.
You did your first now we all want to see the result of your mow job ! Happy Birthday I have been following you since your Penna. Days ! Long Time !
I haven’t been attempting anything new for the very first time, but I have been attempting past fails one by one. So far, everything has been a success. It truly is a brand new season as my jar of sourdough starter in the counter testifies. In a way I guess I have been having firsts of successful attempts. Anyway, thank you for giving me the courage to try more firsts.
Conquering past fails are firsts! You win.
I had two brothers who were a lot older than me. They decided I should be the lawn mower. So, I was. I mowed the back yard when I was a young bride because I didn’t want any grass in the pool. My mother sent me some ‘electric’ (battery) yard shears. They lasted about 5 minutes. (Before weed eaters.).
My late husband loved the rote and mechanics of doing it himself and it always looked perfect.
I love it that your try new things. And share them.
My new thing at 81 years old was to hang an American flag. We had a lot of wind, and I found my screws were not long enough,, so I am getting to do it again.
Happy Birthday! You are so cute and I love that you try new things!
Years ago, I used to mow our lawn from time to time to surprise my husband when he had a particularly difficult work week. It was a gasoline, yank the cord ( and your shoulder) to get it started type of push mower. I was in my 20s and 30s and can still remember smelling like exhaust and cut grass afterwards. Then came the electric push mower and that was a breeze! I too love those diagonal diamond patterns. Now in our new home we are awaiting sod this spring, but the grassy area will be too much for a push mower. In my area, apparently the lawn service is at least $200 or more a week for the front and back…thousand upon thousands of dollars a year! YIKES! My husband will be purchasing a zero turn and will do it himself! I’d be afraid I’d crash it into the house or neighbor’s fence. I’ll stick to weeding the beds!
You’ve inspired me to try something new. I haven’t in quite some time!
I have a quarter acre lot with a hint of an incline and it takes me three days to mow! But then, I’m 66 and a bit out of shape. But it’s definitely cheaper than going to the gym!
That is awesome! Love that picture of Rosa! I started mowing in grade school and had a side hustle mowing lawns in high school. I’m now 60 and still mowing. Love it!!
This has nothing to do with firsts or lawn mowing.
WHERE DO YOU BUY FABRIC ONLINE?
Local fabric stores have/are disappearing. Sewing is a dying art.
A belated Happy Birthday.
Related to your subject today, at 77 there are not many things I have not done, except the scary or dangerous ones. Haha!
Happy Birthday Marian!
Reading this post gave me laughing out loud moments. Husband and I moved ourselves from Smyrna, Georgia to Elma, Washington 21 yrs. ago. We left a 1 acre lot in Suburbia for a 16 acre horse property in the Pacific Northwest. Did a huge downsizing; trading house size for land. I attempted to mow a portion of the property with a gas mower and grass catcher. Seventeen basket loads of grass later I had hardly made a difference! The next day, Sunday , I was practically bedridden. I managed to attend Mass, but barely. We drove down to Aberdeen to the Sears store, and bought our first riding lawn mower! It came with a choice of accessories; we decided on the little cart. That was a fortuitous choice because I can pick up forest duff after storms and drive it to the burn pile. I love working in my yard which we have altered quite a bit. I mow my yards from the outside perimeter to the middle. It looks very professional. Sadly, my Craftsman mower is nearing her end. I will be getting a new mower for my 72nd B’Day tomorrow! Several of my girlfriends think I’m strange because I want this instead of jewelry. It’s weird, but I am a “Nester” (Husband’s term) and have always put my house and yard first! I believe you also share this trait and feel we are kindred spirits to a degree. You far surpass me with your artistry and design. I love your blog for its many creative ideas and the way you share your logic, decisionmaking and stories!!!
Good for you! It is good to do things for the first time.
I’m from a long line of women who never mowed a yard, but I started mowing as a teenager and continued when I purchased my first house. Then I got married and we bought a farm and I had my first riding mower, a little John Deere, and mowed about four acres weekly. Then we bought a big John Deere with a zero turn radius and I claimed another acre for mowing. After we sold the farm, I decided my mowing days were over. Our house now has a yard too small for a riding lawn mower and although I could use the exercise pushing a mower, we hire it out. I still miss my John Deere and 5 acres.
It’s good you did this. For most of our marriage, my husband took care of this chore and many others. However, then his health took a downward turn and what were once his chores, now are mine. I think women need to know how to do the things we always thought of us the “husband’s jobs”. Because you never know what curveball life will throw your way.
I must confess I have never mowed a lawn. I am 78 and 1/2, so I admire your mother and GGM Rosa. What I really wanted to tell you though, is that I read this blog for your creative inspiration and observations on life, which I think are pretty profound for a person your age. It is a treat to discover that you are also funny!
I tried something new when I was 50 years old — I got married for the first (and only) time! 🙂 We’ll celebrate 20 years in November.
So, being single with my own houses over the years, I mowed my lawn, painted the interior of the house and did so many other things that women don’t always do if they have their daddy or husband there to do it for them. Three cheers for single women or women whose husbands are deployed! 🙂
I am in shock how many women especially in their 70s who have never mowed a lawn! My sister-in-law who is 68 has never mowed a lawn and I find it utterly amusing since I come from a long line of women who mowed the lawn including myself. My late grandmother mowed until she was 81 and my mom who is 83 now just hired out having her lawn mowed last summer. I have always helped my husband through the years mow the lawn. He just turned 70 and has some knee problems now so we hired it out some last summer. My husband’s first job at 12 was mowing half the lawns in the neighborhood. Now you can’t find a kid willing to mow a lawn for any amount of money. As we are getting older now, we have seriously started thinking about going to a 55+ neighborhood and not having to worry about maintaining a yard anymore.
Happy Birthday!
Your boys should feel very lucky to get paid to mow.
Our thoughts as parents was that our two sons were just earning their keep.
It was an expected chore that they needed to fulfill.
They are both hard working and physically fit adults. They never complained about the chore.
I love to mow in a checkerboard pattern as the result is so pretty. One week I mow in one direction and the next week I mow in the opposite direction (that is, east-west one week, and north-south the next week). I use a riding mower now but I used a push mower at our last house and both gave good results. It takes a little practice to get straight lines. When you start, focus on a tree trunk or a rock on the far side of the yard. Don’t take you eyes off this object as you cross the yard. Then base your next row on this first row. I am wondering, are you going to mow the lawn again?
Divorced in my mid forties and had to mow the lawn for myself….for the first time. It was terribly hard to pull the cord. So I went out and bought a push mower. LOVED it!!!! I actually looked forward to it. It was such a feeling of accomplishment. A couple years ago I moved and the new place has a natural “water saving” yard. Oh!!! How I miss the mowing! I really enjoyed it. When I visit the kids, I actually beg to mow for them….they are more than willing to let me!!!
My other favorite “chore” to do is stacking wood for the fireplace. There is nothing more pleasurable than ordering a cord or 2 of wood and stacking it!!!! LOVE it!!!
You’re so right about trying new “firsts.” And because of you, I have learned to crochet, knit, and make slipcovers and upholster. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher, this is what separates your blog from many others. I hope you enjoyed a happy birthday and have a wonderful year ahead!
I’m 80+ and I regularly mow our acre on an old Snapper that our neighbor fixed up for me. I love it! I couldn’t do a push mower or even the gas-powered that goes forward by itself, but I love the little riding Snapper! I get to be outside, and I can cut the lawn in just the way I want it cut! I hope you are going to cut your grass again!
What an important thing – doing things for the first time. I never really thought of that before. Wow. Also your GG Rosa was so awesome. Oh my gosh on her accident that changed her – you truly do come from good stock, Marian. As for mowing the lawn – that’s amazing. I have never nor shall I ever now mow a lawn. But deepest respects for you doing so. Whoo hoo.
This post made me laugh. It also helped me to understand why some of my women acquaintances seem awe-struck when I mention some of my experiences. I was about 8 or 9 when I first got behind a mower and pushed it around the yard to cut the grass and have done so whenever needed from there on. Today we have a commercial zero-turn mower and, when needed, I help to mow about 3 acres or more. Of course, I grew up on a farm with a father who had no farm hands except my sister and me. So, we learned to mow grass, drive a tractor to pull wagons, and loads more farm chores. At 64, I often smile when I visit with co-workers who tell stories like yours. Then, I reflect on what I have done as a farm girl with no thought about it and am really grateful for those opportunities and experiences. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Marian
I loved your post. You go girl! I mowed our lawn when we were new homeowners. I’ll never forget my next door neighbor wanting me to stop so that he could finish the job for me…I was about 6 months pregnant with our first son. Haha
My recent first is painting the hideous tile on my patio. I chose the hottest day to begin but sweat and all, I finished and couldn’t have been prouder of myself.
😂❤️
I’ve mowed lawn ever since I was twelve, except for the ten years I rented an apartment, so about 25 years. Last summer I broke my arm and found out how expensive it is to hire it done! I’m looking forward to mowing this summer as I missed the exercise. Your post made me think of my neighbor who in her late 80’s and recently widowed, shared about filling her car up with fuel for the first time. Her husband had always done it for her. She had to learn now that he was gone.