Over the weekend we went to a garden decor center to look at birdbaths for my butterfly habitat. There is no end to the exciting things we do here. In fact I sometimes hesitate telling you, my gentle readers, what we’re up to because I don’t want to make anyone jealous.
We didn’t find a birdbath that’ll work for us because it’s early in the outdoor season here so the selection was minimal– and because the ones available required electricity which we don’t have where I want to put a birdbath.
But we had a nice time walking around the property in the sunshine. YAY SPRING! 😎
+ • + • + • +
In the parking lot of this garden decor center is a sign that directs you one way or the other. You can either meander down the Scenic Route that wraps around the front of the property where there are displays of ponds + fountains + birdbaths to give you an idea of what you might want to do in your yard. This path is kind of artsy fartsy.
Or you can use the Main Entrance and go directly to the merchandise in the back of the property where it’s organized in large quadrants of similar items. This is where the helpful sales people are ready to get you all squared away. This path is fast and practical.
Scenic route or main entrance? Those are your choices at the garden decor center. And it seems to me, an English major who can find meaning in anything, those are often your choices in life. Which begs the question:
WHICH WAY IS YOUR USUAL CHOSEN PATH: MEANDER OR DIRECT? Hmmm…? 🤔
+ • + • + • +
On a whim yesterday afternoon I created a free survey about this blog using SurveyMonkey. Having never done anything like this before, I followed their suggestions about the questions to include.
There are seven questions that according to them will take you 1 minute to answer. Trust me when I say that it took me longer than 1 minute to make this survey– learning curve, kind of steep.
I have my *fingers crossed* that this is going to work. Also, you’ll be anonymous. There are no demographic questions and I won’t know your IP address.
Click on HOW AM I DOING? to be magically transported to my survey, should you care to take a minute of your time and answer my questions. Thank you in advance for your kind participation in my first online survey. 🤓
SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED.
Answering my own question here my usual path is MEANDER. Although I can be direct when necessary, I’m by nature a meanderer.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m with you. No, literally, I’m with you when you go down the path. But your response is how I had planned to answer.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Zen-Den, not surprised you think the same way as I do. 💕
LikeLike
Can someone be both? I could see myself meandering in a place like you describe, because fresh air, beauty, ideas, etc. Do I always meander though in life? My first reaction would be no, but I also think and plan and explore everything new or being considered and in some ways I suppose that’s meandering isn’t it? I suspect I am not as direct a person as I thought Ally Bean!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Deb, laughing here. I’d say yes we can be both. I imagine that we all are one or the other depending on specific circumstances, but in the overall I suspect we lean one way or the other. In general.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Depending where I am, I can be a little of both. While at the grocery store, I’m a woman on a mission to get in and out in record time. I’m a fast walker, so even if I do want to take a leisurely stroll somewhere, to others I might be rushing.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Jill, I think you’re right that we’re all a bit of both and can change depending on the circumstances. I can be extremely mission oriented at times, but overall I meander. So you’re a fast walker? Are you also a fast talker? 😉
LikeLike
Oh yes, everyone says I walk way too fast. No, I don’t talk fast. In fact, I don’t talk a lot…I prefer to listen. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a listener, too. I can and do talk, but for the most part I try to be quiet and take it all in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Where’s the option on the path to choose both routes? 😉 It really depends upon my mood of the day, and what I’m shopping for, and how much time I have, and who I’m with, and if I’m going to blog about it later ;-). LOL. I’m meandering off to take your survey now, ‘cuz you invited me to do so, so yeah!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Shelley, I agree that it all depends on circumstances, but I found that sign entertaining because it was so decisive. No option for middle of the road, people. You will go one way or the other!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, it is an entertaining sign. Businesses can be so helpful. Like Disney, they know how to move people through the motions, especially those who are indecisive about where they want to be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Disney is a great example of good signage. That place can be a madhouse, but there’s always a sign to help you along. I appreciate any sign that helps me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! And those that make me smile, just like you do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting idea using survey monkey. You can probably guess which one was my response. 🙂
Surveys are dubious at best because there is always the tension between ‘what do I want to say?’ and ‘how should I respond?’ and there is two aspects to that, one is that people are often not confident about their reactions or they feel they are being too harsh. I have notice in writing groups that members are very hesitant to be critical – except for the jerks whose love to lambaste everything. The irony is that most writers join groups for critical response.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Almost Iowa, well said. Once upon a time I worked in marketing research, asking questions to respondents. Like you said there are two sides to every answer and it comes down to how the respondent interprets the question. The information gleaned from surveys can only be so valuable. This one? Well, I was bored and curious, so I created it with no specific reason in mind. I’ll share the results eventually here, just cuz I can.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like Jill, I do not meander at the grocery store ~> that would be dangerous. 🙄
Also, if we are attending an event with, say, free alcohol, I am direct and to the point ~> I make a bee-line for the bar. I do not stop to smell the flowers or admire the birdbaths along the way.
But in most ways, and on most days, I’m a meanderer. I meander from task to task, enjoying the path from here to there while staying in the now.
LikeLiked by 3 people
nancy, I’m very much the same way you are. No surprise there, I suppose. I can get to the point of things [free drinks!] but in the overall I meander, enjoying that which I see– or at least being aware of that which I see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nancy – LOL! We might be racing each other to the bar. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Perhaps all three of us could meet at the bar. Kind of hog space so that others can’t get to the free drinks easily. Survival of the fittest, so to speak.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Now you’re talking!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wanna meet at the bar with you guys too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By all means. Please join us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference! You’re an English major – right?
LikeLiked by 2 people
marian, I am an English major and I appreciate your quote. Clever. And so apropos to this post! Thanks.
[Also, I keep trying to leave a comment on your blog, but cannot do so. It may be my old computer here that is stopping me. I am reading and enjoying what you’re writing.]
LikeLike
At a garden center (unless I’m in the middle of a project and ran out of something and yes that does happen) it’s always meander. In life it’s a mix but if it’s shiny and pretty, it’s meander.
LikeLiked by 2 people
BTW the survey was interesting. Hope you will do a post on what you found.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kate, I like to meander is some places, go directly in other places. Obviously the sign was there to get customers oriented, but it did get me thinking in a more philosophical way.
Yes, I’ll share the results of the survey. I have no preconceived ideas about what I should learn from it, so we’ll all find out together!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wasn’t sure if it would change anything you do. We get followers who like our style and others fall off. I like you just the way you are. (That should be a song!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words and support. Regardless of the results on the survey I don’t plan on changing much of anything around here. You said it: We get followers who like our style and others fall off. I’m cool with that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can meander, but I can also be direct. My husband is not a meander at all and it drives me crazy…like the other day we were out and on the way home I wanted to stop and look at things and he wanted to go straight home….drives me a little crazy
LikeLiked by 2 people
LA, I can understand how a non-meanderer could be a burden to anyone who meanders. Of course, maybe in a different situation he’d slow down. You never know with those husband types!
LikeLiked by 1 person
True!😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I meander and go the direct route depending on the circumstances. How’s that for hedging my bets!
Off to take your survey now…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Tara, it’s a lovely hedge and I respect you for it. I think we all vary depending on where we are, who we’re with, what we’re doing. I liked the sign because it was so black or white in its message. Not at all like the many shade of gray in life!
LikeLiked by 1 person
OK, I filled out the survey. Now am I entered for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card? I really do hope I win….
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sure, evil, you have a chance of winning a $1,000 gift card. Not here, of course. But somewhere else. It could happen for you. 🙄 Thanks for taking the survey.
LikeLike
I’m a fast talker, but a total meanderer. I not only stop to smell the roses…. I prune, water and fertilize them as well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
river, you and I are cut from the same cloth. I like to dawdle, help make things better, mosey along. I only get direct when forced to by time constraints or other people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hate nothing more than being rushed. Life’s short enough as it is… slow down. Enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! My thoughts too.
LikeLike
Oh dear, some days I like to meander. Other days I need the direct route. My husbands calls this “women shopping” versus “men shopping” respectively. Go figure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Janet, there’s something to your husband’s terminology! As with all things, it depends.
Also, thank you for introducing me to SurveyMonkey. I didn’t know what it could do. Making a survey was a new experience for me as a blogger.
LikeLike
Those kind of trips are the beauty of life, in my opinion. The small moments. I know it’s a cop out, but my path would depend on my goal and how much time I have. Generally, I go for direct if I want to buy something I’m sure of, and want to get in and out fast. If I’m still in the deciding process or unsure what I want, I would meander and look around for ideas.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Margaret, oh I think your answer is perfectly sensible. It’s the small moments, indeed. I tend to do the same thing, but will admit that in the big picture of life I’m a meanderer.
LikeLike
I took your survey. You did a great job. I think age might have something to do with the meandering and the direct route. When I was younger I definitely was more direct but now I like to meander…stop and smell the roses if you will. I’m finding I missed out on a lot of things I could have seen and done. No regrets really, just observation.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Janet, thank you for taking the survey. Making it was more labor-intensive than I imagined it’d be and after 7 questions I was finished. 🙄
You make an excellent point about age and the desire to meander. I’m more about the scenic route now than I used to be. I, too, wonder what I missed out on before…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved meandering, and some of my favorite places to do it are garden stores and hardware stores. So many things to look at. I like the IDEA of a birdbath, but I worry about still water and mosquitos.
LikeLiked by 2 people
J, I agree about meandering. I feel much better when I’m not rushed. You’ve nailed the problem we’re having with the birdbath. I wanted a solar-powered one so that the water would keep moving, but I’ve been told that we don’t get enough sunshine around here to make a solar one viable. Soooo I’m back to the drawing board on this birdbath idea.
LikeLike
Oh, you really got me on the meander or direct question. I think the best answer is “meander” really. Those are the more interesting people; my wife is one, for instance. But if I’m truthful, I’m direct. It’s less interesting but you get things done sooner anyway. 😉 – Marty
LikeLiked by 2 people
Marty, I thought that sign was funny in that it established your two choices, and that’s it. Life isn’t like that, of course– but I do think we each lean one way or the other when it comes to how we live most of the time. No right or wrong answer, just something to ponder.
LikeLike
I will take the survey after this, because I know what I like (part of my dissertation was to make a survey and hand it out to college students of 5 major universities) , but how and why you make your post is not important to me – what I like is the person behind it and the way you react to my comments, lol.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Junieper2, with your background I fear that my little foray into survey writing will seem cute. Perhaps even pointless! But I got hooked on the idea of making one, so I did.
You bring up an interesting point about personal blogging. I agree, it’s about the person who writes the blog more than it’s about how and why he or she writes what they do. Good insight there.
LikeLike
Meander definitely now. But when I was younger (and had many more responsibilities and demands on my time) I was a Main Entrance gal. I am intrigued by your survey. Going there next!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Deb, I have the same story. When I was younger I had to use the Main Entrance because I didn’t have the luxury of time to spend meandering. But now, I do things at my own pace when I can– grateful for the opportunity to do so. Thanks for taking the survey. It’s a bit of a goof, but fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I Ike signs that log me where I am but then decisions are to be made – and that’s where I get stuck as I wonder which way to wander – I guess I’d do both and a third if there was another sign close by or in the far distance – did your survey Ally Bean – interesting questions 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Susan, that sign intrigued me. It seemed so definitive and purposeful. I’m a meanderer so I’d go the Scenic Route. Thanks for doing the survey. I did it by the seat of my pants, so the questions are pretty much the ones the system told me to ask! If nothing else, it doesn’t take long to answer them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am very, very, very much a person who prefers to just directly get down to business. However, I think most of us whether by happy accident or just LIFE end up meandering a bit, because as much as you think you know what you need, and as helpful as the people waiting in the direct path may be, there’s always going to be SOMETHING. (I mean, I’m just taking your metaphor and banging about with it.)
LikeLiked by 2 people
katie, I agree. I doubt that anyone is entirely one of those choices or the other. It’s a continuum and then when you add specific circumstances we all shift around a bit. I found that sign interesting and it got me thinking. I’m a meanderer by nature, but I can and have gotten things accomplished by being direct. Whatever works, works.
LikeLike
When I worked, it was the “Straight Path.” Now that I’m retired, it’s “Meander” all of the way.
BTW – Cool survey…and it even worked with Firefox!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Donna, you and me, both. Back when I had to get things done, I got them done directly. But now when possible I meander, enjoying the luxury of it. Thanks for taking the survey. I won’t say it was fun to make, but it was a learning experience. 🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tend to meander, especially when that’s not really and option. I’m off to take the survey.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dan, you said it! I’ve been known to meander at the wrong times, too. I say that it’s all part of the process, to any naysayers. Thanks for taking the survey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am a meanderer by nature… and even more so in retirement. But, there definitely times and places that require a more direct approach. That being said, I directly went to your survey, then meandered through it by picking “other” in most cases which required further explanations.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Janis, we’re alike. I am a meanderer, too. But I can do the direct route when I deem it prudent to do so. You’ve made me smile with your description of how you went about taking the survey. So spot on to who you are.
LikeLike
I go directly there…then there, then there and there and there and there. To the untrained eye it looks just like a meander.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Eilene, oh you are a clever one! Made me laugh out loud. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love to meander Ally, especially when I have the time to do so and then I’ll enjoy it even more. I used to have a butterfly garden and spent so much time to get it just so, catering to the butterflies with puddling dishes, sunning rocks, butterfly houses and all the right perennials and butterfly bushes a butterfly could need, want or desire … then we had the first Polar Vortex and I lost most of my perennials and all the butterfly bushes. I was angry and never replanted anything – good thing as we had another wicked Polar Vortex the following year. I thought I lost my shrub roses, but they rallied back. I’m afraid to look out back this year because I understood this Polar Vortex was worse than than the other two. (P.S. – the neighbor got a pit bull and left it out 24/7/365 and never cleaned up after it and I got rats, so I had to discontinue feeding and watering the birds and put out bait boxes. It was a sorry time then as well.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
linda, I’m sorry that your butterfly garden suffered such a loss. We have two butterfly bushes in the vicinity of where I want to plant some perennials, yet to be named. Last summer I planted a kind of thyme in my butterfly habitat area that was supposed to make it through the winter when temps went down to 0ºF. Well we got below zero this winter and my special thyme is a goner. My point being, sometimes you can’t win for losing. Also, rats are icky.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No you can’t Ally. I am glad I didn’t rush right out and replace everything, then the succeeding Polar Vortex taught me our weather has a “new normal” so it is now Paradise Lost. I resurrected a holly bush out front that was damaged in the first Polar Vortex. I dumped Hollytone and Miracid on it and brought it back. I chopped it nearly to the ground and it is back to full size and it had berries this Winter. All the bushes and many of the perennials were planted in 1985. We didn’t have enough rain the Summer/Fall before and roots were dry, even if you watered. I’ll venture into the backyard to see the roses with much trepidation.
LikeLike
Scenic route, definitely. How fun! We love meandering around our local Green Thumb store. Seriously, it’s an outing for us. We don’t have to buy anything, we just love to look, and the place is so big it could take us an hour.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Betsy, I get how it could be fun to wander for an hour. We don’t have Green Thumb stores here, but like you we don’t need to buy anything to make it worth our while. ‘Just looking’ might well be the refrain of all meanderers everywhere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I certainly prefer the scenic route but of course that depends on how much time I have!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lynn, that’s really the issue. I can want to meander and would prefer to do so, but it’s not always viable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
At heart, I am a meanderer. That being said, the I’m-on-a-mission gene will kick in when warranted.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Elen, same way here. I liked the sign because it was so definitive, unlike real life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My written response will give me away. Also, I didn’t not like any of it, so I HAD to choose too infrequent. Forgive me.
Meander is the correct answer for me. I like to run willy-nilly hither and yon. I get ideas and make connections and that makes me feel alive. Sometimes I wish I could be more like The Mister, who moves linearly toward quick results, but I’m not made that way. (And I definitely have more fun than he does, cause I can have fun almost anywhere, doing almost anything.) I would definitely take the artsty-fartsy path at the garden center.
I’d like to add that there are battery bubblers for birdbaths, if that’s any help to you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
joey, you may choose whichever answers you want and I’ll be happy. Thank you for taking the survey, my first and probably last one. It took me too much time to create it, but I got emotionally invested in finishing it so I saw it through. Perseverance, you know.
I meander as often as possible. I am forever seeing connections between things that no one else sees, so I get your way of being. At one time it bothered me that I wasn’t more direct, but now I figure meandering keeps life interesting. I’m lucky because Z-D is the same way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, the butterflies are on the way – just FYI…
Bird baths are very personal. They have to fit just right. ..you may have to meander a bit to find one.
Route chosen depends on so much: on a mission with a list or enjoying the setting ( in hot summer weather, we wander among one shady nursery with lots and lots of ponds, fountains and waterfalls – coolish place to be outside …smart marketing, too
(Will check the survey – did you know survey sites like Monkey also collect that data…and may sell the info from responders? Geesch the things people/companies collect – weird hoarders or collectors)
Enjoyed the post -and all the comments, too
LikeLiked by 2 people
philmouse, way far north of here is a fancy garden nursery like the one you describe. It’s a delight in the hot weather. I need to get to it to see if it has a birdbath that’ll work for my butterfly habitat. The things I do for those little bits of pretty, flapping their wings and charming me.
I didn’t know for sure that SurveyMonkey collected data on all of us, but I’m not surprised. I have no illusions about online privacy. You don’t think that WP is selling every keystroke we make? HA! Like the saying goes: if you’re not paying for it, you’re the product.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep – so many curious prying eyes.
(even Roku – Nielsen and all sorts of advertisers – you can turn off Nielson, but Roku says if you stop advertising tracking, you won’t get targeted ads, just ads…and those third parties have the right to sell you data if they want.) It’s whack-a-mole for sure! (Do you think all those people on WP/FB/twitter creating fake selves are really the clever ones HAHA? Gotta love the chase)
Atleast Butterflies live free!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great conclusion. Butterflies are about as free-spirited as you can get and just think– they don’t worry about social media accounts! Inspiring, if you ask me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once a Type A personality, always a Type A……but I am learning to meander. I must decline your survey, as I am new to reading your blog…..but I love what I have read so far!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Joni, I suspect you’re right that a Type A is a forever personality type. I’m a Type B, but that won’t surprise you. I can be direct when I have to, but in the overall I meander. Thanks for reading along here, newbie. Welcome. 🙂
LikeLike
I prefer the straight path. And if possible, the shortest route while under somekind of shade (canopy, trees). ⛅💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
krcc, well, when you put it that way, I tend to think I might also like the direct path. You say there are trees along your path and that it’s not too hot on it? Very nice, indeed.
LikeLike
I’m obviously not up to speed on current bird bath technology. Until I read your post, I had no clue that many bird baths required electricity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sheryl, yes birdbaths with electricity keep the water moving so it stays fresh. Some also have a heater in them so that in the winter no ice forms in the birdbath. Those features are lovely, but more than we need. We just want a basic birdbath, so will continue on with the search.
LikeLike
Ahh I’m definitely a meanderer. And if there are interesting sights and sounds – perhaps a bird or two – I will very likely dawdle as well 😉
I might get jealous when you get your nice birdbath, but please keep us posted all the same
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pistachios, hello fellow meanderer. I, too, can dawdle with the best of them! I’m hoping that when the weather turns truly springlike here, more garden nurseries will put out their stock and we’ll find a birdbath that works for us. Oh the dreams I dream!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I filled out the survey, but skipped the question about what I like least. 😀 There’s nothing I dislike about your blog, so I exercised my right to move on to a question I could answer. (And I actually typed the words “my write” before I realized my error.)
I prefer the meandering path. Also, I also was not up to speed on birdbath tech. Having felt sorry for the birds drinking the puddles in the parking lot. I tried my own birdbath tech, which consisted of putting out a pan of water. The birds ignored it in favor of the parking lot puddles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
L. Marie, thanks for taking the survey & for liking what I do here. I appreciate your support. Making the survey was a bit of a goof to see if I could do it– but now I’m fascinated by the results.
I’ve been learning about birdbaths in preparation for my butterfly habitat. I’m to a point where I think that they’re all overrated– but some are cuter than others so I’ll probably go for pretty. I’m surprised about your birds. Who knew they were so ungrateful!
LikeLike
Love the comments here. I am “a both.” I meander when I have the time and inclination to do so (which as a working mom with teens ain’t often, let me tell ya!), and I take the direct route when the occasion calls for it–such as running errands. I despise running errands. I want to be home and do home things, you know? Happy to take the survey. Heading over now…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kate, I like to meander, but like you can take the direct route when I have to get things done now. I know what you mean about running errands. They never end and there’s always something that goes sideways in the process. Thanks for taking the survey. It’s not all that, but it’s kind of fun.
LikeLike
I will only choose direct when time is truly crunched. Meandering is far more fun and usually leads to surprises.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laura, I like to see what I can see, so if meandering is a possibility I’m doing it. Good surprises are good. 😉
LikeLike