Zen and the Art of Raking Leaves

Dear You,

The sun must be shining, even if it's just a little. That's quite necessary. And it is even better if the air is moving a bit -- perhaps a gentle breeze, but nothing more.

Dress warmly, but not overly so. A light jacket should do it, something that when the time comes can be easily removed and hung nearby. Wear a cap.

Do you have portable music? In my case, it's a little MP3 player. Load it with soothing music -- not Rock, oh, goodness no. You'll be worked up enough without all that blood-pumping sound going through your head. I like Rod Stewart, Linda Ronstadt, and Cher singing those old romantic songs -- "Cry Me a River" and "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" and "As Time Goes By." Yearning and pathos, yes?

By all means use nothing that plugs into an outlet or requires gasoline. That should be obvious. Above the music all you want to hear is the sounds of cars passing by and the rasping of the rake. Don't move too quickly. Rake leaves into a mound, spread the tarp nearby, rake the leaves onto it, drag it to the curb.

Repeat. "Do it again, yes, do it again" sings Linda. And don't worry if more leaves are falling onto the areas you are clearing. It is what it is.