I’ve spent way too much time the past decade (or, two or three) lamenting the fact that I chose to become an attorney a half-century ago.  The frustrations and disappointments associated with being a “public interest” lawyer – while offering me the “silver lining” of assisting and befriending many courageous and resilient clients – have weighed heavily on my once optimistic nature and view of the world.  Nonetheless, I’m trying my best to look beyond such negative moments.

That being said, I decided yesterday – while exploring Buffalo’s Parkside neighbor on a perfect late-September day – that it must have been an incredible opportunity a century or so ago to labor as Darwin Martin’s head gardener.  Imagine the sense of satisfaction and pride of being responsible for the development and maintenance of the remarkable grounds of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie-style masterpiece at the corner of Jewett Parkway and Summit Avenue.

And then, after a hard day’s work, walking a few steps to your home, the Gardener’s Cottage (fronting on Woodward Avenue).  Here’s a glimpse:

Being Darwin Martin’s head gardener – nice work if you can get it.

With All Due Respect,

Art Giacalone

P.S. This posting assumes – perhaps unrealistically – that Mr. & Mrs. Darwin Martin were pleasant and decent human beings and bosses (and, that Mr. Wright wasn’t overly oppressive in his oversight).

P.P.S.  Now that I think about it, despite the challenges of my 47-year legal career, I have had the luxury of being my own boss for much of the past 34 years, choosing the issues to fight, and applying my own standard of ethics. Nice work if you can get it!