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FEBRUARY 2026
Why Trying New Things Beats Playing It Safe GREAT IDEAS TAKE TIME
The best solutions rarely come wrapped up neatly in a nice bow; they come when you step outside the box, experiment, and are willing to get a little creative. Some of my biggest breakthroughs started with a simple habit: giving an idea room to breathe. I don’t force it or chase quick wins. I talk to people who have been there, scribble thoughts on paper, and let possibilities simmer until they reveal themselves. It takes a bit more time; it can be frustrating waiting, but the payoff is huge: the kind of idea that can transform a year, your business, and your life. National New Idea Week is from Feb. 8–14, and I’ve found that the solution to whatever we’re brainstorming is more sustainable in the long term when we allow ourselves the space, patience, and time to arrive at it. A little old- school pen and paper planning and trial and error don’t hurt either. As a business owner, I must continually generate new ideas. I like to spend time with people who have already been successful at what I want to do so that I can pick their brains. I’ll talk to friends and colleagues about it, and then I just have at it. Instead of reaching for an instant solution, I create a to-do list and give it time, rather than rushing for a result. It’s not just about being patient with the process; it’s about being patient with yourself, too. You don’t have to figure it out right this second, and most great ideas don’t happen
that quickly. I swear by the good ol’ classic pen-to-paper approach, which really helps, especially when you’re stuck. Author and marketing whiz Perry Marshall likes to use what he calls “renaissance time.” First thing when you wake up, you write down the ideas that just pop into your head. When the same thing keeps coming up, it’s a sign it’s worth a try. Granted, there are incredible tools out there today, like AI, which can help you with what you’re working on, but there’s a bit greater personal reward when you just think through it yourself. Think about learning a language. If you’re just using Google Translate, it’s not going to be as impactful, and it’s not going to be as fun. When you go through the process of coming up with solutions on your own, you’re going to know that idea inside and out. Sure, you will sometimes have short- term decisions you have to make on a quick deadline. Unlike larger ideas that need time to bake, some choices just require you to try something out now. I took the executive program at The Wharton School, and one of the key takeaways was that many older companies don’t succeed because they are not as willing to experiment as small businesses. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or just brainstorming something out in your personal life, you have to be willing to try something new. It’s certainly paid off at Anthony’s Lawn Care time and time again.
I was recently featured on a live podcast during DigiMarCon in Las Vegas, a major marketing conference. They asked me, with AI and all these changes in the world of business, what’s my advice to other entrepreneurs? Simple: Be willing to experiment. Try different tools that are coming out, try things no one’s tried before, and don’t be afraid to take time to test things. The best ideas happen when you give yourself time, embrace experimentation, and trust yourself.
—Anthony Hilb
AnthonysLawnCare.com • AnthonysTreeRemoval.com • 812-345-5694
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Dormant Doesn’t Mean Dull
The Everyday Magic That Heals Us
Though there may still be a chill in the air, this month is a great time to give your curb appeal a boost before spring arrives. A little off-season attention goes a long way in keeping your yard looking sharp. With a few simple projects, you can refresh and protect your OFF-SEASON TIPS TO STAY AHEAD
In a world that races ahead at full speed, it’s easy to lose sight of wonder. We rush through our routines, scrolling, planning, and worrying, and rarely pause just to feel. But when we do stop long enough to notice the world’s quiet beauty, something remarkable happens: We experience awe. This emotion, which is part surprise, part reverence, can shift our perspective, soothe our nervous system, and reconnect us with something larger than ourselves. DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF FEELING AWE. When we are captivated with awe, time seems to slow. Our thoughts, usually centered on our own problems and plans, suddenly expand to encompass the broader picture, which helps dissolve stress and boosts emotional well-being. Research indicates that awe can reduce inflammation, lower heart rate, and even promote compassion. It’s as if our minds momentarily reboot and remind us that life is vast and full of meaning beyond our daily concerns. Standing beneath a star-filled sky or witnessing a child’s laughter can make us feel small, but not in a diminishing way. Instead, we sense our place in life. That feeling of belonging and connectedness nourishes emotional balance and strengthens our resilience. ENCOUNTER AWE IN EVERYDAY MOMENTS. You don’t need to climb a mountain or visit a famous landmark to experience awe. It’s waiting in the subtle corners of your day: the way sunlight dances on a wall, the sound of rain tapping on the roof, or how someone’s kindness catches you off guard. Try taking a few minutes each day to slow down and look around. Step outside, watch the clouds, or listen to a piece of music that stirs you. When you allow awe to find you, you begin to reconnect with presence, gratitude, and joy. Awe heals because it reminds us that we’re part of something larger and endlessly unfolding. In moments of difficulty, wonder offers perspective and hope. It grounds us, opens our hearts, and helps us see clearly beyond fear or fatigue. So, pause today. Let a moment of awe find you and allow it to do its quiet, powerful work. FINDING AWE IN THE ORDINARY
garden and outdoor spaces, ensuring you’re ready when it’s time to start planting. When it comes to your landscaping, keeping up rather than catching up means less stress and a yard that’s always one step ahead. LAY THE GROUNDWORK During this time of year, you can lay the groundwork for your yard by tidying up the space and planning any major projects you want to undertake. Think about what plants or features you may want to add, and where you want to place them. As long as it’s not too frosty outside, you can prune dormant plants and trim dead or damaged branches. If you’re planning on reviving or starting a vegetable garden, you can pull weeds from your garden beds and supplement your soil with mulch or compost. ELEVATE THE AMBIANCE Think of your outdoor spaces as gathering spots where your family and friends can enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style. You can add features to your yard like stone pathways, cozy patio seating areas, fire pits, or a trellis. Budget-friendly additions that make a big difference in ambiance include hanging up string lights, painting fences, or even setting up an outdoor movie theater, where you can hang a projector and add seating. PROTECT YOUR YARD You can also do some damage control or prevention this month. The cold weather alone won’t kill off all pests or fungi that can impact your plants. Remove any diseased or unhealthy leaves and branches so they don’t have an opportunity to reinfect plants. Clean out your gutters, removing any debris. You can consider adding a pop-up that extends from the downspout to carry water underground and away from the foundation of your home. Just because the busy growing season isn’t here yet, it doesn’t mean you can’t get anything done in your yard. If you need any help or don’t want to face the chill, contact Anthony’s Lawn Care.
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AnthonysLawnCare.com • AnthonysTreeRemoval.com • 812-345-5694
LOVE YOUR LAWN YEAR-ROUND
YOUR SEASONAL CARE GUIDE
STOP THE SIZZLE IN SUMMER The heat of summer brings extra stress to your lawn, so this is a time to focus on proper maintenance and keep an eye out for sun or insect damage. Continue mowing the blades to about 3 or 4 inches and up your watering to about 1.5 inches per week, done over a couple of days. The early morning is best for watering to reduce evaporation. FIGHT FROST IN FALL When the temperatures start to drop and the leaves start to fall in autumn, it means you’ll be working on some winter preparation. Continue mowing your lawn regularly until the first frost arrives. Once that happens, you’ll wait until later in the day when the ground thaws. You will start mowing gradually lower to 2 inches to protect the roots. Rake any leaves promptly, as they can block sunlight and airflow from reaching your grass. WIND DOWN WITH WINTER Grass will start to go dormant in the winter months, so focus on protecting it from the cold. Remove any debris, fallen branches, and heavy snow piles. Snow can cause your soil to become compacted, and so can excessive foot traffic, so do your best to limit how much you walk on your lawn this time of year.
Love is in the air this month, and it’s not all about chocolates and candlelit dinners. The ultimate Valentine for your lawn is year-round care that keeps it healthy,
lush, and manageable. From prepping your soil in early spring to mowing
through the summer, and even a little TLC in the fall and the winter, a consistent season-to-season approach ensures your lawn shines.
START STRONG IN SPRING Think of spring as a jump-start for your lawn. This season is a prime time to tidy up, clear debris, and set up your lawn for optimal access to sunlight and healthy air circulation. Adding a slow-release fertilizer can help provide essential nutrients to nourish your lawn. Your regular mowing schedule should start now, aiming to keep the grass 3–4 inches tall. Once it’s warm enough, provide adequate water, approximately one inch per week.
For a lawn that looks its best all year, contact us at Anthony’s Lawn Care.
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AnthonysLawnCare.com • AnthonysTreeRemoval.com • 812-345-5694
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PO Box 5427 · Bloomington, IN 47407 What’s Inside?
1 Step Outside the Box 2
Healing Through the Eyes of Awe Turn Your Winter Yard Into a Showstopper 3 From Seed to Snow 4
Mastering the Art of Cold-Weather Camping
From Frost to Firelight Create the Ultimate Winter Camping Experience
KEEP YOUR FEET DRY. Wet socks are the quick route to misery in cold weather. Snow melts, boots get damp, and you sweat while hiking. So, aim to stay dry from the get‑go with waterproof boots, gaiters, and maybe even snowshoes if you’re in deep powder. GROUND PROTECTION MATTERS. You’ve hauled all this gear out into the cold, so don’t let the frozen ground steal your warmth. A solid sleeping pad acts as insulation between you and the ground. Choose one with a decent R‑value (thermal resistance) or layer two simpler pads to block the chill. Then add a sleeping bag appropriate for the low you’re expecting. If your bag is rated for milder temperatures, a liner can extend its comfort zone by several degrees.
CHOOSE YOUR SPOT WISELY. A beautiful winter campsite still requires a
There’s something magical about stepping outside into a hush of freshly fallen snow, pitching your tent beneath stars that feel crystal‑clear, and inhaling air so cold it feels pure. Winter camping allows you to experience nature in slow motion. The frozen landscape creates a peaceful stillness you won’t find on summer outings.
smart choice. Avoid the bottom of slopes (cold air settles there) and the top of ridges (wind bites). Instead, look for flat terrain, shelter from the wind, and a nice snow‑bed you can compress by walking on it before you pitch your tent. Your tent door should face away from the prevailing wind. MAKE THE EVENINGS COZY. Once the sun dips and temperatures slide, it’s all about comfort! A warm drink by the campfire, flipping through a good book, chatting quietly while the stars shimmer overhead: These are the moments that make winter camping memorable!
LAYER SMART TO STAY COZY. Whether you’re trudging into a snowy
clearing or setting up camp under a frosty sky, your number one ally is layering. Start with a snug “base” layer that traps warmth against your body. Next, add something insulating, like a fleece or down. Your final layer should protect you from wind and snow. Skip cotton because it soaks up moisture, and getting wet accelerates frostbite.
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