family

So, already I am a slacker. I have to admit that I have not been writing everyday. I think that part of this comes out of my desire to sit and write in a perfectly organized/decorated office with a lovely lamp and candle burning... Alas, I have a one-year-old and a two-year-old. That pretty much sums it up. But work has begun to clear my little space out in the utility room. Yes, I said utility room. Don't worry, it's a big space and I plan on hanging a big pretty curtain to separate myself from the washer and dryer. I'll post some before and after pics at some point. For now, feast your eyes on my family...



Shannon with Imagovita Photography took these amazing photos... For more on Shannon, go to imagovitaphotography.com

Three Blooms

So, for those of you (Hailey) that are still following my little blog, I want to say thank you. As I am about to turn 26, and feel really wierd about it for some reason, I feel I need to make a resolution-list. I know, it's August. Nevertheless...
*I would like to practice writing every day. Even if its just a Haiku. This one is pretty self-explanatory.
*I would like to read one book a month for the next year. I guess overall I feel like I need to submerse myself in words.
*I would like to start a garden and eat something out of it by my 27th birthday.
*I would like to stop using profane language. This one may be hard.
Ok, I think this is a good place to stop. I feel I will be able to actually accomplish these odd little tasks if I don't pile on too many all at once!
And for those of you that are concerned, here's a little plant update.
It's coming back to life.
But let me be clear, I say it's coming back to life but to the onlooker this thing still looks terrible. Except for the three big, beautiful blooms that all popped up within a week. My plant has never had more than one bloom on it at a time. And I've not seen a single bloom on my brother's plant since I confiscated it over two months ago. I don't quite know what to make of it except that it makes me smile and my heart soften.
And I'll leave it at that.
c

plant.

Something really terrible happened yesterday. Well, I discovered the terrible thing yesterday, although I'm pretty sure it happened the other day. Let me set it up... Almost two years ago, my dad passed away. If you need to know more on that, look at older posts. But on the day of his funeral I acquired a plant. We were at the cemetery in Hominy on that hot August day and Matt and I were about to leave. This old man, some relative that I didn't know, walked by with two big peace lilies in his hand. He handed me one and said "you know, you can take these home with you." For some reason, these were the most comforting words I heard that day. I immediately proceeded to pack two of the big, leafy plants into the back of my car.
There has been something about having these plants around that has offered me more consolation than almost any words of comfort I've heard since losing my dad. I gave one of the plants to my brother about a year ago as a housewarming gift. But without fail I've looked at that plant nearly everyday. The funny thing is it tends to bloom around mother's day and my birthday..
So, the other night I kept my brother's dog at my house. I had put the plant out back to soak up some rain the day before. I'm sure you can gather the rest.
As of right now, the plant has been reduced to one third of it's original size. When I looked out the back window and realized what had happened, it was like losing my dad all over again. I felt a physical force and the wind was sucked out of me. I don't know why this was such a powerful experience for me. I think it may say something about the grieving process, and how it is never really over. The plant has since been re-potted in plant food infused soil and a new, smaller container. I am praying hard that it will survive. I guess I feel like this is a link to my dad, however crazy that may sound. I would sit and look at this plant, envision it in a nursery or flower shop, sitting there waiting to be delivered to my family in order to offer condolences. It was alive when my dad was alive.
Needless to say I have been in a funk for the past few days. I've already told myself that if it doesn't bounce back that I will claim half of my brother's plant. Can you even do that? Hack a peace lily in two and sprout two healthy plants? I hope so. Keep your fingers crossed for my plant.
c