DAD’S PLANT (Part 2)

So yeah, I’ve had the plant since my dad died April of 1998. It was the only plant from the dish garden that survived so I was very careful about tending to it. In fact, when we would go to the family park each year for our family reunion, PD fills up jugs with water from the creek there and I would use that to water it each and every Saturday morning. My dad probly played in that creek or fished in it and I figured he might appreciate some of that “down home food” for the plant. I got to the point that I would be devastated if anything happened to the plant so I tried numerous times to take cuttings, hoping they would root and I’d have a “back up” if anything ever happened to it. It took me all this time but I now have two full-sized plants and a baby that I’m tending with love and care.
The really cool thing about this plant… All of a sudden one day after I’d had it for awhile, it bloomed. Little wee tiny white flowers. I don’t remember how long the blooms lasted the first few times. But after a time, I noticed that there was no pattern to when it would bloom. After another time, I noticed that it would bloom when there was something good going on in the family, such as when a baby was born or a marriage, different milestones in the family. I started to interpret the flowers as Dad’s way of saying to me “This is good.” After a few years, I got used to it and could predict when I could start watching for the flowers. You can understand, I think, why the plants have come to be so important to me.
I have a cousin who grew fascinated with the plant a while back when I told her that it bloomed right before she told us she was expecting. A couple of years later when she found herself once again in a family way, she would call me from time to time to see what Dad was “saying.” As it so happened, she called one day and I reported that the plant was indeed in bloom but I was amazed this time, to see that the flowers were not white, but lavender. She laughed and told me she knew why. When I asked how she could know such a thing, she told me that she had painted the baby’s nursery lavender that morning. So of course, the next time I see her, I’m gifting her with the baby plant. I know she’ll appreciate it and take good care of it. And I think Dad would like that.

There have been times that my mom was struggling with health issues or some other type of stress. I love to be able to tell her that the plants are blooming and that Dad is saying “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
I’m sure there are those out there who may be skeptical about this kind of communication I have with my Dad. But I don’t care, it’s between him and me and that’s all that matters.
It’s Saturday morning, time to go water the plants. : )

ROMANCE ALIVE AND WELL

Pure. Magic.

DAD’S PLANT (Part 1)

I have been meaning to share this with you for a few years now. I imagine that you’re wondering why it’s taken me so long and why I’ve finally decided to give it up… I have to admit that it’s kind of personal, that’s part of the reason I haven’t written about it. The other reason is that, well, it may be kind of hard to believe. But I think you know me well enough by now to know that I wouldn’t lie to you and that it’s perfectly normal for me to have weirdness.

This story is about a plant.  Which has since become three plants.  If my dream comes true, that number could grow to a whole terrarium of plants.  

“Where did this plant come from and why is it special?“ you may be asking by now.

When my father died in April 1998, many wonderful people sent beautiful flower arrangements and dish gardens, as people are wont to do when someone dies.  A few days after the funeral, me mum was divvying up the plants to assorted family members.  I became the owner of a beautiful and large dish garden.

The only surviving plant member from that dish garden has been with me for 11 years now.  That fact in itself is incredible, considering that my thumbs are not only not green, but utterly colorless.

A couple of years ago I finally was successful at (what is the word?)  Propagating? [ Whatever it is called when you make one plant into two and they are both alive and well.]  The main reason I did this is because I become totally terrified at the idea of the plant ever dying and I figured if there were two instead of one, my chances of saving at least one of two were way better than if I only had one and killed it.

I lovingly refer to the plant(s) as “Dad’s Plant(s)…”  for two reasons.  One, if it weren’t for my dad, I wouldn’t have the thing(s), and two, because I have never found out what the real name of the plant is.  It’s not because I can’t look it up or even that I’ve tried, because I haven’t.  I’m weird that way, some things are just not important to me.   Due to the amount of explaining that will be necessary for you to understand how important these plants have become to me, I will show you what they look like now and continue with the story another day.  If you know what family this plant belongs to, feel free to tell me.  I will be impressed.  I’ll probly forget two minutes after I go away from this page, but I will be impressed, nonetheless.

Here they are, the original (top) and then he and his brother for your thoughtful consideration:

THIS MOVED ME

Dave Matthews Rolling Stones Memory Motel

I’m only a casual fan of the Stones and I don’t particularly care for Dave Matthew’s music much at all, but when I saw this, I had to share it.  I Love It.

(Thanks, SpeakerFreaker…)

CAN’T STAND IT

Every once in awhile something happens that is so absolutely, totally awesome that I can hardly believe it.  Those defining moments in your life that make you feel like nothing will ever be the same again.  When a wish comes true that you didn’t even realize you were wishing.   Something like this sneaks up behind you and kicks you in the ass in the most delightful way imaginable.

Forgive the gushing but I just can’t contain myself.  This is one of the most freaking awesome things I have ever seen.  Somebody pinch me because I think I’m dreaming.  One of my most favoritest bands in the universe performing one of my most favoritest songs of all time!!!  YES!!!!

I have to go do some cartwheels or something.  I can’t stand it.

The Airborne Toxic Event ‘Magic Moment’ Pomona, Ca 9-17-09

THURSDAY VID

Been swapping some music with a new friend at work.  He turned me on to this woman.  I think she’s amazing.

Kaki King – Gay Sons Of Lesbian Mothers Video HQ

More about her here.

WOW

I cannot wait to see this movie.  From what I understand, this is James Cameron’s ten-year project, costing $350 million.   I believe it’s due out on December 18, 2009.  Looks awesome!  It’s more impressive if you click on the box to make it full-screen.

AVATAR – International Teaser Trailer (HD)

R.I.P. JOHN HUGHES

You’re probly surprised to see me address a current event on here.  Even though it’s not as current as when it actually happened.  But this post is not about the death of a man I admire greatly.  It’s about one of the reasons that I admire him even more now.  Because I did not know that besides being wonderfully talented, John Hughes was also an awesome human being.

Checkiss out and tell me what you wouldn’t give to have experienced this degree of coolness.  Go HERE.

Might I add… next time you feel compelled to do something or are emotionally moved to reach out and make a connection, remember that IF YOU DON”T act, you could easily miss out on something so wonderful that it could change you somehow.  A good friend recently pointed this out to me and I will be doing a post about it in the near (relative) future.

IF BY SOME CHANCE…

… you’ve somehow gotten left behind and haven’t had the pleasure of watching this video, prepare to have your socks knocked off.

The Best Wedding Entrance Dance Ever – Chris Brown – Forever

BLEW ME AWAY…

Deep Purple – Smoke On The Water

While you have your brain in 70’s mode, give this a listen.  I am AMAZED that these guys still sound EVERY bit as good as they did back then.  This was filmed at the 40th Montreux Festival in 2006.  You read that right, 2006. Machinehead, the album this is from, was the second album that I ever bought and I still have it in my collection.  Really, I can’t get over how good this is!!!  I created a new category for it!  (AMAZING)