It's snowing today, the second snowstorm in a week. It's easy to get into the "Oh no, not again." mode, anticipating the shoveling that will be needed when it stops.
But when I looked out the window to see how much snow had fallen, I got quite the surprise. A car had backed into the driveway across the street and left an incredible image in the snow. Two interconnected hearts! They stayed that way for a while. No other cars came down the street to disturb them. Then two people came by, chatting happily as they walked their dog, and it seemed to be an affirmation of the snowy hearts.
What a way to start the day? So what if I have to shovel? I actually don't mind doing it. And I know that when the snow stops and I get out there, shovel in hand, I will be thinking of the unexpected hearts that were so delightful to see. And maybe it will be a reminder that in our present difficult time, there is still much to be appreciated and enjoyed.
This is a time that nourishes memories. Some of my friends are going through their closets and rediscovering things they had forgotten. One friend found a coat that she used to wear on cold days when walking her dog. Now her daughter wears the same coat while walking her own dog, appreciating its physical and emotional warmth. Another friend looked back on her quilting days and thought it might be good to re-explore that craft.
An African Violet plant on my kitchen windowsill brings back memories of my mother-in-law, may she rest in peace, who was a nature lover. She planted gardens outdoors and pots of plants indoors. She especially loved African Violets and gave me the plant that I still have. I’ve separated it several times, giving plants to my daughter, to my friend, to my sister and another one to myself.
Earlier this year I noticed that my poor African Violet seemed cramped so I replanted it in a little bit bigger pot. It started to blossom. And it hasn’t stopped! I look at it each time I wash dishes or start to cook, amazed by its continuing beauty but also reminded of the gift my mother-in-law had with plants. Her skill continues to impress me but it is the plant itself that keeps a loving memory alive.
Caring for African Violets:
https://newengland.com/today/living/g
Editor's Note: Saintpaulia ionantha
Common Name: African violet
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Gesneriaceae
Native Range: Tanzania
Missouri Botanical Garden:
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat
The genus name Saintpaulia was named after the Baron. The species name, ionantha, Greek for “resembling a violet,” is in reference to the flower. African violets ...
The soil for growing African violets must be porous to allow surplus water to pass through readily. Most violets are now grown in pasteurized soilless mixes.
African violets are among the most popular indoor flowering plants. They are not really violets but, rather, members of the Gesneriad family and are native to east ...
