Progress, I hope

In a movie named, I think, “28 Days”, Sandra Bullock played a recovering alcoholic who was counting down the days of her first mandated incarceration in a detox/rehabilitation center.  One of the counselors offered this sage bit of wisdom.  I’m paraphrasing here.  “If you want a relationship, first try to keep a plant alive.  If you succeed for a year, then get a pet and tend to it.  If the pet survives and still loves you after a year, then you are ready to give yourself to love.”

            I was thinking about this philosophy when I noticed many of my plants were languishing.  It’s been a long and hot summer, but that’s no excuse for the pitiful display of wimpy vegetable plants in the garden or the wilting violet on the window sill.

            I am comforted by the thriving ivy plant in the bathroom and the newly transplanted potted plant in the living room.  My petunias also seem to be flowering beautifully.  Not sure I can take full credit for them though, since they are so very hardy.

            I realized, when I remembered the counselor’s words, I haven’t been talking to my plants for a while.  I either barely remember to water them, or I drown them twice a day and they turn yellow from too much water.  Fertilizing has not been on the schedule either.

            What I’m hoping is that the fact I even started paying attention within the last week or two will count as the first step in reconnecting and nurturing something outside me.  That would be a very good sign regarding how I’m re-entering the lives of all that is around me.