Blooms & Transplants

I’ve never liked the expression “you have to bloom where you’re planted”.  I heard this and similar sayings as I grew up, both at home and in my church life. It seems to be an acceptance of weak resignation to endure a situation and make the best of it; life is the way it is and no matter how miserable you are this is just the way it is meant to be.  I cringed every time this phrase popped into my head when I thought about something that I was involved in that was not bringing me any happiness.  But not anymore!

One morning while complaining to myself and God this expression crept up on me and as I wished again that I had never heard it I also had the accompanying thought that I could not bloom where I was planted and that I needed a transplant.  A transplant just like some of the plants in my yard were needing.  Eureka, the light snapped on! Just like plants that need the right conditions to grow and flourish, so do people.  If the condition you are in isn’t right, then you need to consider a transplant.

 A fern will not grow in bright, hot sunlight no matter how much water you give it.  Likewise, zinnias will not grow in shade and hibiscus will not grow in cold temperatures. Granted, some plants will tolerate a condition that may not be altogether favorable for them.  And some thrive just about anywhere you plant them.  But most plants need just the right amount of light, a certain amount of water, and temperatures that are favorable to their species.  Aren’t humans like that, too?  Some people thrive no matter where they are or their circumstances.  Others seem to be able to tolerate a few bumps in the road of life and go on their journey.  But most of us need just the right conditions.

No, you don’t have to bloom where you’re planted if the conditions aren’t right for you.  God does not intend for his children to be unhappy and miserable.  Yes, sometimes things happen that we can’t do anything about; that’s where faith that God will get us through comes in.  And, sometimes we back ourselves into a situation that we just have to deal with.  But if you’re in a situation and you just can’t bloom there, then it is time to think about a transplant.  Think about the plant that can’t grow in the wrong type of soil; transplant yourself.

Wednesday 01.20.2016

Can you guess what this little Texas town is famous for?  Hint:  it's not barbecue and they've got some good 'cue!

Chronophage

 

I saw this on the website for the Houston Museum of Natural Science and was fascinated.  Maybe I'm easily entertained, but when we got to the museum I could not stop watchin it!

 from HMNS website
Chronophage clock, Untitled (2015)
John C. Taylor (1936–), Isle of Man
Titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, gold, glass, enamel
[from Gk. chrono “time” + phagos “eater of”]
The chronophage clock is one of only four in the world. A marvel of science and art, it features the historic grasshopper escapement invented by British clockmaker John Harrison in 1722. The escapement “pushes” the pendulum, releasing each second with precise control. Traditionally inside a timepiece, Taylor enlarged it for the viewer to see in motion.
The grasshopper escapement solved a major problem in 16th century marine navigation. Seafarers determined their longitude by comparing local time to a clock set to the “base time” at their home port, but clocks proved untrustworthy on rolling seas. Harrison’s escapement helped create marine timekeepers that remained accurate in spite of tossing.
Part insect, part reptile, the chronophage represents the looming presence of wasted time. Every 60 seconds, she opens her mouth to devour the passing minute. She appears weathered, but her lacy enamel wings suggest she was once beautiful. Every hour, she stretches her titanium body, her glass eyes light up, and she warbles the Westminster Chimes, voiced by Scottish Opera singer Kate Valentine. From outer to inner, the rings light up to count seconds, minutes, and hours. To learn more about how the chronophage clock tells time, please click here.
Taylor used explosive hydroforming to shape the clock’s gold-plated face. Underwater, a precision explosion forced a sheet of stainless steel into a pre-cut die.

 

Wednesday 1.13.2016

Detail on top of the former Joske's store in downtown San Antonio, Texas.  I dearly loved this store and still lament it's demise.  The mall it is now attached to gutted the building, salvaged the lumber, and converted it into a retail complex.  I haven't been inside, but noticed this detail on top of the building on a quick trip downtown.  I've never noticed it before - my eyes were always pulled to the grillwork. This is art!

Recharging

Most of us remember when rechargeable batteries were introduced. They were quickly accepted and hailed as remarkable, especially by parents. The charger in my house was constantly in use! Within a few years rechargeable devices were commonplace, too. Today new homes feature a charging station, public places also have charging stations, and there are even the little portable quick charger devices. We live in a rechargeable world. Your battery is dead? No problem, here’s a cord and an outlet, recharge.

But we also need to recharge our inner self, our spiritual self. One night this week I had a brief time between arriving home and heading out to an evening activity. Even though I had other things to do I felt like I just needed to go outside and sit on my deck for a few minutes. It would soon be dark and the air was cool, so quiet and peaceful. As my mind emptied itself of the stress of the day at work I realized that I was recharging. I continued to sit quietly, watching the darkness fall and letting my inner battery recharge.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ² He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. ³ He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV

Winter Sun

Finally, today the sun returned.  It's been there all the time, but for the last week we have had cloudy, drizzly days with a slow, soaking rain starting on Friday night.  I love those dark days when I'm home, but when the morning sky revealed sunshine this morning there was a new spirit in me!  I had to think that the sun's arrival was like the frosting on a cupcake (corny, I know)! We needed the rain, but bring on a little sunshine please.
This afternoon was time for a leisurely walk at the nearby park.  It had warmed up in to the low 60's and the air was perfect for a walk.  What a welcome relief to be back outside!

The little creek in the park actually had water in it.  What a welcome sight!

Sawyer was my companion - he loves to walk.  Today I expected him to be at a trot or all over the path, but he stayed right with me and only ventured into one puddle which I'm sure was chilly!

Friday Fives 01.01.2016

Yes, I know, I was going to switch over to just posting on Small Simple Things but for some reason I can't get this original blog off my mind.  So, I'm going to post a few things here, too.

It's time for another edition of Friday Fives - the first edition of 2016!  Happy New Year, dear readers!


My idea of NYE!

1. I'm thankful for another year of life.  While turning the calendar to the new year isn't really remarkable it does remind me that I've made it through the past year and am now living in the next.
2. While I don't like cold weather I am thankful for the joy and comfort of winter things.  Sweaters and sweats, fuzzy socks, soups, stew, and chili, and lots of warm beverages.  And fireplaces.
3. I'm thankful for progress on a long put off project.  I started today sifting through a box of papers to be sorted, filed and/or shredded. 
4. Now that I've started it and seen a feeling of accomplishment it doesn't seem so intimidating and dreaded.I'm thankful for family and friends and time spent in each other's company.
5. I'm thankful for words.  Words to read and words to write. Words that bring pictures to my mind. Words to share.