I'm still here
I've been terribly negligent with my blog lately, so I wanted to let people know that I am still here and I do intend to return to blogging soon. Suffice it to say, I've spent the last 6 months in an environment and around people I didn't think could exist outside of a really bad reality TV show, and it finally became too much. Having no inspiration or motivation to write about plants is a clear sign that it was a bad situation, and I'm glad I had the courage to remove myself from it, even if it does create a bit of uncertainty financially.
I'll be moving back to Washington in about a week. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with the great garden bloggers I met last summer and meeting many more of them and other plant people. Unfortunately, I will be living with my parents again until I find an alternative. (No offense, mom and dad, but I'm pretty sure you want me back out as much as I do.) On the plus side, I'll be able to show you the results of my planting spree last season and share some new developments with you, like setting up the 8' x 10' greenhouse my parents just bought.
Like any bad experience, the important thing is what you learn from it. The biggest thing these last few months gave me was a critical examination of the path I want to take. I spent the last couple years looking into becoming an ornamental plant breeder, because I had lost sight of why I originally wanted to become a curator at a botanical garden. After I started job hunting, I remembered that conservation was my original inspiration. The reason I love botanical gardens is that they are repositories of rare germplasm and can aid in the restoration of rare plants and habitats. Now that I have a better idea of why I want to become a curator, I have a better idea of the direction I need to take.
Here's to new beginnings.
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I'll be moving back to Washington in about a week. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with the great garden bloggers I met last summer and meeting many more of them and other plant people. Unfortunately, I will be living with my parents again until I find an alternative. (No offense, mom and dad, but I'm pretty sure you want me back out as much as I do.) On the plus side, I'll be able to show you the results of my planting spree last season and share some new developments with you, like setting up the 8' x 10' greenhouse my parents just bought.
Like any bad experience, the important thing is what you learn from it. The biggest thing these last few months gave me was a critical examination of the path I want to take. I spent the last couple years looking into becoming an ornamental plant breeder, because I had lost sight of why I originally wanted to become a curator at a botanical garden. After I started job hunting, I remembered that conservation was my original inspiration. The reason I love botanical gardens is that they are repositories of rare germplasm and can aid in the restoration of rare plants and habitats. Now that I have a better idea of why I want to become a curator, I have a better idea of the direction I need to take.
Here's to new beginnings.
Welcome back to where you belong (sadder but wiser?). Your blogging community will do its best to fix the "sadder" part.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ricki. It will be good to be back in the PNW.
DeleteSometimes you have to go through chaos to discover serenity. Glad to hear you're philosophical about it :)
ReplyDeleteIt took a little while to reach the philosophical point.
DeleteGlad to hear that you didn't fall of the edge of the earth! A week? But the Heronswood spring sale is this weekend! It'll be fun having you back in the PNW! We'll have to do some more nursery field trips!
ReplyDeleteYeah, bad timing. Looking forward to more nursery trips with you, though!
DeleteI see Peter already has your social calendar booked! New beginnings, spring is such a good time for that kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, I'll make time for you, too. ;)
DeleteSo glad to see a post from you, and doubly glad to hear that you're moving back. I hope I get a chance to meet you. There should be a plant exchange in Portland this spring, hope you can come. And -- a greenhouse -- WooHoo!
ReplyDeleteI hope to meet you, too! As things stand, I should be able to attend the plant exchange, no problem.
DeleteYour last posts suggested that something was amiss. I'm glad you had the courage to face the situation and make the decision that felt right to you. I look forward to hearing more from your plant-obsessed true self soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kris. It's a bit scary, but I'm far better off out of that mess.
DeleteI wish you success in your new directions. Speaking as a parent, I imagine your parents are really excited to have you back, and planning how you will help with their projects.;-) Spring is a great time for new beginnings, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hannah. Oh, yes, I have a long list of projects to tackle. :)
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