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.

Comments

  1. Welcome back to where you belong (sadder but wiser?). Your blogging community will do its best to fix the "sadder" part.

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    1. Thanks Ricki. It will be good to be back in the PNW.

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  2. Sometimes you have to go through chaos to discover serenity. Glad to hear you're philosophical about it :)

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    1. It took a little while to reach the philosophical point.

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  3. Glad 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!

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    1. Yeah, bad timing. Looking forward to more nursery trips with you, though!

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  4. I see Peter already has your social calendar booked! New beginnings, spring is such a good time for that kind of thing.

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    1. Don't worry, I'll make time for you, too. ;)

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  5. So 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!

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    1. I hope to meet you, too! As things stand, I should be able to attend the plant exchange, no problem.

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  6. Your 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!

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    1. Thanks, Kris. It's a bit scary, but I'm far better off out of that mess.

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  7. I 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.

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    1. Thanks, Hannah. Oh, yes, I have a long list of projects to tackle. :)

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