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Saturday, July 29, 2006

Growth...


My new-to-me-this-summer passionfruit vine is blooming. These are indigenous to much warmer climes, and it hasn't been sure it was happy trying to grow out on my deck (in fact it languished for awhile). Then we had that brief, but intense heatwave and it put forth all kinds of new shoots, tendrils, leaves and finally flowers.

Isn't that so incredibly symbolic? I know for me, it's the 'tough' times - the things that have stressed me and caused me to struggle that have facilitated the most growth. Trying to meet ridiculous deadlines while still juggling home, family and teaching is one of these - and I must say that my work has actually flourished as a result. It wasn't particularly fun *during*, but I seem to be reaping some benefits from it now.

OK - I'm heading out the door now - will add more later...

4 comments:

andrea said...

The first thought that came to mind when I saw your photo was "What an incredibly eccentric-looking flower."

Cathy said...

Interesting what you say about producing such good work in adversity - apparently, writers who are trying to hold down a day job as well often produce their best work then, before they are able to give up full time work to concentrate on their writing!

I've always thought that passionfruit flowers look like something from another planet - I find them absolutely fascinating to look at!

Gina said...

Wow, that bloom is amazing looking! I really like your symbolic insight, it does seem that the work involved in creation, in the end makes the reward sweeter.

tlchang said...

Thanks all! And here's hoping that my bizarre, other-worldly flower ends up actually *fruiting*! (That would make the metaphor even more ap propos, would it not?). Passionfruit are just about my favorite things ever....