Sometimes, I talk to our plants.

There, I said it. I know, I’m weird. But, I can’t help it. I love our plants. I love talking to our plants, encouraging them to grow. It is scientifically proven that plants do better when talked to, when we give them our carbon dioxide in soothing, encouraging tones. I tell them, “You’re doing so good.” “Look at you!” “You’re growing so well. Keep up the good work.” “I love you.”

We have four plants. I’ve already killed two, but I saved a leaf from one of the succulents and replanted it. It’s actually growing a root! So, technically, I’ve only killed one plant so far. I had no idea how to care for it and could not figure it out. The other one, I watered too much. That’s one of the easiest ways to kill plants, especially succulents. But, it’s regenerating. The bamboo plants are shooting up taller than I had expected. They’ve bounced back quite nicely since the move and the aloe plant is doing great.

A few days ago, I saw new growth on another succulent and I got so excited. I took it to Reed and shoved it in his face. “Look! It’s growing where the dead leaves had fallen off!” I said excitedly. I love watching the plants grow. I love watching growth and birth and newness happen in the things I am taking care of. It’s magical. Watching life grow and become new and more beautiful is pure magic for me.

And speaking of birthing new things, I’m attempting to write a novel. Ideas keep shooting up in me like our bamboo plants, growing in me until I write them down because they’re bubbling up and over the sides. I keep procrastinating, doing other things thinking that I can’t actually write a book. But, this is me saying it out loud (virtually out loud, at least). I’m working on a book. I’m making myself sit down and write…also because I love writing. I’ve always loved it and now I’m claiming it. I’m not sure if I’m claiming the label of a writer, yet. (I’ll get there someday, even though deep down I think I know I am.)

Elizabeth Gilbert writes in Big Magic that inspiration strikes and if we don’t take hold of an idea and partner with it to birth it, the idea will move on to someone else. I’m making this post my official partnership contract with this idea. I will write this novel. It may not be that good and it may not ever make it into people’s hands, but I have to give it my best shot. I have to submit myself to the whims of inspiration and see where she takes me. So, if you (the reader) will join me in this process, I welcome you along. As it takes shape, I’ll give you a bit more. But, for now, know that it’s a love story (because I know nothing more compelling than love, be it romantic, familial, or friendship).

So, in the spirit of how I care for the plants, I am going to attempt to care for myself and this story. I’m going to encourage myself and this story to grow together. I’m going to feed it with time spent in front of the computer writing. I’m going to nourish it with planning sessions, notebooks and paper filled with names and charts and maps of the story I’m trying to tell. I’m going to grow it with friendship and openness and vulnerability and most of all, love.