Gratitude Journal: Christmas Cactus

I cling to my daily gratitude practice like the lifeline it is while I live with my painful hip and the food restriction said hip requires.  There is a hand-lettered note on my nightstand reminding me to find grace.  At the end of each day, I meditate and identify that grace.  

Pain and anxiety about my hip are my constant companion and some days, grace feels like a mighty small antidote.  But I cling to it….it’s not small unless I make it small.  Lately, a daily measure of grace can be found in my Christmas cactus.  A pretty little plant is growing from the two stalks I took from my dad’s enormous cactus.  My plant got its start in February, after my dad’s passing.  When I see it, I am reminded of him.  That it is flourishing is a source of such comfort and joy to me, and I am grateful for it on a daily basis.

November 1: All Inside Now

We’ve had a mostly warm Fall and plenty of time on the back deck and front porch.  Last weekend, Saturday was sunny and warm but Sunday was rainy and cool, with cold temperatures forecast for the week.  It was time for my houseplants to come inside for the Winter.  

That’s no small task and given my current physical challenges, I recruited JT to help with the job.  I gave some plants a haircut and he brought the plants inside.  The big shefflura and two pothos got a spot in my study.  Most got a perch near the south-facing living room window.  

Two more are making their home in the dining room alongside some of the plants that live indoors in all seasons.  These plants are my pride and joy.  They ensure that my house feels like a home and they make me smile all the time, but especially in the darkest portions of Winter, when they brighten the surroundings and remind me that warmer days will be here soon.

September 1: Snake Plant

Earlier this summer, I went to a local plant store with my friend A, who is as plant-enamored as I am.  I came home with a few additions to my plant world, including this snake plant. 

It needs a name, of course, but while I wait for that inspiration, I enjoy it on the front porch.  I tucked a tiny clay mouse into the soil and it’s thriving in this lovely pot.  Snake plants are notoriously forgiving plants, prone to thriving.  I am not a careless plant mom, so it’s in no danger of being neglected.  It’s been the delight of my summer hours on the front porch and that’s very happy!

June 1: All on the Front Porch Now

We’ve had a truly lovely month of May and, as is my custom, all of the indoor houseplants were moved outside to soak up the sunshine and warmth.  I added some impatiens and geraniums to the mix, as is my way, and the front porch is now my peaceful plant oasis.  

I spent most of Memorial Day weekend sitting out here or on the back deck.  Both places feel like a refuge.  This week, I’ve been out here in the early morning chill to enjoy the bird chatter and my first cup of coffee of the day.  When Summer Break arrives fully, I will sit out here every morning before I go to work and again when I come home in the early afternoon. 

Surrounded by my plants, I have the time to attend to each one fully.  I can admire the blooms starting to emerge on my peace lily.  I can consider whether I should trim my giant shefflura.  I can admire the enormous leaves of a particular pothos.  I can give the Christmas cactus, a transplant from my dad’s enormous cactus, all the love and affection it deserves.

These plants are my salvation in the cold dark Winter, when they brighten my days and bring warmth to my home.  And in the Summer, they are my morning glory.  That’s happy.