Seek and you shall find!

So I don't know about you, but I've been collecting plants most of my life!  Some of the plants I've had for years and years...like this gorgeous Schefflera

that I have had almost 37 years!!  When I gave birth to my son, Broc, it was sent to me in the hospital by the company I was working for.  It has been through it's ups and downs, moves [lots of moves], freezes, heat waves, bug infestations, you name it --- but it has kept on going!  It looks really gorgeous right now, but I have noticed some aphids on it and promptly sprayed them with Neem oil!  We'll see!  It always perks up when it gets moved back to it's outdoor Spring and Summer spot!

And then there are these gorgeous African Violets that I've had for at least 30 years!  Every Spring I propagate them and give the babies away to friends for birthdays, housewarmings and condolences

In fact, that's what got me thinking when I realized how much I wanted a "Pilea Peperomioides".  I remember reading a blog post, years ago, that talked about plants and how to "properly" acquire them for longevity.  The article said that in order for a plant to be properly loved and, therefore thrive, it must be one that you acquire as a gift.  I started thinking about that and it really makes sense!  Every plant I have that has been given to me has thrived [or at least is still alive].  Just about every plant I "purchased" has never lived.  Although, I do have a few plants I purchased that were almost dead and I rescued them from the "scratch and dent dead plant area" at various garden stores.  So, I thought I would just throw it out there on facebook yesterday to see if anyone actually had a "Pilea Peperomioides" that wouldn't mind snipping a couple of leaves off of for me!  Sure enough, before the night was over, my sweet friend, April says "I have one, you are more than welcome to come by tomorrow and take a cutting, or two"!!  So...long story short [sorta short]

  And both of the leaves fit perfectly in the empty Elderberry Syrup bottle that was headed to the recycle bin today!  And, by the way, that syrup is amazing!  My son sent me a bottle of it when I was sick recently ... check it out!  The Louisiana Fire Cider is amazing, too!  

Stay Warm!  Spring is almost here!!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower. Hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour." ~ William Blake

"Old" Plant Sale = "New" Shoes!!!

I was so sad this weekend. I had to sell all of my tropical plants, since they would not make it in North Carolina. The "Sale" was Friday and Today. I have a few left, but I think my Mom and Sister will probably take them, if my neighbor don't. At least I feel like most all of them went to good homes and will be taken care of and nurtured. I could never sell puppies, Never! I got all teary eyed every time one of my "babies" drove away ~ especially my cactus that I've had for about 20 years and my "Mother in law tongue" that I've had about 25. It was agonizing, to say the least. But, on the bright side, I made about $300 and what better thing to buy with that {not all of it, certainly}, but a new pair of shoes! That was the ONLY way I could justify what I had done. Beside, I can't wear slingbacks and flip flops during the winter in NC, like I do here in LA. I must have something to keep the little lizard warm and these cover his ass perfect ~ don't ya think!

Hope you are all doing wonderfully and I'll be back in a few days. We are going to dinner tonight @ my most favorite seafood restaurant {one of the things I'll miss most about Louisiana}, since we won't be eating there for awhile. And Chris {you know who you are}, if you are reading this, yes, it's "Mike Anderson's". I'll think of you with every single bite of "Shrimp Norman". I actually thought of you last night and was laughing so hard! Did you see "SNL"??? Jon Bon was the host and he came "alive" out of his "life size poster", just like the one I hung up in your room eons ago. He still looks just as "hot", too ~ hee hee. Have a wonderful evening, all of my little peeps ~

xx00 & peace always ~ Kathy