I'm a Plant Mama

I've always been fond of plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, and the like. Since moving here, I try to grow my plants, making sure they last through the four seasons. I give them my tender loving care 100 percent, especially because they can be a bit costly. Now that quarantine is upon me, my plants provide me a good distraction. It's completely fun seeing green scattered all over my home.

I've started propagating my Monstera plant for over eight weeks now and decided it's high time to repot it

my Dwarf Umbrella plant, which is a meticulous one :( everyday one or two leaves discolor and eventually die; on sunny days, I put them outside under a shade for some bright, indirect sunshine

my Devil's Ivy/Golden Pothos, or Scindapsus likes bright, indirect light :) it is actually included in NASA's top 10 most air-purifying plant; also this proves to be the easiest, fuss-free plant I've had the pleasure of caring

my Kalanchoe plant which blooms white flowers (it's pretty fussy as it requires plenty of light and winter provides long gloomy days); also avoid wetting its leaves

my Poinsettia plant which has been with me since the beginning of winter; it's sprouting and thriving

after a few weeks of trying to water propagate this spider plant (which was already showing signs of new roots), some of the roots broke off from the main one, hence I decided to plant it in soil hoping it'll continue to thrive

I'm growing my spring onions in water. I've already harvested two batches, and now I decided to plant them in soil. *see photo below

           

this plant with beautiful shades of white, green, and cream is called dieffenbachia, or dumb cane :) it's easily the most popular indoor plant + it's actually an air purifier plant

Wishing you all a safe and fun quarantine period! :)

Dear Mama

Dear Mama,
Today is tough. The world is at standstill because of this deadly virus. Jan and I are stuck at home, with thoughts of sunshine and cool wind in our minds. I’ve been growing my plants like how you used to do it in our backyard. I am so amused that my love for all things lively & green, a.k.a plants, has rubbed off on Jan. We think of the beautiful weather in spring and the wonderful opportunities to grow some herbs and flowers. But alas, that has to wait.
We’ve been trying to hone our cooking skills— preparing dishes that I would have never thought I would be making. But what else can you do when you’re just at home and waiting for news when it’s finally safe to go out.
We’ve been doing some spring cleaning— finally had the time to go over our belongings and figuring out whether they’re still of use or time to say goodbye. We were complete opposites, you being a hoarder (I’m sorry, but it’s true), and me, a minimalist. I just really dislike clutter.
Siiiiigh, what else is there to do today that will also get my mind off of missing you? You’re everywhere. You’re in the smell of the hot coffee I make in the morning. You’re in the quiet dark corner when I get my midday siesta. You’re in my evening teleserye. I am comforted by the thought that someday, somehow we will see each other again. I pray this time things are better for you. You’re happy and pain-free.

What the World Needs Now

In all seriousness, what the world needs right now is a little sensitivity. With all that is happening today, we could use a little cautiousness in the things that we say or do. We should be aware of the many changes happening in our surroundings. There are numerous reported cases of deaths, infection among the vast majority, unemployment, economic crises, and the like. All these are unexpected; but what is expected of a decent human being is to show compassion to the people who need them the most.
Think twice, long, and hard before you open your mouth. Let us exercise prudence in this very trying time.

I Miss You

I miss you, Mama!

On an easy Sunday afternoon like today, you come to mind. I think about the many memories we've made together, like calling you on the phone and talking for hours endlessly. I hear you laugh on the background and then utter words of comfort and assurance when I feel things are bad in my side of the world.
It is still hard to believe you are really no longer here and that whatever I do I cannot just bring you to life again. It is very difficult to move on because I still hang onto the memories of the distant past. :( 

**Your loss was major and so profound. I felt like life turned to a stop, like nothing else mattered. It was very painful and upsetting. Everyone in the family was scared to lose you because you held the family together-- your opinion was the most important. 

Now, I acknowledge my grief is entirely my own. I determine the time when to 'move on' or 'get over it'. I will allow myself to fully experience the process of grief as they come up; and hopefully one day, I can smile and embrace life the way I did when you were still alive.