Unearthing Stories
The Stories Hidden in My Houseplants
As a ghostwriter, my passion lies in unearthing narratives in unexpected places. Often, the most robust stories are right before us, hidden in the rhythms of our everyday lives. Take a moment to look around your home. There are so many ideas for capturing your life's stories. For example, do you see that potted plant on your windowsill or the greenery adorning your bookshelf? Some of these plants, unassuming as they may seem, might hold a story—a celebration of memories, love, nurturing, and care for loved ones. In my home, the foliage isn't just decoration; it's a living anthology of our family's journey. Each story I share at its surface imparts and interesting tale on my attachments to four unique plants in my house. Below the surface are untold stories with roots deep into our family's history, each a living symbol of growth, resilience, and connection.
The Coleus: A Legacy of Care
Over four decades ago, my kindergartener son brought home a tiny coleus plant in a styrofoam cup. The first thing we did was plant it in a pot so it had room to grow. Little did we know that this modest plant would become a cherished member of our family. We have nurtured, propagated, and shared its cuttings through the years. Each new plant is a piece of our history. It became a living reminder of our son's curiosity and experiences growing up. We love telling the story of keeping this plant alive for forty years. Today, his son helps us transplant cuttings every spring to our garden. He has had a chance to nurture his own plants. The coleus represents an integral part of our family's story—a story of nurturing and growth that continues to branch out and touch new lives and create new stories.
The Shamrock: A Daughter's Gift of Love
Similarly, my daughter brought home a delicate shamrock plant in grade school. Its clover and heart shapedleaves and gentle white flowers symbolized the joys of childhood. It is a hearty plant. Keeping this plant thriving has been a labor of love, much like parenting. We have moved homes each time planning for the move and placement of the shamrock. We have transplanted and propagated its roots, and offered the plant as a gift to our family where we work and live. Its seasonal appearances both sparse and blossoming represent the rhythms of life. It's a testament to the enduring nature of family bonds and the joy of watching something you love flourish. In her own home it is evident that her love of plants and gardening has blossomed holding her own cherished stories.
The Spider Plant and Monstera: Friends for Life
Then there's the spider plant and monstera, gifts from my college roommate and dear friend of 55 years. These plants are not just greenery but emblems of a friendship that has weathered time and distance. Every new shoot and leaf symbolizes our shared experiences and mutual support. With its cascading offspring, the spider plant mirrors how our friendship has grown and expanded, touching new lives and creating new connections. The monstera, with its large, heart-shaped leaves, represents the strength and depth of our bond—a friendship that provides shade and shelter, much like the plant itself. In college, my friend loved plants. We had plenty in our apartment in Champaign, Illinois's farmlands, and she encouraged me to talk to them. All these years later I think plants, like anything living, can sense loving vibrations. I am grateful she planted the seeds the grew my appreciation for plants.
Growing Stories: Planting the Seeds of Your Narrative
Your personal and business life also tells stories that require care and attention. By telling these stories, you can watch them grow and expand beyond your life. The stories we cultivate today will bloom into narratives that inspire future generations. They will be the legacy we leave behind, rooted in love and nurtured by our experiences.
As you inventory your home, consider the objects that hold poignant stories of your life. Perhaps they are house plants, a painting, a book, an antique dresser, or an old desk. What memories do they evoke? What relationships do they symbolize? Take these reflections and let them inspire your writing. Share the tales of connection right in front of you. In doing so, you'll create a robust narrative and encourage others to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Let your life stories take root and flourish. Just like a well-tended plant, your words have the power to grow, spread, and touch the hearts of many.