Did you ever grow a tree from seed? My home has at least three types of trees: Chirimoya ( a South American fruit), Lychee (mostly grown in China) and avocado ( the ones from Haas) all grown from seeds. There are 3 Chirimoya trees all growing in one pot, as well as three avocado trees in separate pots, and one lychee. Recently, my daughter has ventured into her own botanical journey. She has grown 8 “tickle me” plants (native to the Philippines) but most likely thriving in most rainforest regions. This type of weed humored childhood treks, interestingly enough, she found it at Urban Outfitters at the marked down section, and decided to grow it for several weeks. It took that long for the first set of leaves to sprout, and it is these leaves that produce this
tickle me” effect. By brushing or touching the leaves, they then close like venus fly traps, only faster and not as voracious. The leaves open up again in a few minutes, making them organic toys to play with everyday. Yet another childhood memory springing back to life, now so close but that home is so far away.

homegrown “tickle me” plant

9 is the great number of change

shadows in the first state

virginia’s sunset