I am a member of the September 2013 e-course Bloom True class, taught by Flora Bowley. We (the other students and I) have continued to share our work and encourage each other in both art and life. As we approach the two year mark for starting the Bloom True journey, I have some recent insights to share.

Change is messy. Growing is hard. And "blooming", the process of unfolding, can be a hairy business. Like this poppy flower that begins as as a fuzzy, muted pod, we often begin a transformation in a less, shall we say attractive, state. Caterpillars and all that.

When we do finally transform, it may not be what we thought. Stuff happens along the way (draughts, slugs, negligent waterers) that shape the outcome.

We can embrace this different outcome, marvel in its unexpectedness, or stay home and cry.

I choose to marvel.