The Rose Tree

[AKA: Phoebe breaking character, a little bit]

I’m in a bit of a slump — work this week is intense. Two major projects of mine need to reach critical stages. One of these projects is addressed already, and I have a meeting tomorrow with the team and the customer requesting the product. The other project is now my focus, and I’m hoping things go relatively smoothly.

At lunch today, I sat on the steps of my workplace and sketched a picture of the rhododendron plant growing next to the building. I used to love identifying plants, but now the app I used to use has a $40 paywall. So sad. But maybe I can get a guidebook or something for plants here. I used to love finding new plants and looking up their meanings and correspondences. I used to do witchy stuff and it was peaceful. I should try to pick that up again.

Rhododendron comes from the Greek “Rose Tree”. Like roses, it blooms with brilliant flowers. They both have protective mechanisms (roses thorns, rhododendrons poison). They are evergreen, curling their leaves and drooping in winter to protect themselves from the cold, and budding immediately after blooming season is over. It gives a sense of the plant always being prepared for better days even through the gloom. I guess that’s a little bit what I’m trying to do too.

I was thrown off my musical routine when my computer stopped working. But that doesn’t mean I can’t do something else creative. I think researching random things and applying it to your life can be a creative act, as I’ve done with the rhododendron here. So that makes me feel a little better, and I might make this a habit.

“Prepare for whatever may come; when the conditions are favorable and an opportunity rises, take it with grace and make it your own.” –Mòrwenna Artio

Love you all. ❤

— P.H. 11 March 2026, 20:14 (E.T.)