Friday, November 1, 2019

Bloomed out

Knowing the family who purchased this home, and thus inherited this giant agave, weren't terribly fond of it at first, well, I expected it to be cut down and torn out long before now. The fact they've left it in place to finish out it's natural bloom-to-death cycle makes me very happy.

I drove by recently, expecting it to be gone. Instead I got to take these oddly tinted photos (thanks to the light) to commemorate it with.

I think they're fitting for this day. The day I've finished my year-long labor of love—the book I've been working on for Timber Press—and turned it in. Fini!

Well "fini" for now. There is the editing process ahead, and as with this entire journey I have no idea exactly what that will be like. It's been a huge adventure and learning process every step of the way!

Right now I feel very much like this agave looks. Worn out. Tired. Desiccated. But I did it!

Weather Diary, Oct 31: Hi 54, Low 29/ Precip 0

All material © 2009-2019 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

26 comments:

  1. On the comparison with the agave ... for you, life will only get better, not so for the agave. I do like pix #4, all those large things crammed together, nicely layered, brightly colored.

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    1. Thanks Jane...and you make a good point!

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  2. Congrats on turning in your book manuscript! I hope you'll get a short reprieve before the next stage starts. I hope the editing does well for you.

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    1. Thanks Alison, I think it will be at least a couple of weeks, it's weird to have given up all control!

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  3. Congrats on completion of your book! What a feeling of relief to have seen it through -- editing should be a breeze now. I've got my eye on some bloomed-out agaves around town. The "muggles" (nongardeners) have no idea what treasure trove of baby agaves are growing on the agave carcasses in their parkways. It would be so easy to nab a few...but we really shouldn't take advantage of the muggles, right?

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    1. "muggles" hahaha! Why not knock on their door and ask if they'd mind?

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  4. I can only imagine how exhausted you must feel. After so much time spent on a project, even on one dear to your heart, you just want to get some distance. Knowing you, you probably have all kinds of other projects to take your mind off the sudden void :-).

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    1. Ya, there are a few things on the list! It's going to be weird though, I've spend so damn much time at my desk!

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  5. Oh, happy news for you, happy news for us because we are that much closer to buying & reading your book! (excited squeals here ...) Congratulations!

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  6. Kudos, Loree! You've made it past the first hurdle. Enjoy your breather, before the demands of the next one arrive.

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  7. Congratulations, Loree. Well deserved break ahead? Hopefully. Looking forward to buying your book! Onward.

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    1. Thanks Tamara. We'll see about that break...

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  8. So thrilled for you. What a labor of labor and of love. Can't wait to have the finished product in my hot little hand. As far as this particular Agave, seems just the other day we were first stalking. Wow, time flies. Cheers Ms. Danger.

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    1. Time does fly, for sure. Thank you for all of your support!

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  9. What a great accomplishment! Will we be able to hear more about it or is everything under a quiet order from Timber Press? Very curious about the topic, how you did it etc.

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    1. The book is a mix of my gardening experiences, encouraging people to have fun with their gardens ("just do it") and some plant recommendations and garden profiles. A botanical mashup! As for the how I did it I'm not sure what you mean? One of the Timber Press editors and I brainstormed on ideas (topics for a book), and and then I just got to work!

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  10. That's wonderful, Loree! I can fully appreciate the sense of exhaustion you must feel but, like many an agave, I expect you'll witness the fruit of your labors growing, like bulbils, from your efforts. Rest up and enjoy the glow of your achievement.

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    1. Thanks Kris! I was hoping this one would have bulbils, but it looks like only seed.

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  11. How cool is that! Very happy for you. I don't suppose the book will be ready to purchase by the end of this month (my birthday)... no worries though, there are plenty of celebratory opportunities in the near future to gift myself your book. Congratulations.
    BTW, do you know what's the pop of orange in photo?

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    1. Well, probably not. But there's always next year! I think the orange is actually a peony.

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  12. So awesome! Writing a book is an incredible achievement especially when you were sought out specifically. All the work will be so worth it when you get the first copy. Love the rock outcropping. Could have so much fun planting that up.

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    1. Thank you! And yes...such a great planting space.

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  13. CONGRATULATIONS! I was going to say "Time to celebrate," but maybe that is best for when the book arrives by courier, with dancing and weeping as in "Julie & Julia". Funny that you identify with an Agave. So deep.

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    1. Thanks Alyse...I haven't seen the movie but dancing and weeping sounds good, especially if there's a glass of wine involved.

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