Bloom Where You're Planted
This illustration is part of my Collective Food Wisdom series, for which I asked people across different languages and cultures to share a nugget of food wisdom or advice they’ve received that they continue to carry with them in their kitchen, garden, or life.
This piece comes from Denise Ransome, a woman who honors her mother often in the kitchen.
What is the most useful piece of food wisdom or advice you have ever received?
Denise: I’m not sure this is food wisdom, but it is life wisdom: Bloom where you’re planted.
Who gave it to you?
Denise: This was one of the many pearls of wisdom from my mother Carol Rutledge. This bit of advice has become words I live by. I even have a flower tattoo on my wrist to remind me every day.
How does it show up in your life?
Denise: We all have times that are rough, that seem out of sorts. I choose to not let those hard times define me. I choose to make the best of every situation. I choose to bloom where I’m planted.
I created this piece just as the trees burst forth with flowers in Portland, Oregon.
Spring brings hard rains which, for me, makes commuting by bike a *little* less pleasant. But, in moments of drenched frustration, I'll ride by a blossoming tree and notice the fragrance and everything will be amazing again. Likewise, while standing at the sink washing dishes (how do I dirty so many?!), I notice the white blossoms on the plum tree right outside the window in front of me, and it softens the task.
In whatever situation you find yourself—facing a snafu at the stove, a stack of dirty dishes beside the sink, or a rough patch in life—I hope this wisdom will ring true for you.
To sink your teeth into more Collective Food Wisdom, and perhaps even hang a reminder of it in your own kitchen, head on over to my shop. Sometimes I sell the originals, too, so make sure you're signed up for my monthly inspiration email to be notified next time they go on sale, and you can snag your favorite.