Friday Photo Fiesta: It keeps going and going

This is my African Violet. Yep, I have just one (doesn't everyone seem to have a collection of these little beauties?), and it was given to me by my dear friend Kristen J.

She gave me this plant at a baby shower thrown for me in April 2007 by the contemporary musicians at my church (Peace Lutheran). It was the second baby shower she'd attended on my behalf—all preparing for the arrival of my son, Noah—and the plant was the perfect mini gift. I do believe Mrs. J chose it because it is purple, and that is her very favorite color.

What has amazed me about the plant is that I haven't managed to kill it in the two years since I've owned it. I consider myself to have a light-green thumb, at best, and I usually don't do well with plants that are expected to flower.

But this little plant, which sits in the high-traffic area above my kitchen sink, in a well worn window box, just keeps going and going and going. And in late November this year, it surprised me by sprouting beautiful purple-blue (hey, violet!) blooms en masse. When I took the picture, it was already mid-December, so I missed the peak of color.

That unexpected round of blooms brought quite a smile to my face. Not only did it remind me of the bubbly and beautiful personality of my girlfriend and the long friendship we share, but the plant also makes me think of Noah, who is blooming and growing and thriving too.

Such are the simple things in life, happy reminders of all our blessings.

Now, go capture your greenery too and submit them to Candid Carrie's Friday Photo Finish Fiesta.