African Violets

Lovely, and in nearly constant bloom, these tempermental plants have won their way into my heart and perhaps into the souls of my children as well. You see, I have fond memories of my mother's humble collection when I was younger. I recall here swabbing the pollen from some of the blooms with a Q-tip, attempting to pollenate another specimen in asperations of creating a new variety with which to accessorize her home. I recall her talking about how many of her family members back East had even larger displays of their own, and how some were even active members of the African Violet Society. Somehow their passion had made its way into her being, just as hers has done to me.

Years later I see that same enthusiasm brewing in my own children. "Mom, look at these!" Christina declares at every store selling African Violets we shop at. "Can I have this sucker?" they all say regaurding a new plant shooting off the side of an older one. (It's not everyday that you meet a child who knows what to "propagate" means, much less how to do it.) Lets just say that at the rate we are going I wouldn't be the least bit suprised if we had someone in the family decide to go into horticology in the near distant future!

How many of you have similar sentimental interrests? Have the hobbies of your loved ones not only impassioned you, but shaped your destiny as well? I'd love to hear from you and know!