Blossoming

 I have an amaryllis. My dear friend Margie gave it to me on the occasion of her move to a windowless office.

I have moved offices thrice since then. The amaryllis has always graced my window. It rarely blooms.

It last bloomed almost three years ago. Shortly before that blossom, Margie had left her office for good.

The amaryllis began to blossom about a week ago. It (and Margie) seems to welcome me back to a teaching office.

Other buds open, too.  My students are writing better, talking more openly and preparing well for classes.

I've broken through the soil of stagnant teaching. My students and I are learning better together.

I've toiled to update my research tools. Publishing opportunities have begun to emerge.

Service projects withering in my "to do" list have new life.  I can see colorful opportunities ahead.

The amaryllis continues to blossom; three buds are yet to open. Watch for that magic moment of full bloom just before it falls dormant again.