The Bloom
I lived in Winchester, VA from 2009-2013 and had the opportunity to experience their annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, also known as “The Bloom”. The Apple Blossom festival first began in 1924. This is their 101st year, but there was a pause during COVID, so this year is the 98th festival. The festival was created to celebrate the apple industry, which showcases the northern Shenandoah Valley’s beauty during apple blossom time. To me, it also symbolized the end of winter and the welcoming of new beginnings with the blooming of the pink and white apple blossoms.
I remember how the bloom brought out the best in the town with the pink, green, and white decorations. Everyone had something pink or green to wear, and it was wonderful to see all the creativity that people put into their costumes, stores, and house fronts.
I wanted to do something special for my team because the last few months have been a little chaotic and stressful. So, I had my own “bloom” to recognize my staff with some awards, but also complete with an apple tree, apple pie, apple juice, fresh apples, and a bloom queen.
My favorite mantra has always been “Bloom Where You Are Planted”. This fits because the winters can be harsh in Northern Virginia, but when spring comes, and the snow has melted, it is a whole different world of beauty. You quickly forget about the Arctic wind, the snowdrifts that can be over your head, and the gray bleakness of the sky that is part of each day. You notice the bulbs peeking their head above the ground, the flowering of the trees, and the grass that is greener than any I’ve seen. The plant life has pledged to bloom where they are planted.
In your own life, adopt the bloom. Be the most beautiful blooming version of yourself, and whatever you choose to do, do it in the very best blooming way.
Happy spring, and I hope you bloom where you are planted!
