Aloha, my friends!

I promised to let you know how my pineapple crown does.

You may recall the instructions. They said to pull off the bottom inch or so of leaves from around the crown, let it dry on the counter for 2-3 days, and at long last, to put the crown in 1 1/2″ of water.

Two days after being in water, I thought it was going to die. The remaining outer leaves started turning brown and soggy. A few fell off. I was worried about writing to you.

I kept adding a little water to the dish and kept it out of the sun but in a bright spot on the kitchen counter.

Several days later, I ventured to lift it out of the water and see what was going on.

Roots! But quelle surprise! It is growing roots, but not out the bottom!

They are coming out of the sides all around the base where I stripped the leaves away. They look like pale little fingers, pointing down. When they are fuller, I will put it in some potting soil and keep it very moist.

Now the instructions make sense. They should’ve included, say a prayer and have some faith!

The upper leaves are dry and rather brown, but it is definitely alive.

When I teach, I use different analogies. Sometimes I say, “When you plant a flower, you give it sunshine, a little water, and then you wait. You don’t pull on it to make it grow! You give it good conditions to grow, and time.

It turns out to be true. A little patience, good conditions for growth, and my pineapple crown is showing signs of life.

The Alexander Technique is one way to create conditions that foster ease and expansion.
A bit of Hawaiian sunshine also helps. Don’t pull on your back to make it open. Create conditions where it can, give it a little time, and see what happens.

Whatever you choose, I hope you bloom.