Leaves rustle softly and gears hum in rhythm as I step into the clearing. A beautiful figure steps forward, her body formed of gears and metal plates, tree branches sprouting from her head like a crown.
“Ah, how refreshing! A human, yet I feel roots growing from your heart. What bringssss you to me?” The s sound made a metallic whirr as she lowered herself to be eye-level with me. Large, brown, earthy eyes peered into mine.
Before I could speak, she closed her eyes, and a mechanical hum began to rise from within her; an electric vibration that stirred both bolt and branch.
“Oh yes, I see why you are here. You are about to venture onto a new path, and you’re seeking guidance. You’ve come to the right place; your subconscious knows more than you ever will.”
Gnarled roots, shaped like a hand, reached out and touched my fingertips. I allowed her hands to enclose mine. There was safety and strength emanating from those roots.
Yes, child, you can hear me. Listen closely:
Your plant sense is an advantage.
You already know how to pay attention. Plants whisper when they need something, and so do machines. Trust your instincts. They’ve served you well in the garden; they’ll serve you well in the shop.
Don’t be afraid of metal.
It might seem cold at first, but it’s alive in its own way. Machines respond to care. Learn how they move, what they need, and they’ll reward you with reliability. Your houseplants respond the same way, don’t they?
Speak the language.
Take time to understand the basics. Learn the tools and terminology. You don’t have to know everything yet, but curiosity is your fertilizer. Let it grow.
Expect a few skeptics.
Some folks may not understand why someone who tends to flowers wants to fix conveyor belts. Let them wonder. Your love for life and patience will speak louder than anything else you can write on a resume.
Precision is part of your nature.
Have you ever spotted a pest before the infestation? A yellow leaf before the rot? That same awareness will help you inspect the circuits of machinery. Use it. Hone it.
Stay open. Stay rooted.
Learning this trade is like learning a new garden environment, and I know that you’ve done that well. It takes time. Some seeds sprout fast; others take a season. Be patient with yourself and understand that growth is never wasted.
“You already know how to nurture life. Now you’ll learn how to keep the lifeblood of machines flowing too. I believe in you, gardener. Don’t forget your roots, but don’t fear the gears either.”
When she released her grip, I felt something tucked gently into my palm. I looked down to see a small metal seed, warm from her touch.
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