I think that’s actually supposed to be ‘fruits of my labors’ but whatever… So I’ve been gardening for a few days now and it’s OK – not as fun as huge Oni fights and Helephants, but it’s a cute diversion, and I DO find myself checking on my little plants a few times a day just to make sure they’re happy..

A Boom Shroom, Despairagus, and Dandilion

So I’ve got my first little garden, my Boom Shroom, Despairagus, and Dandilion, and I planted a second patch of three Pink Dandilions the next day, they’re still coming to maturity, I can’t wait to see what they grow! I’ve had a few harvests, reagents and a little gold, but it’s nice to see the plants grow up, it’s so cute to see their little animations. The Boom Shroom is adorable the way it ‘pops’ every few minutes, the top blowing up like an old Loony Tunes cartoon.

My Pink Dandilion Patch

Growing them has been really easy, because it’s very clear what they need – water, pollination, pest control, etc… It makes it very casual and even kind of relaxing when there’s no need to stress over what’s wrong with your plants or how to fix it, but the need for things like watering and music help invest me in the plants and the growing process, almost like a pet that can’t really do any tricks…

I’ll probably do a bit more gardening – it was fun to try but I don’t think I’m going to be shooting for master gardener any time soon – not when The Spiral is still in peril!!

PLOX!!

I’ve been playing a bunch of Wizard 101 lately, more than usual, as I’ve REALLY been enjoying Mooshu and we’ve been buried under a ton of snow. I’ve been enjoying my adventures and general questing so much that little details like XP and leveling haven’t been on my radar much. I know the last time I checked my level I was level 39 – I remember because I was all excited to be nearly level 40 and was planning on sending out a message to Twitter when I finally hit the big 4-0…

Digby looking cool in Mooshu

Imagine my surprise then while playing in the burial grounds tonight, I leveled fighting that awesome flame boss Ember Everburn and get a note from Professor Falmea saying she has a new spell for me. A new spell wasn’t a surprise, as level 40 sounds like a good place to get a new spell, but when I go to train I see Helephant. But, Helephant is level 42? What’s up with that? Sure enough, somehow I had made it all the way to level 42 without realizing it, and was able to train up with both Helephant and Wraith – now I am armed to the teeth!!

That’s what I LOVE about this game and it’s something I’ve tried to impart on others in the past – it’s NOT about leveling or reaching some end goal, that should have very little to do with the overall experience. In Mooshu it’s especially appropriate, as the great Moodha would probably say the same thing – the destination is just one more step on the path of a thousand steps, each one just as important and enjoyable as the last.

Feeling all philosophical now… but Helephant is AWESOME!!