All paths end

When another walker leaves this earthly path it is as if the sun withdraws its guiding light. When our path darkens our pace naturally slows and our head bows forward painstakingly choosing our steps into uncharted darkness. We stumble on with swollen eyes and cheeks dampened with tears – feeling lost -even though the path itself has not changed. 

As our eyes adjust to the darkness, our heads rise to gaze into the night sky, that providing more secure footing. The constellation Capricornus illuminates such darkened paths with promise – according to Greek and Roman legends, it is the gateway to the Gods, through which souls pass to life eternal.  Although our individual path may be unchanged – we are changed forever by those who walked with us.

Dandelions

“It gives one a sudden start in going down a barren, stony street, to see upon a narrow strip of grass, just within the iron fence, the radiant dandelion, shining in the grass, like a spark dropped from the sun” – H.B. Stowe

Dandelions are vibrant, hardy, soft, and whimsical – a perennial, herbaceous plant that shares its brilliant yellow color, nutritious green leaves, and healing roots with us. 

Dandelions grow all over the world, like a tangible uniting sunshine. 

Although it has many attributes, my favorite stage of the dandelion life cycle when the flower changes into its white globular seed head – 

who of us has not made a wish and blown the tiny parachute seeds into the future?

 – this is childhood innocence at its best. 

Enjoy each dandelion that lines your path, allowing memories of carefree times carry you, as a seed in the breeze, toward your dreams.

Red Bud and Wisteria

All living souls welcome whatever they are ready to cope with; all else they ignore, or pronounce to be monstrous and wrong, or deny to be possible.
George Santayana

The Red Bud tree is the designated state tree in Oklahoma. Having lived in the Tulsa area for twenty-six years, each Spring the reddish-pink blossoms of the small deciduous tree prompts a cascade of memories from my time as a stay-at-home mom to my four children. It was a time in my life when I focused on providing a foundation for healthy living for my little family and little else mattered to me.

Now, in another stage of life and another geographical state - I remember the Red Bud as I embrace the Longleaf Pine. Yet it was the wisteria that welcomed me to my changed role. As I was walking along Jones Ferry Road, to a class at Carrboro Yoga, I was greeted by wonderfully fragrant air – looking to my right I spied the source of such an aromatic gift - cascading purple flowers, which I discovered to be wisteria. The encounter  instantly brought a smile to my face while simultaneously easing the tightness that had settled in my body from my admittedly frequent worries characteristic of a move away from the familiar to the unfamiliar. 

One of my treasure books, Loves Me, Loves Me Not: The Hidden Language of Flowers   by Peter Loewer confirmed my own feelings about Wisteria; the flowers send a message of welcome and stability.  The purple-lavender color is one of grace and beauty, respect, and admiration; it is no wonder just walking by and stopping to inhale the aroma of the wisteria propelled me on my path as a happier traveler … forever going toward a healthier body, mind, and soul.