Heart Illuminated

The pain of loving is so intense but I would not trade it for anything. My heart beats with faith and conviction, linked with those I love. There are days when my heart does achingly get caught on thorns, and it becomes pierced and torn. It is then that I open up a deep well from which tears of torn love flows. It is then that I lay bare my emotion and become acutely aware of the depth of love I have for my loved ones and the fragility of the balance in the universe of our happiness. My tears come from the deepest mysterious place within. I cannot explain it, but I am so very grateful to have it within me.

When someone we love is in danger, or has a close call, even if it is imagined, our hearts grow larger and stronger to encompass the pain and fold over all the sharp points to protect our loved ones. We reach out to our friends and family with every ounce of our being to bring them closer and into the folds of our arms.

And then on days when the world loses someone of great creative genius with whom we have an attachment even though we’ve never met that person, but somehow their influence, their art, has had a strong defining hold on us, then our perception of ourself and our universe shifts. The horizon tilts and our world is rocked.

The songs of love and art are no longer playing mindlessly in my head. Instead the art of their melodies becomes something more enduring than even life.

So do not despair bougainvillea leaf, that this tumbleweed has ensnared you. I can clearly see the power in your veins. You bear the marks of great tenderness and in this sunset of your life, the light still illuminates your lovely beauty.

This post was written while listening to music from “The Doors” on the day that Ray Manzarek died. Although I never knew him as a person, his music had an incredibly defining influence on me as a child, teenager, and adult. Today my universe shifted.

I also had family in Oklahoma, just 15 miles away from where a devastating tornado hit today. They are safe, but I was worried and felt helpless, as they were so far away.

Reality hit me twice today and I went a bit asunder.

Please come back tomorrow for a new “Weed Image of the Day” and let me know which ones you like.

We and our weeds are so much more than what we first appear to be.

Unauthorized use, distribution and/or duplication of any of this material without the express written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited.

In Praise

Sunday’s Weed looks up to Heaven in praise of the gifts we have received and the freedom from doubt that enables us to accept them. We have day warming sunrises that tint the grey mornings with rosy promises. We have sunsets which illuminate the grandeur of the universe and the satisfaction in a day well lived, with a rightful nod to the almighty. We have trees, and light and air and life. We have friends and family to love and support and understand us. We have hope and dreams and tears of joy and tears of sadness which help us live to the full breadth of our being. We have simple things to call on for strength and inspiration, and we have deep inner souls that hunger for meaning and fly towards the light.

Sunday’s Weed is thankful for not only her gifts, but the gifts that have been bestowed on others in this world, for the bounteous generosity that is shared with all makes our world a kinder, richer, more harmonious place in which to grow.

Sunday’s Weed relives the dreams, the plans, the vision and the hard work that brought her to this place. She is thankful to be here and ready to continue to make a difference. Sunday’s Weed looks back at the places on her path she has traveled this week and she can claims her spot today with new appreciation for the progress on her journey that it represents.

Please come back tomorrow for a new “Weed Image of the Day” and let me know which ones you like.

We and our weeds are so much more than what we first appear to be.

Unauthorized use, distribution and/or duplication of any of this material without the express written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited.

With Friends

Saturday’s Weed steps out with friends. Feeding her fun side is essential to keep her in balance! She looks for those who will boost her up and help her celebrate the balance between her silly and serious endeavors, recognizing that we all have more than one facet to our personality. Her friends are ones who share her values, her dreams and her journey up the ladder in life towards her goals. With those friends she feels akin, recognized, understood and recharged. She can shine and so can they!

What a flirty group they make, the five-pointed weed flowers, jauntily posing on a vine! They celebrate the exhilarating rush of freedom they enjoy when no one questions, no one second guesses, and no one denies support. They all just accept each other for the kindred spirits they are!

On a Saturday this weed can let off steam and relax a bit in companionable sisterhood with her pals! Every connection and shared emotion gets her recharged so that her thriving and striving can continue on. Yesterday she stood out from the crowd but today, Saturday’s Weed is happy to be one member in a supportive and fun group!

Saturday’s Weed will remember these days always. They will be the memories that lift her up and support her through the tough times. She will forever feel charmed and blessed by the laughter she shared while hanging on a vine.

Life is a party, so let’s celebrate!

Please come back tomorrow for a new “Weed Image of the Day” and let me know which ones you like.

We and our weeds are so much more than what we first appear to be.

Unauthorized use, distribution and/or duplication of any of this material without the express written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited.

Piqued by Pink

Friday’s Weed stands out from the crowd. Deep in the very fibers of her being she fuels the drive to meet high standards of personal integrity and perseverance with hard work, grit and determination, and charm. It is in her nature to be pink when others are green, to bloom when others are sleeping, to run when others walk, to see when others close their eyes. The thistle has tenacity, thorns and an unstoppable lust for life.

There are lots of players in the game, and many weeds in the field, but there are no excuses to get lost in the crowd. The fierce competition for space and sustenance is all the more reason to stand out and stand up for oneself. We start out dreaming and planning, then seeing the possibilities and taking steps to make them happen. It takes a bold player to stay the course and reach for opportunity.

Be bold, dear weeds and weed lovers – you can do it! Have faith that you will bloom, and before you know it, your brilliant hues will intensify.

Oh bonny pink thistle, you have certainly piqued my interest.

Please come back tomorrow for a new “Weed Image of the Day” and let me know which ones you like.

We and our weeds are so much more than what we first appear to be.

Unauthorized use, distribution and/or duplication of any of this material without the express written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited.

Stepping Up

Thursday’s Weed will not be stopped and always looks for new ways to step up to the plate and hit a home run. No hit would be bad but a home run would be nice. Two truths that weeds always follow are “practice, practice, practice” and “where there is a will, there is a way.”

This weed was cut down in the prime of life by forces dictated by others. A brush clearing ordinance causes a lot of activity in this weed’s neighborhood. But is that enough to make him stop thriving and wither away? Not on your life. This weed is holding on to the green left within and will soon sprout new growth no matter what others say. This weed knows that every step, every millimeter of new stem, every spreading of root and unfurling of leaf get you closer to the goal of blossom and fruit.

Ultimately we are all working for the same thing, and so we are joined. The dreams of Monday and the plans of Tuesday were enhanced by the vision of Wednesday to come to Thursday, when steps were  taken. Bravo Thursday’s Weed!

Please come back tomorrow for a new “Weed Image of the Day” and let me know which ones you like.

We and our weeds are so much more than what we first appear to be.

Unauthorized use, distribution and/or duplication of any of this material without the express written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited.

Clarity

Wednesday’s Weed has her eyes wide open because she knows that to be aware is the best way to see where and when to make your move, and most importantly, what your move should be. It is not always an easy thing however, to get that clear vision. Some days are cloudy with distractions or missteps and so are not right for action. And some days are so windy with the force of other people’s whims that it is easy to be blown off course. If you can be aware enough to see what the forecast is thanks to the blessings of a sunny day, your line of sight will give direction and drive to the vitality and creative energy stored within.

The dreams of Monday and the plans of Tuesday need the vision of Wednesday to come to fruition. Clear eyes trained on reality, both within and forward looking, are the best qualities any weed could wish for.

This freshly washed and invigorated horehound has magnified her potential for greatness, by viewing the world both straight on and with possibilities reflected and mirrored.  She has prepared herself for success as she wisely uses the sustaining drops of clarity to fortify her for the days and work ahead. Drink up dear weed, you’ll need all the strength you can get!

We all will. May the blessings of Wednesday find you.

Please come back tomorrow for a new “Weed Image of the Day” and let me know which ones you like.

We and our weeds are so much more than what we first appear to be.

Unauthorized use, distribution and/or duplication of any of this material without the express written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited.

Determined

Tuesday’s Weed pulls herself up and is determined to make a difference. She went back to work yesterday and got a bit prickly, unhappy with the resistance she’d felt. But Tuesday morning dawned with purpose clear and resolute. The message was, “Work hard and make a difference.”

To the outside world, all that remains of this weed is dried up thorny bits, of no use to anyone. But deep below the surface lies the sustaining life force in her roots that will remain, nurturing the future and biding its time until the conditions are ripe to bloom again. And her gnarled leaves are perfect for collecting errant dew drops and directing them to her center. Not all things dried and brown are dead. Far from it!

Like a crab that hugs the ground, posing motionless until it scurries to a new spot at just the right moment, this weed uses everything at her disposal to stay out of sight and yet vital enough to be ready to pounce back into action. She’ll keep the rock next to her, reserving its use as a prop until a day dawns rosy with opportunity.

Carry on, Tuesday’s Weed! You can make a difference!

Please come back tomorrow for a new “Weed Image of the Day” and let me know which ones you like.

We and our weeds are so much more than what we first appear to be.

Unauthorized use, distribution and/or duplication of any of this material without the express written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited.

And Gets Thorny

Monday’s weed goes back to work and gets thorny. The weekend’s respite from scratching to make a living and move forward ended way too soon, and so you get all prickly.

A tumbleweed’s got to tumble. He knows no other way. But a rest in the shade and a long cool drink would be a great way to spend a Monday for a change.

No luck here. The day dawns hot and dry. It’s time to hit the road, pound the pavement, and clock in.

Welcome to the work week, little weeds. Gotta get tumbling and rumbling to make a difference.

And you will.

Please come back tomorrow for a new “Weed Image of the Day” and let me know which ones you like.

We and our weeds are so much more than what we first appear to be.

Unauthorized use, distribution and/or duplication of any of this material without the express written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited.

Pregnant Fiddleneck

The young fiddleneck grew up wild and free, happy and innocent in her charmed meadow. She thrived with the wild abandon of youth, and the fertile flow of energy and spunk dominated her days. There was nothing she couldn’t do, no one she could not seduce. All that lay before her was hers for the taking. She was invincible and she was desirable.

Her days will filled with the instinctive youthful acknowledgement that she was bold and beautiful. Days were spent in fanciful adventures in the meadow with the other flowers, the butterflies, birds and bees. She spent her afternoons and evenings involved in flirtations with the sky and rose imbued sunset. She rose in the morning dew-dropped and gorgeous. Her most splendid and powerful moments were when she’d unfurl a new leaf or a curl with great aplomb.

By the time mid-spring had come along, the fiddleneck became aware of the start of a new idea, a longing for something more substantial that her daily flirtations.  She felt a stirring of desire for new life and for a once in a lifetime role that could take her above the meadow floor. From that day forward she became more focussed on the potential she felt stored inside her. She called upon the energy from her delightful youth infused days of flirtations to fuel her as she built up to her most fertile moment.

T’was one morning in particular that dawned crystal clear with a goal revealed; to be a nurturer of the ones that would take their place in the playground she had prepared. A bud formed and plumped and became vibrant with color. She became pregnant with a flower soon to be, a carrier of seeds that would spread her beauty and charms to new patches of the wild meadows near and far.

To new life, and all those who nurture it. Happy Mother’s Day!

Please come back tomorrow for a new “Weed Image of the Day” and let me know which ones you like.

We and our weeds are so much more than what we first appear to be.

Unauthorized use, distribution and/or duplication of any of this material without the express written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited.

Mommy and Me

It used to be that I was little and my Mommy would watch over me all day. She would watch me as I played in the sand and she would teach me not to put things in my mouth. She held my hands as I learned to walk and she watched my little feet plop down unsteadily on sidewalks and carpets and grass.  She watched me with trepidation and pride when I ran and rode a bike, learned to swim and roller skate. She excelled at repeated tirelessly and often, words of advice and guidance, and yet she somehow managed to refrain from telling me “I told you so,” for the umpteenth time.

My Mommy helped me set out on the safest and truest course wherever I was in the world but she let me set sail all on my own.

I am no longer little and yet I know my Mommy watches over me every day. She worries about me and prays for me and by her example she continues to teach me new lessons, or ones that still have just not stuck. And on those days when she lets me help her, she continues to teach me new lessons; grown up ones about grace, forgiveness, patience, kindness and graciousness and growing old.

Thank you Mommy. I am so glad I have you watching over me every day! And I am blessed to be able to watch over you from time to time. Happy Mother’s Day!

Please come back tomorrow for a new “Weed Image of the Day” and let me know which ones you like.

We and our weeds are so much more than what we first appear to be.

Unauthorized use, distribution and/or duplication of any of this material without the express written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited.