On the prairies where I live, April is a time when we’re usually emerging from a cold, snowy, difficult winter. This winter was an anomaly, but there’s still the feeling of emerging from a tunnel into the open air. The sunshine is warm again, the birds are singing, and the crocuses (okay, croci) are blooming on the pasture and valley hills.
Anemone patens, known colloquially as the prairie crocus, is the first flower to venture out in the spring here where I live. They are strong and determined. They aren’t daunted by snow — some people suggest that they produce a chemical that melts the snow around them, but others suggest the explanation is that they are superbly adapted to attract the heat of the sun and to hold it with their furry sepals.
They thrive on natural, unbroken prairie — they know where they belong and where they don’t belong.
They aren’t flashy, but they are memorable and they touch the heart with joy.
Strength. Determination. Ability to deal with difficult conditions. Knowing where growth is possible. Striving to touch hearts with joy. These are all things that I — that we all — would do well to cultivate in our own lives as we move forward.
Here’s to the growing times of life!
A perfect analogy for prairie people. Strength. Determination. Ability to deal with difficult conditions. Knowing where growth is possible. Striving to touch hearts with joy, describe my parents and grandparents to a T. As kids, we often picked crocuses (or croci) for mom on Mother´s Day. They bring fond memories as did this post. Happy spring Beth!
Thanks, Darlene! What lovely memories. Happy spring!
So smart! I hope we all do some growing during this growing time.
Thanks, Genevieve! YES to the hope for growth and YES to the possibilities!
Great analogy! If you look closely, you can learn a lot from nature. 🙂