DouceLifeAt50.com

There are things in life that we expect, others that are unexpected and some that we walk past without noticing. Have you ever asked yourself this question, “how long have I walked or driven past this place and never noticed the shape of that tree or that sign before?” I walk around the yard with my dog every morning, of course there are many things I am familiar with like the thick patch of clover that is spreading in one corner of the field or the mint plants that have been growing for years between the back porch and the water spout. I love mowing that area just for the pleasure of smelling its pleasant perfume. Patches of crab crass encircle my boots as I step in them as I follow my dog on our daily circling of the field. The ground feels spongy under my feet as the rain has visited us yet again. Of course there are things that I always notice, like the many dandelions whose yellow flowers have being replaced by little fluff balls, they bring to my mind the Dr. Seuss’ story “Horton Hears a Who!” Also the grasses that are growing at different heights and in different directions and angles creating the illusion of movement like little waves frozen into place. The white soft round balls look like little clouds floating above the green sea. They add an interesting dimension to my otherwise very green Spring canvas.

I notice that quite a few of the little white balls have been decimated by the rain and the wind, their strong stalks stand tall. Something that I had never paid attention captures my attention. I come to a sudden halt to admire a starlike flower, its edges purple, its soft white center polka doted by tiny holes, shining bright under the grey sky. Why have I never registered this before. I find it so beautiful that I want to capture it, I rush back toward the house to go grab my camera. On my way there, I notice that there are many stars, all different. I hope that I will be able to find the star I first notice again. Camera in hand I walk back towards the area I saw it, my zoom is in motion capturing the ones that interest me. I find my star, I have no problem recognizing it, it is larger than the other ones near it, it shines for me in the morning light.

Several days later with the help of more heavy rains I notice that the little stars have folded onto themselves only leaving the center to view. The strong green stalks with the white dot on top remind me of pencil with erasers. What the dandelions have reminded me of is that even when I thought I was being present, I was not. I was not paying attention or taking the time to see my surroundings. I really was not attentive, I was distracted. I am glad that nature is always able to bring me back to its wonder and to myself, that it is always able to catch my attention and call me back to the present. I will be looking around me and expecting to see things I’ve missed or never noticed. I want to be taken by surprise and to be reminded to slow down and enjoy the little things that make me smile, bring me joy and make me wonder about life.

Wishing you joy in finding your own dandelions!