Month: May 2021

Tree Peony Festival – Day 921

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Practically Luminous Tree Peony – Photo: L. Weikel

Tree Peony Festival

As you know from my posts over the past several days, last weekend we visited Linwood Gardens, in western New York, for their Tree Peony Festival. We were especially keen to visit because we knew first-hand how beautiful the estate was back when Sarah and Sage were married there. As beautiful as it was that month, everyone who was familiar with ‘the Farm’ told us again and again that the place becomes even more exquisite when the tree peonies bloom.

The caretakers of the premises do their best to have the Gardens open to the public when the peonies are peaking. It sounds like this year was particularly challenging with the fluctuations in temperature. They kept having to shift around the weekends they were open because it would appear as though the peonies were on track to ‘pop’ a certain couple of weekends only to have a cold snap hit, significantly slowing down their final approach to launch.

Given the state of the gardens last weekend, I can only imagine how spectacular a treat visitors will be in for this weekend. While there were more than enough plants, including peonies, blooming last Saturday – there remained at least quadruple that number waiting in the wings for just enough more warm days to fully fledge into a bloom extravaganza.

The colors of these tree peonies were ethereal – Photo: L. Weikel

Ants and Peonies

I’ve always loved these flowers (and been fascinated by the big ants that swarm the buds on our version – which are not ‘tree’ peonies). There was some debate over whether ants hang out with tree peonies as much as the shrub version, but it turns out ants are equal-opportunity nectar lovers. Supposedly. But it sure seemed like they found the shrub version tastier.

I learned last weekend that my belief/assumption that the ants were somehow essential to the pollination of peonies was erroneous. Actually, the love affair between ants and peonies are an example of biological mutualism. And while the ants may not be essential to the pollination process per se, they can be considered the peonies’ protectors. They’ll take out other bugs that come sniffing around their peonies (bugs that would harm the flowers) and ask questions later – if ever. Wink wink. Survival of the fittest.

Given that Ant is often associated with the strategy of patience, maybe those who love peonies are cultivating their ability to exercise this virtue when they need it most. Certainly those who exercised patience this year and scheduled their visit to the Gardens later than they might have otherwise were (and will be) amply rewarded.

If you doubt that, just look at these photos and remember, it still felt just a few days ‘early’ when we were there.

Some of these blooms were simply breathtaking.

Not sure if a tree peony but captivating nonetheless – Photo: L. Weikel

 

(T-190)

Skulk, Leash, or Earth – Day 920

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Love this little one – Photo: L. Weikel

Skulk, Leash, or Earth

I feel like the title of this post would make a great title of a book. Skulk, leash, or earth. It’s difficult to conjure any kind of visual representation of what this possibly could mean. At least, it is for me.

At best, I could imagine – perhaps – Spartacus needing to be placed on a leash if I caught him skulking around somewhere on the earth. You know – skulking where he shouldn’t be skulking. If you ask me, skulking always engenders suspicion, so a leash could definitely be warranted.

At worst, I feel like these three words have absolutely no cohesion to them at all. It wouldn’t surprise me if they were haphazardly harvested by opening three disparate books at random and plucking the first word that jumped off the page.

Yes, actually, that feels like the most likely scenario of how skulk, leash, and earth came to be hanging out together.

I look at these three words and think, “Nope. I’ve got nothing.”

And Yet…

All three have a common denominator, a shared connection that links them all together. What is that connection? FOX. And no, not the television network, either. Each of those words is how one might refer to a group of foxes.

Then as I was sitting here contemplating what I was going to write tonight, a fox yipped a loud, sharp howl just outside our front door. One single yip – so who knows whether there’s a skulk out there. But it did remind me of the tab I’ve had open in my browser for days. The tab with the link to the Wikipedia entry that references these three words.

I’ve wanted to write for weeks about the leash of foxes that live across the road from us. Now is my opportunity. If only they stayed as cute and fuzzy as this little one.

As I wrap up tonight’s post, I have to share a rabbit hole I unexpectedly fell into as I attempted to close with one last reference to an earth of foxes. A light bulb went off somewhere in the recesses of my brain and I wondered if there could possibly be any connection between a group of foxes being called an earth and Eartha Kitt’s name, given that a baby fox is often called a kit. Was there some sly, foxy connection here?

Hahahaha – just as I wrote that, another fox has started yipping.

Close up – Photo: L. Weikel

The Eartha Connection

No, there’s no actual connection between Eartha Kitt and foxes – other than perhaps her foxy demeanor. BUT – interestingly enough, just in doing a quick search, I discovered that her daughter, Kitt, just published a memoir, Eartha and Kitt: A Daughter’s Love Story in Black and White* that was released this month.

I love the genre of memoir. And considering the state of racial awareness (or collective realization of the lack thereof) in our country at the moment, I have to wonder if my musings were breadcrumbs leading me to discover this book for a reason.

It was certainly a circuitous route. Then again, why did I leave that tab open all this time, with the vague intention of writing this post?

*affiliate link

(T-191)

Creatures Reveal Themselves – Day 919

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From afar – Photo: L. Weikel

Creatures Reveal Themselves

It’s no secret how much I delight in how creatures reveal themselves to us in the landscape, including the plants, the trees, and the clouds. And while I have a few photos of some remarkably older ‘gentlemen of the trees,’ they are not my focus this evening. (But I promise, they will be within the next day or so. Yea Ents!)

Tonight I want you to experience what I did as I simply walked closer and closer to a swimming pool built on the property of Linwood Gardens. It’s a lesson in revelation.

My mind was not looking for anything, quite frankly. I was simply trying to find some unique aspects of ‘the Farm’ that might spur conversation or trigger an interesting post.

Coming Into Focus – Photo: L. Weikel

Phoenix or Dragon

At first I was enamored with the way the branches of the tree I noticed were twisty and turny. They almost looked as though they were arms waving in some exotic belly dance.

But then, as I got closer and kept taking ‘candid’ shots of the tree, my perspective shifted. Suddenly the massive almost parrot-like beak of the made me wonder whether this was a Phoenix or a Dragon.

Late Night

I have to admit, I worked the polls all day and evening tonight and I’m bushed. But in some small way, looking at this creature not only makes me smile but also brings a fire back into my belly.

In the meantime, though, I invite you to embrace the magic that was revealed to me as I drew closer and closer to this turn of the 20th century concrete swimming pool.

I cannot decide what this creature is, but it most definitely is not your average animal guardian.

What do you think?

Maybe I’ll ask the Ents tomorrow night what they think.

Unmistakable – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-192)

Metamorphosis – Day 918

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“Hi, I’m Gorgeous” – Photo: L. Weikel

Metamorphosis

In our wanderings around the premises of Linwood Gardens over the weekend, we were treated to a smörgåsbord of flora and fauna in varying states of development and metamorphosis.

We encountered them everywhere, from tightly closed buds to fully flowered explosions of color and luminescence. Most tantalizing were the blooms ‘on the verge,’ so filled with the promise of bursting into magnificence yet almost magically held back by the thinnest evidence of restraint. It’s difficult to look at those achingly promising buds and not viscerally feel our own urge to burst forth into the world in a dazzling expression of our own uniqueness.

With respect to the flowers, it was hard to ignore the accumulation of life force in each bud. The earlier buds, those that were obviously not going to blossom within, say, 24 hours, were tough little nuggets of prospective beauty. But there was no mistaking those buds that were begging for just another hour or day more of warmth before unleashing themselves on the world.

Can’t Hold It In Any Longer – Photo: L. Weikel

Fantastic Frogs

Of course, the classic examples of true metamorphosis are our amphibian friends, which happen to populate the premises in abundance. In each pond, pool, and fountain we found evidence of every stage of life. Indeed, there were a few times that we realized if we sat still long enough and just stared into the water, even without the aid of a microscope we were witnessing almost countless examples of life being lived at a furious and frenzied pace.

From massive tadpoles to shy froglets to adults displaying themselves in glory as they basked in the sun’s warming rays, we were treated to a veritable science exhibit on the miracle of transformation these creatures display. We take their process for granted – at least I know I do. But the process of change from tadpole to frog is astonishing.

Tadpoles – Photo: L. Weikel

Teeming Life

In some ways, it felt like we were being given an opportunity to witness evolution on a micro scale. For myself, it felt like reassurance from Mother Nature herself that even if we humans really mess stuff up – which, let’s face it, in many ways and in many places we already have in a very big way – life will find a way.

Looked at one way, this is an extremely reassuring message. In another, it’s a stark reminder of just how inconsequential we humans are.

No matter how you look at it, it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe. It’s also worth pondering, for me at least, what transformation I want to continue creating in my life. Is another metamorphosis in the offing?

“Hey” – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-193)

Linwood Gardens – Day 917

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A Tree Peony – Photo: L. Weikel

Linwood Gardens

For the second night in a row, I became so enamored with the photos I took over the weekend that I ran out of time to write much of anything. And while I will regale you with a variety of photos from our visit this weekend, I do want to let you know that Linwood Gardens will be opening this Wednesday (May 19, 2021) for a special extra day of floral indulgence.

If you have an opportunity to take a spontaneous mid-week road trip, I highly recommend a trek to the Genesee Valley, just south of Rochester, NY. The tree peonies that are the specialty of Linwood Gardens are just now coming into full bloom, and the addition of another day this week that visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of this place is a treat to seriously consider.

While there are a number of special encounters and discoveries I made this weekend (and was luckily able to capture at least semi-adequately with my iPhone) that I want to write about specifically with their own unique posts, I’m including in this post a few photos that only barely do the gardens justice.

I’m mentioning the opportunity to visit mid-week this week because it’s my understanding that usually the premises is only open to the public on the weekends during the peak blooms. Indeed, it appears from the website that this coming Wednesday is the only day upon which there still remain some open reservations.

Just one of hundreds of tree peonies – Photo: L. Weikel

Almost Can’t Imagine

I have to admit, I almost can’t imagine how overwhelming it will be on one of the days very soon to come when the vast majority of peonies bloom all at once. It was intoxicating enough to meander from one exquisite encounter to the next. But the truth is, there were more blooms quivering on the brink of bursting open than not.

While I realize many of my readers have obligations that would preclude them from embarking upon a 4.5 hour road trip in the middle of the week – I know there are some of you out there who just might be ‘crazy’ (in the best way) enough to say, “Let’s go!”

And to that, I would say, “YES! Plant the seed of spontaneity in your life and prioritize the pursuit of beauty and earthy encounters with Nature Spirits.” Your senses and soul will love you for it.

The scent of these lilacs was amazing – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-194)

Where to Start – Day 916

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Sarah and Sage – Photo: L. Weikel

Where to Start

Today we had a chance to spend the day at the same lovely premises we visited for a most precious ceremony seven months ago. What a treat to experience the magnificent life force flowing from Mother Earth in so many manifestations. To be honest, I don’t know where to start to even begin to capture the ethereal beauty of this estate.

As I transfer photos onto my laptop for inclusion in this and future posts, I find myself lost in time. There were many moments today when I felt a sense of bleed-through from another era; an overlap of today with an era of petticoats and broad-rimmed hats, waistcoats and pocket-watches.

I swear, there were a couple of times when the overlay of past and present was right there – just barely palpable yet distinctly obvious to the most discerning of senses. Both audible and visible in moments so quick they were gone before they registered, long remembered scents and aromas wafted along currents that defied easy explanation.

The constants, of course, are the natural elements. The flora and fauna of this Land, this Sacred Place, are the actual Keepers of the continuity I sensed. They are the bridges that connect one era with another. They’re also the tricksters and the ones that gently remind us that it’s all a matter of where we place our attention.

Bees in Heaven – Photo: L. Weikel

Luminous Beauty

From the tiniest creatures busily loving the blossoms freshly burst forth to the two who celebrated their marriage here seven months ago, the magic just flowed and tumbled and ruffled our hair in the breeze.

A Baltimore Oriole greeted us with a song of such clarity and insistence we couldn’t miss or ignore it if we tried. Flitting directly over our heads and calling to us as it moved from one branch to another directly above where the ceremony took place, it only quieted when I promised to seek out its message.

There’s an abundance to share; again, I don’t know where to start.

For now, I can only share a few photos and promise to do my best to bring the magic home.

Oriole Singing His Song – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-195)

Snuggle Bunnies – Day 915

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Spartacus and Tigger – Photo: L. Weikel

Snuggle Bunnies

I know I’m not divulging anything new if I clue you in to the fact that these two creatures are the best snuggle bunnies ever. And I’m not talking about snuggling with each other, either (like they’re doing in this photo)!

No, Spartacus and Tigger are my stalwart companions, day and night.

My day invariably begins with Spartacus jumping into bed with me, burrowing under the covers, and literally pressing his back into the small of mine, perfectly aligning his body along my spinal column. He’s slept with us all night, mind you. But he usually gets up early with Karl, and upon his return, stakes out his favorite territory – my back.

Meanwhile, like clockwork, Tigger trots into our bedroom as soon as he hears me stir. He mrrrows at me (every single morning!), seemingly asking for permission to approach (or perhaps just saying good morning), and ensconces himself on the other side of my body. He, too, snuggles up and conforms his body to mine, except he’s up against my front, with my hand buried into the fur of his tummy. I can’t imagine any of the other cats I’ve loved in my life putting up with, much less seeking out, such assertive cuddling!

I have to admit, some days it’s almost impossible to drag myself out from under the covers.

Nighttime Ritual Too

But just as they protect me, front and back, each morning, they also tag team me at night as well. It’s adorable, really, to witness their routine.

Every night, Spartacus expectantly stares at Karl when he starts falling asleep on the couch. He then escorts Karl upstairs, luring him with the prospect of some of the same snuggles Karl sees me receiving in the morning. Tigger is almost always already upstairs on our bed by that time.

After about half an hour (believing Karl’s asleep?), Spart returns downstairs, jumps up beside me on the couch and promptly falls asleep. He keeps me company while I write. Tigger, meanwhile, comes downstairs for a quick drink when he hears me closing my laptop, but is then eager to return to the dreamtime.

I’m guessing you’re all acutely aware of how tired I am tonight. My snuggle bunnies are calling.

Just another benefit of that unconditional love I wrote about yesterday, I guess.

(T-196)

Unconditional Love – Day 914

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“I love you, Mommy” – Photo: L. Weikel

Unconditional Love

It’s really easy to slip into the habit of taking people, things, and circumstances in our lives for granted. In my experience, it seems that those we’re most likely to take for granted are the ones who love us unconditionally. And when we speak of unconditional love, I wonder just how many of us live it and feel it – either extending it to others or having it extended toward us. Whether giving it or receiving it, I suspect that, for most of us, love with no strings attached is as precious as hen’s teeth.

I’m not waxing on about unconditional love based on some romantic notion. And I guarantee I’m not raising it in commentary on the current escalation of deeply troubling geopolitical circumstances.

No, I’m feeling pretty basic and simplistic this evening. As I mentioned in last night’s post, I’m trying to keep things light. I’m not looking much past my very own nose for subject matter at the moment. It feels like our lives are booby trapped with potentially incendiary topics at every turn.

Where does a person turn for respite in such circumstances?

Tigger – with love in his eyes – Photo: L. Weikel

Creatures

If we’re lucky and seeking a place of solace or a taste of that elusive sense that we’re loved without a single ounce of hesitancy, we need only look into the eyes of our pets. And yes, I’m using the generic word ‘pets’ as opposed to either dog or cat because, quite honestly, I’ve seen such extraordinary love in both species. Cats may be aloof, but they know how to love (even if we might suspect otherwise).

Even Cletus – Photo: L. Weikel

And dogs?

All I can say is, the eyes have it.

I dare anyone to look into that face and tell me Spartacus doesn’t love me unconditionally. And yes, I’ve included photos of our cats as well, photos that capture a connection that feels even greater than a simple ‘heart’ (or, cynically, ‘tummy’) connection: a soul connection. To my mind, that is unconditional love.

I truly believe that our familiars have the capacity to love us unconditionally. And when they do, they model for us the highest expression of loving another. It’s love with no strings. I joke that Spartacus only loves me for the treats I dispense, but in my heart, I know that’s not true. He loves me to my core. He loves me for my core.

It makes me wonder sometimes. How do people survive this often terribly harsh life without sharing their lives with these beings? I swear, sometimes the belief I see in their eyes – the forgiveness, the devotion –  remind me of how I want to look at other people. And maybe even myself sometimes.

Why do so many of us find that so hard?

I love you – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-197)

Keeping It Light – Day 913

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Yet another Ent – Photo: L. Weikel

Keeping It Light

Those of you who faithfully read my posts each day (and who will never truly know how much they’re appreciated) are probably noticing my recent dedication to keeping it light. I know; I write a lot about clouds and messengers, flowers and weather – and I throw some musings on stars and the moon in as well – both astronomically and astrologically.

I’ve made a point of not delving too deeply into politics – especially since the insurrection of January 6th. I’m trusting (perhaps naively) that the truth will ultimately be revealed and consequences will be reaped. The last thing I think any of us want or need (especially if you happen to catch my posts first thing in the morning) is me holding forth on issues that feel as though they’re in the process of resolution.

I’m just happy and relieved beyond measure that our country feels like it’s moving forward again. In spite of all the vitriol that continues to spew from certain factions, overall, I sense an energetic shift has taken place and we’re no longer spinning our wheels (and splattering mud all over anything unlucky enough to be near us).

Things May Be Changing

Well, that unofficial silence on controversial matters may soon be coming to an end. Not that I’m planning on railing about any one thing or another (at least I don’t intend to at the moment)– we all know that’s subject to change at the drop of a hat. But I do have a strong sense that our hiatus of attempting to resume even a remote sense of normalcy is about to become profoundly disrupted yet again.

It’s interesting. I’ve had a few of my closest friends and associates contact me lately to ask if I (too) can feel the shift in the air. Something’s building, something’s growing, and yes, something’s becoming more and more unsettled. The question is not whether we can avoid it (we can’t). It seems to me the very best thing we can do right now is look at the patterns unfolding around us, watch what’s happening not only in our personal lives but across the country and the world, and heighten our awareness of it all. Now is not the time to be anesthetizing ourselves with any of our most common distractions: work, beer, tv, wine, video games, pot (depending upon where you live).

Not to say we can’t indulge – but it behooves us to keep at least one foot on the floor in the coming days, because it’s going to become increasingly easy to become unmoored.

Look out – Photo: L. Weikel

The Astrology

I listened to this podcast the other day. In it, Rick Levine lays out the aspects and implications of so many of the configurations so clearly that I simply must recommend it. I know it’s long (it’s about 90 minutes), but the podcast addresses what we should stay alert for over the next month extremely well. I’ll admit it: I’ve listened to it a couple of times on my most recent walks, and I’ve used the rewind button liberally. I feel like I’ve learned a ton in this particular podcast. And just between the first time I listened (four days or so ago) and now, events are unfolding that only serve to confirm the influences referenced.

This is fascinating stuff. It behooves us to pay attention. Life is so much richer when we have some sense of what’s happening all around us and what we can and can’t influence.

Holding our centers and maintaining enough awareness about what’s going on around us that we’re not blindsided by external events can make all the difference in the world.

Clouds and Trees and Familiars

Give a listen to this podcast. Pay attention to what’s going on. But take some time every single day to revel in some beautiful clouds or the appearance of an Ent on your walk or the adoring gaze of a pet. It’s the little stuff that keeps us going when the big stuff becomes too intense.

What’s happening here? – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-198)

Cranesbill – Day 912

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A Lone Cranesbill Along Our Path – Photo: L. Weikel

Cranesbill

Aha! I was just seeing if you were paying attention. Of course, I’m sure you immediately thought to yourself when you saw the title of this post, Cranesbill, “I can’t believe she’s milking the Wild Geraniums she saw on a walk two days ago for yet a third post. Good grief, she is shameless.”

Indeed, you’d be right.

Yes, I’m parlaying my recent discovery of the name of the lovely pale purple wildflower growing prolifically along roadsides into one final post. These wildflowers are seemingly everywhere now. I’m equally sure I’m seeing and recognizing them now because I made a conscious effort to learn their name so I would no longer pass by them with no recognition.

The reason I’m writing one last post, though, is because I just had to look up the spiritual attributes of Geranium. Alleviation of the physical symptoms that respond to Geranium didn’t feel like an immediate concern to me (thank goodness). And then the light bulb went off and I realized I’d failed to look up Geranium’s significance in my trusty Nature Speak* by Ted Andrews.

The Message – on this New Moon

As usual, in looking up the message Geranium might be bringing me (since it’s practically been haunting me the past few days), I’m both fascinated and intrigued by what I’ve discovered in the aforementioned Nature Speak:

“Geranium (geranium)

Keynote: new happiness and vitality; take advantage of new opportunities

Geranium is a perennial that comes in many colors. They are usually found and grown as groundcover in woodland gardens and rockeries. Some varieties suppress weeds through mounts of their leaves and flowers. They are easy to grow and the blooms are saucer-shaped. They are a summer blooming plant, making this a messenger about efforts coming to fruition having greater success in summer.

Geranium means ‘crane’s bill.’ In southern Africa, a variety of it is called stork’s bill. The crane, the animal to which this flower is also associated by its name, is a symbol of the solar deities and the bridging of the spiritual and physical realms. This flower and its energies awaken a greater sense of happiness and stir the heart chakra into greater healing and a renewed sense of joy in life. It vitalizes the aura of the individual which strongly repercusses on all those within one’s life. It helps one to pinpoint and grab life’s happiness. In most geranium beds, there will be an elf who oversees the entire area.

Geraniums as messengers foretell new happiness and vitality in our life. They also can show you where you may be missing opportunities for happiness. And they alert us to take advantage of new opportunities when they arise. Are we hesitating? Now is the time to act.”

Take-Away

Who knew?! What a delightful and most unexpected message to receive. And the synchronicity of this messenger arriving just as we approached today’s new moon, which calls upon us to plant seeds leading to new opportunities in the fertile earthiness of Taurus, is just wonderful to contemplate.

I love the intimation that where geraniums grow, an elf oversees that area. Gee, I’ve not been too obsessed with Beings hovering around the area lately, right?

Hmm. Pretty cool.

Watcher – Photo: L. Weikel

*Affiliate Link

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