Message from the Mountain

The giant iris are standing tall in the flower garden. Often, I will stake them up to keep them from toppling in the wind. With my assistance they continue to remain upright while they flower. People that stand tall can also be toppled by themselves or others unless they are propped up by their faith. Support the show

We have a shrub at the Center, whose name I have forgotten, that has grown over years and produces beautiful round ball-shaped flowers with a fragrant smell. I am reminded of the beautiful souls on earth that I may see once or often that have remained nameless to me. Support the show

Some time ago I planted some lilies of the valley in front of the house, and they have invaded the landscape. It is an invasion we cherish. I am reminded that when we do small positive acts of kindness, they have the potential of spreading through receptive souls. Support the show

 I have a lot of early memories of my father coming home from the service and Memorial Day parades when he and my sister and I marched to the cemetery, along with others, to decorate the graves of veterans. I hope we honor those who have served for years to come. Support the show

The rhododendrons have started to bloom as we continue our spring journey of finding flowering shrubs all season. My intention is to share my gratitude for Nature’s beauty in positive actions every day   Support the show

I recently attended a beauty contest sponsored by Nature. There were 25 lady slippers vying for the most beautiful. I couldn’t choose a winner. Then again, in life I don’t necessarily judge beauty by outward appearance. I know a lot of beautiful souls, like you, that are all winners. Support the show

The small crabapple tree in our yard is loaded with blossoms, standing out and capturing our attention over the other apple trees. Its fruit, however, is very tiny and only consumed by the birds. Support the show

Over the years I have noticed that when we work the soil, old plants start to grow again. This was the case when the ground behind the Center was reworked. In life, it is possible to rediscover elements that have been long forgotten. Support the show

Several years ago we planted some colorful ground phlox over a large rock beside our drive. The plants have spread and are eye catching this time of year. There are many ways to add color to one’s life, especially when it involves spreading love, joy, gratitude and positive acts. Support the show

I have learned over the years that some people can use special smells to help them pause and clear their minds. For me, one of the smells is lilacs. As I do not remember smells in my mind, it is important for me to pause and sense them when they are in bloom. Support the show

There are a couple of kinds of flowers in the little Frog Pond, and right now the delicate white ones are putting on a show. As the Ormond gardens expand, these components will blend together. Life is a blend of different components. It is up to us to create a positive blend. Support the show

A good portion of the front “lawn” is now covered with beautiful forget-me-nots.  They have spread over the years from just a couple of plants. Now, I anticipate their yearly flowering. Each year is different as are many unforgettable events in our lives.  Support the show

The old pear tree is loaded once again with fragrant white blossoms. It is that time of year when nature is in full production mode. It is also a great time to pause each day and take in the smells and beauty in front of you and hold it in your heart with gratitude. Support the show

We often think of the term “mother lode” as meaning a very valuable treasure. Derek filled our car with a mother lode of plants given to us by friends who were trimming their garden. The goal is to share the beauty as they grow with others who visit the Center. We have much to share in life. Support the show

As I photographed pear blossoms, I glanced at a nearby apple tree, and saw a small patch of blue. Curious, I looked from a different angle and saw it was an indigo bunting. I had been waiting to see one and may not see it again this year, but now I know it still comes. The same with one’s belief: just knowing is enough. Support the show

I am constantly looking for signs that I am on the right path for my soul’s purpose, and recently a stone heart appeared in the walkway behind the Center going to a portion of the Ormond Gardens. I know that signs are here in different ways for all of us. Support the show

With all the stressors in the world people are searching more and more to find both inner and outer peace. Recently my wife and son erected the screen house by the Cabin on top of the Mountain, a very special peaceful place. Many people find it wherever they are. Support the show

There is nothing like being outside in Nature, but sometimes Nature brings us beautiful surprises right outside our windows, as was the case of a beautiful scarlet tanager posing on a sunlit branch. It can be good to leave our confines to greet Nature face to face. Support the show

Mothers Day is always special. This year my wife is celebrating it enjoying the tulips that she planted last fall, a gift last Mothers Day from our granddaughter. The love we feel in our hearts for mothers can be expressed all year long to everyone. Support the show

The season is changing rapidly now. Every day there is something new to discover in Nature, including the first strawberry blossoms. Life is also very busy this time of year. It is always good to pause and connect with your soul for a few moments every day. Support the show

I watched a hawk perched on a limb outside one of our windows, surveying the landscape where there has been chipmunk activity recently. Often people forget to step back and survey the landscape of their lives, being caught up in their dramas where it is hard to see the whole picture. Support the show

After the recent storms, it is important to keep your head up while walking in Nature. There are a lot of broken limbs ready to fall without notice, especially when walking amongst the trees. It is good to keep one’s head up in life as each moment may influence the future. Support the show

Finally, the temperature here in the foothills reached 70 degrees, and my wife, daughter and I decided to take a walk in Nature. We wandered about the Orchard and trails. It was very peaceful and rejuvenating. You might find the same in a city park or by the ocean. Support the show

People often wished they had a crystal ball to help them see the future or resolve situations from their past. We all experience life-changing events, positive and negative, large and small. Our lives have been changed by others, and we have hopefully changed others’ lives in a positive way. Support the show

We cleaned the old nests out of the birdhouses in the Lupine Field a few weeks ago and now we have a new renter settled in, even though the house has a little lean to it. It is fun to watch the swallows and bluebirds compete. It is a great time to get out and observe nature wherever you are. Support the show