Message from the Mountain

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

As I record this message, I am grateful for the container of mayflowers on the kitchen windowsill. The smell is one of my favorites, and I find myself leaning over the sink often to experience it. You see, I will not experience this wonderful aroma after it is gone until next year. Support the show

Derek has already spent several days here preparing the gardens and grounds for more planting and expansion. I marvel at his work, and I know his acts of kindness are and will provide peace and pleasure to those that visit. We all have a purpose. Support the show

When I was a kid, the month of May meant May baskets. A time to catch a friend unaware and “hang” a basket full of candy, and when everyone was caught, they all would eat the treats. On May 1st, when I left the Center, there was a special May basket waiting. What a feeling of love! Support the show

Most people have repaired some sort of walls in their life, whether in their home or their yard. I watched two women carry supplies to the top of a tall sea wall and climb down a ladder to repair the erosion at the bottom caused by storms. People often put walls around themselves that constantly need repair. Support the show

I am grateful for finding a well-placed bench, on the Center’s land or wherever we go. A bench is a place to pause and rest and take a moment to communicate with one’s Source. I am refreshed there. Support the show

We had been waiting all winter for our weekend trip to the ocean. I left the shade partly open the first night and I awoke at 5 am to a red glow. It only lasted a couple of minutes, but the energy sustained me the whole day.  It was worth the trip. Support the show

We have an old stump at the top of the Lupine Field that is decorated with items for the fairies, and there is one at the Center covered with small rocks. People love to decorate places, as well as themselves, often with the goal of bringing happiness for a moment to others. Support the show

We are now in what I call the yellow phase of spring. The daffodils and forsythia are in full bloom. As they fade, other colors will take over, along with blackflies. Life has many different phases and each teaches us how to stay in tune with our soul’s purpose. Support the show

When the pussy willow blossoms go to seed, they look very different from their earlier fuzzy blooms, but they are still beautiful. Older people are often thought to be past their prime, but they have beautiful wisdom to share. Support the show