Message from the Mountain

The wind blowing across the valley from Mount Washington turned the leaves on the maples inside out. It was a different look than we are accustomed to when visiting the Lupine Field. In the winter this wind will drift the snow outside the Cabin. In life, things sometimes turn inside out. It is a matter of patience. Support the show

I love to see the variety of colors that always seem to vary each year when the phlox bloom in August and September. They remind me of the uniqueness in each person that helps create varieties of positive intentions in life.   Support the show

The few yarrow plants we have are now in full bloom. They are slender with fern type leaves and small blossoms that are easy to miss against the backdrop of larger vegetation. Yet they are special, just as there are many people who are missed in the background of their lives. Support the show

This has not been the best of years to walk and play on the grounds at the Center due to the abnormal amount of rain we have had, but the Fairy Pathway is ready for children of all ages to visit. It is good to let the child in our minds come out to play. Support the show

We like to think that the Center and its land is welcome to families of all ages. I see constant evidence of that by those that hike the trails, visit the Peace Garden, or walk the Labyrinth and Grace Trail. Nature’s animal families are also welcome. We are all one big family. Support the show

Another indication that fall is getting closer is the blossoms on the sumac trees. Their leaves will be some of the first to turn brilliant red soon after the swamp maples turn. The sumac is fast growing and can easily take over a vacant field, almost like unwanted ideas can take over our minds. Support the show

The old plum tree has never provided us with much fruit. They usually disappear just before they are ready to pick, thanks to the birds. Still, the blossoms smell really nice in the spring. It is just another one of attempts at having a fruit orchard. Still, it’s nice to enjoy. Support the show

Years ago we planted two pear trees, one with standard size fruit and the other with smaller pickling pears. We have never really harvested either one. The big pears are scabby, and we don’t know what to do with the smaller ones. The same happens in life when we have abilities that we don’t know what to do with. Support the show

The goldenrod is now becoming the star of the Lupine Field, creating a segway into the fall season. It will remain in bloom until we cut the field in late September-October. It is also the time of year people enjoy the harvest season as they reflect and plan for next year. Support the show

The person who built the Center some eighty years ago also created a flat stone walkway-path from the front door to the stone stairs leading to his garden. Over time Nature covered the stones up, until Derek found them again. A lot of things in life get covered up over time. Support the show

I remember the puzzling question when I was young as to whether the hen or the egg came first. I think of that when I see our hens and chickens in bloom. Besides thinking about the future, Nature often reminds us of things from our past. Support the show

I love to find tiny matchsticks growing in places where they could easily be overlooked by the casual hiker. Some of my earliest memories are of my grandmother gathering some, along with varieties of moss, to make a terrarium. She brought nature inside and into my heart. Support the show

Another special treat in August is when the phlox begin to blossom. This tall flower easily regenerates itself when it scatters its seeds, often in places that fall victim to a lawn mower in the coming year. There are late blooming people who do make a positive difference when sharing their abilities. Support the show

There is a patch of brown eyed susans flourishing on the very edge of some exposed granite near the top of the Lupine Field. The thin layer of topsoil has weathered away, but the flowers are holding fast. People often are at their best when living on the edge. Support the show

Somewhere along the line we discovered echinacea, also known as cone flower, growing in the Lupine Field. We are not sure how it got there but are pleased at having them part of the mix. Life has a lot of interesting mixes to it. Support the show

We sat on the bench at the top of the Lupine Field and watched the rain clouds drift across the valley. As we headed back to the Cabin, drops of water began falling on us. Fortunately, it passed soon, and I was reminded of how quickly things in life can change.   Support the show

After the lupine have gone to seed, another beautiful flower, the ragged robin, takes over the show. I’m not sure how it took root here, but it is very welcome. When we pay attention to the present in life, we discover a lot of beauty. Support the show

It seems as if we wait all year to experience a perfect summer day when the temperature and humidity are just right and the sky is filled with beautiful floating clouds. Often when that day gets here, we are too busy to notice, and afterwards, we begin the wait again.  Support the show

There is at least one apple in the old orchard that looks like it has great potential to be combined with others in the fall as part of the ingredients for an apple pie. In life we have projects and ideas that have good potential for the future if we persevere. Support the show

As we begin our journey through August, many of the varieties of day lilies have finished flowering and so I was delighted to discover a different color just beginning to bloom. In life, just when we think there is nothing new to discover, we find there is much left to find. Support the show

The rainy weather seems to have been good for the wild blueberries growing on the mountain. They are great in muffins, pies, and just plain by the handful. It is a treat not only for the stomach, but for the mind. It is time to enjoy. Support the show

I can think of a lot of food items that double my pleasure when I am eating them, like extra whipped cream or chocolate syrup. We have a double orange lily that doubles my pleasure when looking at them, and I can hold the pleasure in my heart so I can experience it again. Support the show

Recently we spent a couple of days at the family cabin on a lake in Maine, built by my parents over sixty years ago. Now in a trust, it is with a feeling of gratitude that we watch our children and grandchildren create their own memories to revisit in the future. Support the show

The goldenrod have begun to bloom, hinting of the fall season to come. By September the landscape will be ablaze with these bright yellow flowers. Right now there are other flowering plants to focus on before the goldenrod have their turn. Support the show

Up on the mountainside the sounds of the valley drift away, and yet in the silence the voice in our mind is still creating a dialogue with itself. You may be able to hear it better in Nature than in the hustle and bustle of life, but it is still there wherever you go. Think positive. Support the show