Message from the Mountain

Milkweed is now in bloom, and the butterflies and bees will be milking its nectar. I am reminded of an old phrase, “Milking it for the most”, that relates to how we try to get the most out of something. I used to study things I wanted to do until I had done my best. Support the show

With all the rainy days this past month, the landscape is very lush, and sometimes I think of it as the jungle of the north. I am also reminded of how people view the landscape of life. For some it is dry and barren without positive intentions, while others experience a lush existence. Support the show

One of my favorite forms of music is the blues. It is the basis for rhythm and blues and early rock and roll. The music from the blue bellflowers may be silent to most, but their mind music plays on. Nature and music flow well together.   Support the show

I had noticed that our hosta plants were missing this year and recently discovered one of the reasons why. There in the middle of the afternoon was a deer munching its way across the lawn to the flowers. I was reminded that our intentions were to share not only with people, but wildlife too. Support the show

I remember an old song that was very popular when it first came out called, “A Daisy a Day”. Daisies make me smile, whether in the wild or in a flower garden. Some people also make me smile because they bring happiness to others. Support the show

Nature is providing tiny sweet strawberries for the birds and animals that enjoy feasting on them as well as humans who have the ability to bend down and the patience to pick them, but people will have their own domestic strawberries to enjoy soon. Support the show

T he past few weeks we have enjoyed watching the blue birds and swallows as they created nests and raised their young in the bird houses in the Lupine Field. All are gone except one last swallow that the parents keep coming back to feed. People can be the same way. Support the show

One of my favorite summer flowers is now in bloom: foxgloves. These tall slender plants are a special treat for my eyes and for the insects that enjoy their nectar. Nature provides a lot of sweet nectar for the heart for those that are aware. Support the show

Several different bear wander through the woods on the Mountain, including mothers and cubs, yearlings on their own for the first time and the big boys. We usually do not see them. Some people wander through our lives that we pay no attention to. Support the show

The tall slender white bell flowers are in bloom and playing a beautiful silent tune that people can only hear in their minds. I am reminded of people that go about their lives silently doing positive acts that benefit others. Support the show

Derek, our master gardener, has returned for five days of handwork with his magic hoe. His plan is really beginning to take shape. I am so grateful for his willingness to share his abilities as he is developing a peaceful positive environment for visitors to the Center. Support the show

When we first bought our mountain property, our logger discovered a formation that reminded him of Vikings. We had the area around it protected and discovered that it had a center stone divider lined up with the setting sun of the summer solstice. Support the show

Queen Anne’s Lace is now in bloom in the Lupine Field and joined by buttercups, daisies and clover as we transition from the fading lupine into full summer mode. I will be discovering these beauties again for the first time. There is always something new to discover in life. Support the show

Standing on the top edge of the Lupine Field, I can watch the weather rolling across the mountain peaks. It may come my way or pass me by. We may not be able to influence the weather, but we can influence people when we are aware of their moods. Positive words can make a difference. Support the show

The early yellow daylilies are open, and they are a welcome sight. Now there will be a steady parade of different lily varieties throughout the summer and early fall. I look forward to each one as my heart is constantly filled with gratitude for Nature’s beauty. Support the show

TENDING THEIR FAMILY – The swallow couple were tending to their family shortly after my son had secured the bird house which was in peril of falling off its perch. We have noted that the young did survive. I think of people that tend their families, whether they are biological, soul, or community families.   To hear this podcast recording, go to: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2037649 or http://www.mi...

There is a special stump at the edge of the Lupine Field where the fairies play, and every time we pass by it, there seems to be something new. I love to find the results of the fairies, no matter what their ages. After all, I am still a kid in my mind. Support the show

I thought I would take another look back at some of the lupine photos I took this past couple of weeks, thinking about the first year when we had a dozen blooms. They have spread like the positive actions people take, not knowing how they will wind up. Support the show

Today is Flag Day in this country, and to me it symbolizes freedom. Nature is also flying its flags, both yellow and blue, and I am so grateful that I am free to observe these beautiful creations. Nature gives us the freedom to celebrate what our country’s flag stands for.   Support the show

I watched and photographed a butterfly as it drank sweet nectar from the wild asters in the Orchard. We didn’t plant the flowers. All we did, and do, is cut the grass in the fall. We may never know who is touched by random acts of kindness that we do, like helping a butterfly. Support the show

The columbines are blooming in the gardens at the Center, and before long the wild variety will be appearing on the Mountainside. They come in a variety of colors that create a beautiful blend. The same is true for people. It is this variety that helps us grow together. Support the show

There are little apples forming on the trees in the Orchard. I have hope for an apple pie in the fall. This is the time of year when young people are graduating from colleges, high schools, and even nursery schools. They are my hope for a better world filled with love in the future. Support the show

The rhododendrons are beginning to fade, their brilliant blooms having served as a prelude to the summer season. I look for something in Nature every day to be grateful about, and when I find it, my heart fills. It helps make the day flow more positively. Support the show

This is the time for anyone in this area to see the beautiful lupines in bloom against the mountain backdrop across the valley. If not, one can find something beautiful in their own area or take a few moments to look at some pictures of Nature. Now is the time every day. Support the show

On the way back from my first hike to the Lupine Field I watched the trail ahead for the best footing, and a heart sign appeared. My heart filled with gratitude knowing that I was receiving an affirmation that I was on the right path. We all have affirmations if we pay attention. Support the show