Message from the Mountain

The ground on the mountainside is uneven, and it's sometimes hard to stay balanced when walking. I take a cane with me. Another place we walk is the Ossipee Pine Barrens. It has a mile long handicap trail on flat even ground. I walk faster there. Life is often about staying balanced when things are uneven. Support the show

As I walked around the grounds of the Center just before our weekly metaphysical meeting, I discovered another small stone heart. After the meeting, I received an email from a friend, a former member of our group, saying that she lost everything in the FL hurricane. The stone heart reminded me of the connections we have with others. Prayers sent. Support the show

Today is our last opportunity to celebrate meteorological summer. When the calendar changes to September, we begin to gear up for fall. It is time to take stock of where you are in life and plan how you intend to positively progress forward. Support the show

The sun’s rays filtering through the clouds looked like a portal into the Cosmos. There has been a lot of interest in "worm holes" recently and perhaps we are getting close to an understanding. Support the show

Now that we are almost to September, I am noticing little changes taking place on the mountainside starting with a few leaves at a time. During the next month each day will see more taking place. Those that are not aware will miss what’s taking place and perhaps, also within themselves. Support the show

The small vine with pink flowers may look harmless, but it is a very invasive wildflower that we noticed at the lower edge of the Lupine Field a few years ago; it was slowly progressing towards the lupine. We made a trail along the edge to cut its progress off. People can get bound up in life in many different ways. Support the show

The Native American Pipes are ready to celebrate the change of seasons. This unique shaped fungus is always a fun discovery for me. I can imagine tiny fairies dancing around them. I am also reminded of unique positive people that others celebrate being in their presence. Support the show

From the top of the Lupine Field we can look down on a small body of water named Davis Pond. Interestingly enough, Davis is my wife’s maiden name. Even though there may be no kin relationship, there is a synchronicity that is true for most of us wherever we go. Everything is connected. Support the show

Several years ago we were given two hibiscus plants that do not look as if they survived the winter until they begin to grow in July. By late August their brilliant flowers open wide. I think of brilliant people who do not think of themselves as brilliant but are willing to share. Support the show

There is a nature walk in Madison through the Pine Barrens. When I was enjoying a stroll there, I noticed a section of trees that seemed to be tangled up and all out of order. I wondered what weather event caused this. People can find themselves in tangles, but they can work their way out with patience. Support the show

Now that we are in the last few days of August, the Lupine Field has turned to yellow as the golden rod has reached its peak. It is time to begin to prepare for fall. It may be going back to school or starting a new project or changing a habit. Change is in the air. Support the show

All the recent rain has helped create a productive mushroom growing season. I do not know enough about wild mushrooms to harvest them, but I know many people look forward to seeing them appear. We have thoughts that grow like mushrooms. Some are productive. Some are dangerous. Support the show

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