A colorful and inviting entry to a warm and genuine home
Such an amazing day that spun from a number of earlier cancellations and others recognizing the opportunities and helping to make the day happen. From last September at Yellow River State Forest, “I do no manipulate. I help people raise their awareness so they can recognize opportunities. People then choose.”
For some reason I had left my planner with addresses at home so I returned. And, remembered that as I left the first time, I thought of bringing my iPod but being a bit hurried, decided I didn’t need it. Had I turn back into the house, then, I would have seen my planner right in front of me. Well, that was a message to me that I chose to pass up on. Things worked out.
So, after Sisters Health Club, I was off to IC for a lovely conversation with S. Stevens and a massage. Even though construction sent me around “Robin Hood’s Barn” I arrived early and took pictures of the colorful and inviting yard. S. said my name had come up a few days earlier and then I called. Then, I shared that she had been on my mind because Rich and I passed by her home a few weeks earlier. Our conversations have always been joyous, deep and caring. We made plans.
A self-described “old hippy” in the sweet sage Gaia Labyrinth
Even though I was a bit late to head to Mt. Vernon, I swung by the Gaia Labyrinth that I just learned about two days earlier. There I met Blair Frank, a Nature Center member and devoted gardener/farmer and self described “hippy” who graciously showed me around and honored my short time frame. A return visit to return the honor, for sure. He has cultivated herbs, sacred herbs, garden flowers and tucked in an orchard. Once from Bertram he and his wife, Mary, live in Iowa City and he journeys across town each day to work the Gaia landscape.
And, what is Gaia? From Wikipedia: “Gaia (/ˈɡeɪ.ə/ or /ˈɡaɪ.ə/; from Ancient Greek Γαῖα, a poetical form of Gē Γῆ, “land” or “earth”;[1] also Gaea, or Ge) was the goddess or personification of Earth in ancient Greek religion,[2] one of the Greek primordial deities. Gaia was the great mother of all: the primal Greek Mother Goddess; creator and giver of birth to the Earth and all the Universe; the heavenly gods, the Titans and the Giants were born from her union with Uranus (the sky), while the sea-gods were born from her union with Pontus (the sea). Her equivalent in the Roman pantheon was Terra.”
The drive to Mt. Vernon is so lovely especially this time of year. Linda P. looks great! And what a story she can tell. Good to connect with a grounded sincere energy worker.
June sky and native tall grass prairie.
Walked the Prairie Labyrinth and continued to form ideas and plans as I took in the fabulous sky and stunning prairie plants. What a difference a year makes. Last year they struggled in the continued hot, dry weather. This year all is lush, vibrant and healthy. The July 20 early morning walk for Indian Creek Nature Center will be fun to lead.
The picture below intrigues me. The spiral, the developing grasses and forbs and Center Stone. I like leaving little totems that the children and I alternately find and re-hide.
Approaching the Summer Solstice is a beautiful spiral of native prairie
Finally, home to the 1080 Laughing Labyrinth. Some cleaning up of Kentucky bluegrass and admiring the pale purple coneflower, iris, pulmanaria, Turks lily, and the multitude of flowers and grasses from friends. Each tells a story of relationships. And, the rocks. From all over the US coming to me in all sorts of ways. Again, relationships.
But, part of life is also death. And, the labyrinth reveals that in unusual ways both literally and metaphorically. I’ve worked the labyrinth for many days clearing weeds and unwanted grasses, giving the desirable plants space and sunlight to grow. So, along come the deer to thank me as they forage easily on tasty prairie and domestic plants that had been hidden by the Kentucky bluegrass. Hmmm. Some plants will come back in fact sprouting several blossoming stems rather than the one they might have produced. Not all is lost. Then, I come along and occasionally errantly clip off a stem that should have been left to grow. I always mourn that and ask for pardon. Doing something unintended that leads to being more “care full” as I continue and into the future.
Predation
Today I found a four inch wide and three-inc deep hole with fur scattered about and knew that a nest of rabbits had been discovered and destroyed by a hungry predator. Good fortune for the hunter. Bad luck for the hapless rabbits.
Surprises await, too. Plants that went dormant in last year’s harsh summer now are poking up slim stems and delicate leaves. One in particular that means a lot to me and metaphorically gives hope.
Not to be outdone, the birds create excitement, too. Chickadees with their nest in the magnolia tree scold. I know the vultures have returned from a food foray by the shadow that sweeps across the lawn toward the hollow basswood tree. Hen turkeys show the poults how to find insects, important protein sources. And, high above over Indian Hill Road and the Creek, the eagles are back! Of course they have been around, but totally out of sight since March. Their re-appearance means either the nest is compromised or (being the optimist here) that the young are hatched. Parents busy getting food and showing the young how to fly. By late August they will fledge.
Many positive synchronicities today.
1080 Labyrinth 