Spring Renewal

It has been raining for so long, I really haven't enjoyed the flowers as they have come and gone so quickly.  Today the palest of pale blue iris are beginning to bloom and the pale yellow, which I cut some buds and brought them inside.  The wild violets are the first harbingers of spring for us here on this windy knoll in SW MO.  Some came from NY and some from Toadshade Wildflower Farm.  They touch me...bringing back childhood memories of walking the woods with grandparents in the spring identifying flowers and plants, many of which I have not seen in many years. As parents and grandparents, we have a special obligation to acquaint our young ones with mother earth and the wonder of planting seeds in the ground, watching them sprout and grow.  In doing so, we instill in them a sense of wonder that is next to impossible to do in the concrete of the city unless one is willing to become an advocate for growing in pots or a little patch of ground at the back of the house. As I wander this road through life, I know for certain, I am who I am because of those walks in the woods, being lifted high to back of a horse, being encouraged to be kind to all ...animals and people alike. Animals that give their lives to us as food should be honored and treated with the same dignity the American Indians showed during the hunt. Our fellow man is also our brother regardless of race or creed... Mankind will only survive when we learn to honor this earth and all that is in it.  The forest is beautiful because of it's diversity....not it's sameness
These things must be taught, if not at school, then in the home..