We met a man who is an internationally recognized rhododendron hybridist. As he gave us a tour of his property, I was jealous of the comfort, confidence, and familiarity that he had with the land, his flowers and life.
It reminded me of a story that Ram Dass tells. He was giving a talk about heavy spiritual stuff to a bunch of people. In the front row, an older woman wearing a hat with artificial flowers was busy crocheting. She continually nodded in agreement with Ram Dass' words - even when the words got pretty "out there". After the talk, Ram Dass asked the woman how she knew so well what he was saying. She replied, "I crochet."
Maybe it doesn't matter what we do, whether it's crocheting, hybriding rhododendrons, praying or meditating. Maybe it's the focus and open heart that we bring to it that makes all of the difference.
Here are some of the "rhodies" that we imbibed. Take your time with them. Aren't they beautiful?
Peace to you, my friend.
This is an excellent post, Carol. Your words are sweet to my ears; the "rhodies" are sweet to my eyes. Both your words and the "rhodies" sing to my soul. Thank you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing in the sweet smells of life and rhodies with me, Nick!
ReplyDeleteThis was a really good post- not just the beautiful pictures, but the story and purport as well!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Thomas. Thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteindigo incarnates
ReplyDeleteVery pretty :)
The flowers there are amazing, Indigo. I think that you would have enjoyed the experience.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of the word "rhododendron," although, to my ear, it sounds kind of hard for these delicate visions.
ReplyDelete