This past week, I discovered Southern California's superbloom season has arrived at Rivendell.
I had no idea that the neon green blanket of panic veldt grass, rapidly covering much of the sanctuary, was only a heralding of the delights to come. Beautiful colors now surround us and they easily have their way with my busy mind and messy heart, soothing all with unrelenting hope.
The sweet, sweet Wild Canterbury Bells take me to a dreamy place of Keats and the earth's promise, hedge to hedge, that the poetry of the land will never cease. Master poems abound and I only have to open my heart to see, and quiet the doubts to hear.
Tiny and delicate white flowers have begun to bloom on the hundreds of native black sage bushes freckled across Rivendell's meadows.
I know, it is just the beginning of something even more spectacular, or perhaps, my days of running from bees. Likely both. Each of which, I welcome with gratitude.
The black sage leaves have turned a vibrant, deep green. I rub them between my fingers so that I can wear their scent; they feel like soft furry caterpillars. The sensory experience is an opiate and I'm addicted.
The bushes shine in the sun and swayed by pockets of gentle winds, they swoosh, here and there, creating mesmerizing sounds that would be lullaby-worthy to any tired and achy heart, not unlike my own.
I pray I will never forget the magic of neon green, a new found flower friend, and the setting sun casting beams, just ever so, upon the beating hearts of those I love.
As we give our all to building this sanctuary, we are experiencing our most challenging of times. And yet, they are also the best of times.
This is the most beautiful poetry I have read in a long time Kelly. I can feel what you feel and see it all in my mind's eye. I hope to one day experience it in person, in real time and I too would love to wear that intoxicating scent for a day or two. I once became addicted to the scent of the rare Elephant tree whilst on a trip specifically designed to find them in Northern Mexico. It too was intoxicating and held me so tightly that I didn't want to leave! Much love to you and all the inhabitants of Riverdale. May you all flourish. Oh! I think I'm sold on the linament or balm or sa…