MAYAPPLE FRIENDS

Down the trail and under the trees

Mayapples march

In the soft morning breeze.

Suddenly, crowds of mayapples are marching along the forest floor.

Each one has seven broad leaves that come together to form a green umbrella.

Out from beneath each green umbrella peaks a shy, little cup-shaped white flower.

The flower often goes unnoticed by people passing by but is such a delight to those who take the time to find it.

Mayapples remind me how easily some of us can be lost in a crowd.

Those who are not outgoing or who consider themselves ordinary, are all too often passed by unnoticed.

Several times in my life, I've found a good friend by getting to know better, a quiet person who didn't stand out in the crowd.

What a joy it has been to unexpectedly find an interesting person whose qualities I soon grew to treasure.

Probably, not far from where you are, right now, there is a new friend waiting to be found.

It's that person you've so often overlooked.

Tip up that person's green umbrella, and start a conversation. You'll be glad you did!

Blessings, Sandra

MOTHERS, MOTHERS EVERYWHERE!

Can you imagine a world without mothers? Everywhere we go, motherhood reigns! Not only on this special day set aside to honor human mothers, but on each and every day in the entire world of nature. This morning, as I walked over the hill at the edge of the woods, mothers were everywhere! A robin mother hopped across the green, tilting her head to capture the vibration of a juicy worm she could pull from the soil and take back to her nest of young. Soon, her fledglings will begin to tumble from the nest, stretch their new wings and make that first uncertain flights. Mother Robin will be right there with each one, her worried twitters cautioning and instructing them until they have the confidence and capabilities to go it on their own. As I rounded the bend of the path, I noticed a pair of soft brown ears twitch on the other side of a berry thicket. Had they not moved, I would have thought I was seeing nothing more than last autumn's faded leaves. In fact, a doe was lying there. I could not see it but was certain that beside her, was a new spotted fawn, wobbly- legged and eager to see the world. But, only Mother Doe would know when it was safe for her child to venture out alone. Until then, she would protect and nurture the little one close by her side. As I walked, I imagined many, many mothers and their young. Down on the pond, Mother Goose with her gawky, down covered goslings, and their neighbors, Mother Duck and her fuzzy yellow ducklings were all gliding across the water, little ones lined up behind their mothers, eager for the swim. Mother Muskrat and her kits in their cozy den of sticks and mud; Mother Heron and her delicate egg, about to hatch... all the mothers and their young, ready for a new day. Chipmnks, squirrels, woodpeckers, rabbits and walleye....all of nature is at the season of motherhood. Even Mother Earth, herself, should be hailed for the bounty of life she brings forth this spring, and every spring. Let us all give thanks for mothers....human and others....the source of life and love. Blessings, Sandra