Our Lavish, Remarkable World

On my daily walks, nature proves to me time and again how lavish and abundant our world is. Over the last few weeks, I’ve watched beauty flow across the semi-arid south Texas terrain like waves of an ocean. Each wave is distinct and remarkable.

With spring’s first rains, miniscule flowers dappled the gray ground, and long, fuzzy, creamy white flowers hung from mesquite. Then, huge, flame-shaped yucca blossoms towered on tall stalks, their white brilliance lighting the shrubland like torches. 

 

When the yucca blooms began to fade, swaths of blue bonnets and perky yellow, pink and white flowers began carpeting the roadsides. 

 

Now, dazzling yellow flowers beautify the cacti. Their petals are so sheer, they’re almost transparent. The blossoms are profuse, with dozens of them fringing the cacti’s palm-shaped pads. 

As the wave of cactus blossoms reaches shore, I notice a new wave coming in. Clusters of tiny, delicate yellow flowers are bursting forth on tall shrubs with narrow, wispy leaves.  

Wave after wave of natural beauty rolls across the terrain, each one magnificent and unique. Their lavish beauty makes my heart swell with admiration and joy!

Free Today: Writing from Source Ebook

I would be honored if you accept today's free ebook of the Writing from Source™ process as my gift to you. Several years ago, I was gifted with this powerful way to access your inner wisdom. I deeply appreciate this opportunity to share it with you. 

This concise ebook describes the Writing from Source process in step-by-step detail. It also provides free access to a guided audio session.

The ebook is available free today on Amazon. Click here to get your copy.

May Writing from Source serve you in beautiful ways! 

From Bud to Blossom or Pad: If You Were a Cactus Bud, Which Would You Become?

When these buds first appear on cacti, they look like they will all turn out the same. Yet, they go in two distinct directions.

Some will blossom into bright, showy flowers. The brilliance of their beauty inspires and uplifts all who see them. They offer a constant reminder that goodness pervades life. Later, they will bear fruit, providing nourishment to area critters. Their role ends with the season.

Other buds become cactus pads, the thorny “branches” that support growth and protection for the main plant and will bear the next season’s buds. Although they may become dormant for awhile, the pads fulfill their role of sustenance, nurture and support for countless seasons.

As I watch the evolution of these cacti buds into blossoms or pads, I think of the life roles I have lived. In some roles—workshop facilitator, speaker, club officer, writer—I have been the blossom radiating my brilliance, inspiring others to step up and show off their great gifts and talents. In other roles—spouse, aunt, friend, writing coach—I have been the pad offering unconditional love and support, warding off danger, sadness and negativity with my protective thorns. 

Some of us have a natural propensity to be a blossom; others to be a pad. At different stages of our lives and in different roles during the same stage of life, we take on the responsibilities and rewards of both roles. Both the blossom and the pad are essential to well-being, just as they are to the life cycle of the cactus.

Which one are you in this moment? The shining star or the support team? The radiant blossom or the strong, nurturing, protective pad?