the blue muse

In gardening terms, a volunteer is a plant that reseeds itself and pops up
in unexpected places. This Cleome is a plant I had in my garden years ago,
and for some reason, just now I am finding them everywhere.

Why now and not last year, or the year before?
All the conditions must have been perfect this year, for this plant. Seeds that had been hidden and dormant for years are suddenly springing to life.

I feel that way myself sometimes.

Growth spurts and dormant periods, ideas that come and get pushed aside, times when I am too tired to do anything but rest.

And then, other times, the conditions are just right, and something
beautiful begins to grow. Something in my mind raises its hand
and volunteers to come forward.

Some of these seeds burst open overnight, standing strong and tall
on their own. Others need nurturing, I must tend to them,
give them space and light and loving care.

Either way, there will be flowers.

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Thank you so much to everyone who offered kind words of encouragement
about my images, it really meant a lot. I am in the planning stages now…