A poet named Nikita Gill gave the world this poem. Her words are hopeful, honest and inspiring. I hope you enjoy this poem as much as I did.
Your ancestors did not survive
everything that nearly ended them
for you to shrink yourself
to make someone else
comfortable.
This sacrifice is your warcry,
be loud,
be everything
and make them proud.
My house smells of lavender right now and I’m savoring the aroma.
Yesterday, my oldest and dearest friend and I set off on an adventure at Sunset Ridge Lavender Farm near Yellow Springs, Ohio. For $10 you can cut a bouquet of lavender to take home and they have several varieties for your consideration.
Each variety has unique qualities like Folgate that has flowers of an almost iridescent periwinkle blue. Purple Bouquet has long dark stems that make it ideal for craft projects. Each variety has different qualities for cooking.
I have always enjoyed lavender but never found myself in a situation like this one where I could experience the differences in varieties. At a glimpse, it all just looks like lavender but it’s clearly different on closer inspection.
The leaves and the flowers on each plant have an array of textures and the aromas are drastically different. Your nose will recognize when you have moved from one variety to another.
I came home with a bouquet that includes some of everything. Like the bees that flitted from one plant to the next, one row to another, I moved about clipping a few stems from there and a few from here,. I did this until my fist was full and I was confident that I had enough white lavender stems mixed in with all the rich purples.
There was a shockingly large crowd just twenty minutes after opening and, as people left, more continued to flow in. Many were there just to collect their bouquets and to take a selfie or two. Others came with little kids dressed for portraits. Some brought spouses who stood in this small sea of lavender looking lost and making me grateful to be there with a friend who shared my enthusiasm.
It was a good day.
Plus, they have a pretty purple barn, some welcoming chairs in the shade and some baked goods for sale.
My car now smells strongly of lavender and I’m confident that I should always keep lavender in the vehicle from here on. We were both inspired to pick up some lavender seeds yesterday so we can have our own patches at home.
This isn’t an enormous lavender patch but we were quite happy with the experience. You can find Sunset Ridge on Facebook to learn more about location, hours and their season.
It’s a picturesque scene from somewhere in Ohio’s Amish Country last fall. I didn’t love it there but there were some bright moments including a peaceful drive in the country and just sightseeing.
This farm was a favorite, possibly because I liked how the vibrant blues and greens accentuate the wood barn.
Greek poet Hesiod is alleged to have said “Do not let a flattering woman coax and wheedle you and deceive you; she is after your barn.”
I don’t know if he really said this but it made me laugh and it sounds pretty accurate to me. I do like a good barn!
Happiness is warm light of a setting sun on the side of a barn. I travel this country road often and was pleased to have no one behind me last night when I wanted to stop for a quick phone picture.
Happiness can be found in all manner of things, big and small. This is your friendly reminder to look around and find something to smile about.
Remember this: happiness and satisfaction are not guaranteed. Make up your mind that today will be a good day and it will be. Now, go look for that thing to smile about! Report back, if you like. I would love to hear about what makes you happy today.
Here’s another glimpse of my trip to Columbus earlier this month. This route was once almost entirely farmland but development is starting to encroach. Not many old barns remain but this is one of my favorites. It’s close to the church I told you about last week.
Isn’t it charming?
Yesterday was a good day because I visited someplace new and learned more than I ever expected. That’s what we’ll talk about tomorrow. Meanwhile, it’s the first day of spring so have a great Sunday and be sure to do something that makes your adventure fun.
Old barns and trucks go together like peanut butter and jelly. They’re a beautiful reminder of another time and a different way of life.
I made this picture early one Sunday morning a couple of years ago. I was out for a leisurely drive to pick up donuts and couldn’t resist pulling over for some pictures along the way. It’s a pretty-as-a-picture reminder of that relaxing morning.
I hope you can take time today to make a donut run, go look for an old barn or simply relax the day away.
Happy Sunday, friends.