The liturgical calendar probably won’t tell you this, but Saturday saw a record set for the highest pollen count in Atlanta in 35 years! I have no trouble believing this is true. And it’s a good thing Kleenex are on sale!
Dogwoods, azaleas, crepe myrtles, forsythia… they’re all doing their thing to contribute to the pollen! Also dandelions and violets! Even in the front yard!!! And, despite all my training in “appropriate” suburban landscaping, I’m totally okay with all that! Even the asparagus is starting to appear!
There’s more excitement, too. We seem to have a pair of hawks nesting in the big pine tree. No sign of wee ones, yet, but the adults are swooping past the windows in an assertive way, probably claiming their nursery.
All this while dear friends in Canada and Vermont are shoveling snow and the Carolinas are praying for rain.
It all feels quite metaphorical to me, just now. You see, that liturgical calendar I mentioned is also a reminder that there will be more news to come, and it’s going to get harder before it gets better. And I’ll own that I’m looking for comfort. For spiritual sustenance.
Perhaps that’s why the Fairy Tales are flowing! I’ve written three of them this week and I’m really excited! I’m writing in my Story-Gramma voice and it feels utterly natural. It also feels important, for the news is, indeed, going to get harder for many, many of us before it gets better.
And, yes… I’d want to change that if I could. Instead, I’m doing my absolute best to fill junior-size medicine baskets with perceptions and strategies for the journeys ahead.
I’m also making prayer dots. With brushes. With fingertips. Even with glue and buttons! My Guardian Angel painting is adamant. She seems to have claimed the task of teaching us to claim and hold hope. And, yes… I’ll gladly take the bonus truth that all those dots are, literally, neurologically soothing!
There’s also a whole lot of purple going on. For many of us, purple is the color for the seasons of Lent and Advent. It’s also the color of the crown chakra, at the top of the head, representing spirituality, enlightenment and connection to the divine. (The chakra part is more recent learning for me!)
And, I “happen to have” appropriately garbed paintings to share! The one you glimpsed at the top is in charge of choice, voice, and sovereignty.
The one just below is my #workinprogress… even though it’s not Wednesday! On your right is my Guardian Angel. (We’re still sorting the lipstick!) And, on your left, next generations of Guardian Angels-in-training!
I’d love to know what they’re whispering to you!
ps… I just went to re-fill my tea mug and glimpsed a pair of cardinals playing in a rose bush!!! If you could use a sense of ancestors checking in, I’ll gladly share!
pps… you’re invited! Visit FierceArtWithHeart. There’s a big sale in progress and lots of great gifts! (Including the original painting, below… “What the World Needs Now!” ) If you’re new around here and haven’t joined this blog mailing list, join there and save an additional 10% on your purchase!!!
