Dogwood Hopes

Dogwood is in bloom in southern Ohio. This tree in my backyard has only a few blooms so far but it’s my favorite thing right now.

Dogwood is known for its symbolism, particularly in Christianity as it’s thought to represent the resurrection of Christ. The cross that Jesus was crucified on was made from dogwood.

In general, dogwood symbolizes hope, purity and renewaL Maybe that’s why I like them so much. It seems I’m constantly on the verge of a fresh start and hopeful that better days are ahead. I never really get to where I want to be but keep trying anyway.

Today is no different and I’m sure tomorrow will be the same as well. Bring on the hope, today is a new day. The dogwood is in bloom.

Hope

“Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.”

Lin Yutang

Beyond The Horizon

We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Desert sunrise, Arches National Park, 2018

In The Company Of Angels

You’ve likely seen dragonflies but did you know they symbolize transformation and self realization? They are said to help us on the path of discovery and enlightenment.

I have also read that when you’re among dragonflies you’re in the company of angels. If that’s the case, a chorus of angels surrounded me for much of my hike Sunday.

Dozens, if not hundreds of dragonflies flitted in and out of my path, amongst the wildflowers and weeds along the lake shore.

In this world, there are about 5,000 species of dragonflies. In Ohio, we have documented 165. On Sunday, I saw several although I cannot name them for you. I can tell you that I very much enjoyed standing on the trail watching these mysterious creatures dance in the sunlight.

With some patience, I was able to capture a handful of pictures and am grateful for each one.

It’s a comforting idea that these colorful insects with their oddly shaped bodies and translucent wings represent more than we can see and that we are among angels.

If nothing else, they give me the feeling and even the hope that I’m on the right path.

Happiness Is…

Happiness is the first subtle signs of spring. The initial hint that spring is near came last week with a chorus of March Peepers serenading us at night. Yesterday it was the bloom of Crocus and Daffodils. Some trees have buds on them and the air is a bit warmer despite the absence of sun most days.

After months of rain and cold, these harbingers of spring give us hope that better days await.

Fortunately, sometimes hope is all we need to get ourselves through.