The Daily Grace
The Daily Grace

Wildflowers, Grace, and Goodness

Jun 21, 2022 | nature & awe | 18 comments

MY PERSPECTIVE CHANGES all the time on this mountain, weather and the season permeating every thought and impacting nearly every decision. Perhaps this is because conditions change so rapidly. In a moment, a beautiful, clear sunrise can be overcome by opaque, dense fog. A storm can form so fierce thunder and wind rattle the doors and windows in a terrifying chorus and then—just like that, poof—the sky clears and the air is left crisp and fresh and somehow, rejoicing. You feel a part of it all up here, perhaps because at this elevation we have a view so unobstructed as to allow clear sight for miles and miles and miles. To the east, to the south, to the west.

Weather changes, seasons change, and we’re a party to it all.

But there is also this. Time passes on this mountain and every moment feels born of magic. A wink, a nod, a grin that offers Hey. Watch this.

June 19, 8:54 pm, Cats Mountain

This is never more true than in May and June, when the ground releases a glorious array of shoots and stems and leaves that grow and stretch and bloom in every shape, size and color. It’s a show that’s new every day and that continues even as we march across summer—short though the season may be. For all too soon we are headed into fall, steeped in gold and deep orange, the world here turning rich and warm, then fading.

For now, though, the earth is new and filled with more possibility than a mortal mind could dream.

Golden Columbine
False Solomon’s Seal
Indian Paintbrush
Evening Primrose
Columbine
Houston’s Bluets
Mountain Laurel
Lanceleaf Coreopsis
Lousewort
Phlox
Ragwort
Rhododendron
Wild Azalea
Purple Flowering Raspberry

Stella knows it, too.

She sees it. She hears it in the song of the birds, feels it as the squirrels and chipmunks scurry about, offering their own joyful marking of this beautiful, fleeting season.

XXOO


18 Comments

  1. Debbie

    Wow!! I can remember seeing these beautiful flowers when my picture memories pop up from time to time. This is a grand display and you have captured it remarkably. Thanks so much for sharing. Your words and pictures capture so many wonders of catsmountain!

    • Cathy

      Big kisses to you, my friend!

  2. Diane Halloran

    Cathy, thank you so much for these refreshing words. Embarking on our 5th day of 100+ temperatures, the ground here is cracked & dry & everything is singed & withered. My escape is your word pictures ( and your visual ones as well!) I can almost smell the cool, crisp, incredible pure mountain air & it is healing to my soul. Bless you!

    • Cathy

      Oh, Diane. The heat is so oppressive, and I’m happy you found a little respite in my post. I am so fortunate to have this mountaintop escape, and it is my pleasure to share it. Thanks so much for letting me know. XXOO

  3. Joy

    Beautiful words. Beautiful flowers. Have you read The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh? One of my all-time faves.

  4. MPK

    Hey girl!
    Thank you for sharing this, my Botany has aged with us all, but I do walk through many of these plants and I appreciate the pictures.
    Be good, MPK

    • Cathy

      So nice to read your comment, Mark. I am sure you are familiar with these guys and many more. I love seeing you and your precious family on socials–always outdoors and happy. Thanks for being here!

  5. Cindy

    My soul feels this post.

    • Cathy

      I’m so glad. Thanks, friend.

  6. Amey Warder

    Adore your writing. See and FEEL all you are describing.
    Xx

    • Cathy

      You’re the best, sweet Amey! XXOO

      • Sharon

        I needed this moment of renewal. Thanks dear friend.

  7. Mary

    Hi sweet Cathy

    How lovely this post is!

    Harris and I miss you guys. We roam through memories and dreams in which you all surface.

    I love reading your posts and blogs, keeping in touch in the distant way the world seems to be working these days.

    Hope to see you all in person again soon ?
    M&H

    • Cathy

      Oh, girl. What a history we all share. I wouldn’t want to do that with anyone more than you and Harris. Hugs!

  8. Colleen

    What a bevy of beautiful colors. Tiny flowers with so much to add to the landscape.

    • Cathy

      It really is spectacular. Right? XXOO

  9. Julie Williams Dixon

    BEAUTIFUL! These photographs and sentiment are so true. You have a paradise of plants around you. I could wander for hours through those meadows and woods.

    • Cathy

      The meadow is always open to you, my friend! Thanks so much for commenting.

Cathy Rigg Headshot

Hi. I’m Cathy.

This is a blog about writing, creative living, and grace in the everyday. It’s my hope this little spot on the internet will be for you a place of quiet and reflection, a source for inspiration, and a reminder there’s beauty all around—we simply need to keep our hearts open to see it. Thank you for being here with me.

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