Dogwood

Dogwood: 

it's usually the first burst of spring's arrival, at least to my notice and early hope of changing seasons, as the dogwood seems to bloom almost overnight in sudden white petals before settling into a deeper shade of green for later in the season. Their bloom is relatively short but full of beauty and meaning for me, that I know from its earliest white petals to its first hint of subtle green that the length of sunlight is growing longer, the days are warmer, and winter is now past even if it's bite is still present to the air. 

a dogwood's early bloom is my sign of ease from the heaviness of winter to lighter days ahead. With that first white bloom I know that the days will proceed to a greener world, brighter by sunlight and vast array of flowers. Life is more vibrant now, the cold slumber of winter brought forth an awakening of color and activity, it's all a celebration to the senses, a reward for previous harsher days of winter. 

a dogwood hints at this from early bloom. 

for me, it's the turn to green that offers most beauty, the bloom lost but its purpose served and now its shade darkens to the deepest green of life, absorbing  the nourishment of light and offering its color as a reflection of its thanks. What we see is life being given from the distance of the sun, an interaction of energy brought from source to visible wonder. If the early bloom is hope for spring's arrival than the darkening green is a sign of life's continuation through every change that lies ahead. Through first bloom and deepening shades, and yes, even the barren grasp of winter...

life always offers beauty.

the dogwood shows me this through every season.

~

Peace, Eric