i enjoyed a lovely walk at Steinke Basin yesterday morning, only my second of the season. It was good to be there again and engage with the loving nature spirits.

I was especially happy to be greeted by orange hawkweed along the meadow part of the trail. Hawkweed has happy energy so it boosted my mood after several gray, rainy days.

Hawkweed comes in two varieties – orange and yellow. They have long hairy stems (no leaves) and typically grow in clumps. Although it is technically considered an invasive, I light up when I see it.

There are many wildflowers in bloom right now, and they were being visited by pollinators. The bumblebees were mostly on dandelion blossoms, except for one bee who was confused, going from one dandelion fluff to another. I said to it, “Honey, you’d have better luck on the ones that are still yellow.” I chucked to myself when I caught the pun.

Here’s to many more beautiful walks in nature and blessings for the pollinators and their important role.

This work is real, and it matters.

June 8, 2022