I love lilacs.  I mean, I really love them.  I don't have any growing at my 4100' elevation or so, please-come-on-sun, mountain abode.  But - I become like a huntress.  A predator. Clippers at ready, seeking the intoxication of the perfume and splendor of Lilacs in vases throughout my home. About a month ago, when the leaves began to bud on the coveted lilac bush, I asked myself, "Where are those clippers you usually have in your car door?"  Right.  I admit, I am a lilac stalker -taking a few clips of joy to bless my still-not -spring home wherever legally possible! This year they have been particularly plentiful!  As I gaze at and enjoy the fading remnants of the lavender colored blossoms and delightful perfume of the dying lilacs on my dining room table, I relish in the simple joy and meaning they have for me. It's a rite of passage. Lilacs symbolize the change of season, of a transition from winter to spring and almost to summer. They bring a sense of anticipation, not only of the joy I find in the experience of seeing and smelling the lilac, but of what is to follow as the beautiful blooms fade away.  Anticipation of what is certain and what is uncertain. 

As we approach the change of season, to the Summer Solstice and longest day of the year, to the much cherished summer in the Flathead, the grit of last fall, winter and spring transition into a moment of reprieve-- into a break of ice, snow, firewood, frozen pipes studded snow tires, lack of sunlight... into the grace of living daily life with more ease. Of possibilities. Of light. Of relief. Of future. Of momentum. Of sunshine. Of tourists. Of hopefully a swim or two in our lakes of clear waters and a few rides on my Gemini horse, Jett.

 I don't always move through transitions with grace - sometimes it takes a whole lot of sideways 'grit' - i.e. frustration, confusion, feeling lost, and even feeling downright indignant for a moment until I laugh at myself- for me to allow possibility thinking to enter. Sometimes. But, this transition is one of hope, joy and relief. One of rekindling my vision. One of honoring the light of the now, of the future, of being open to what is possible and of releasing struggles of the past. 

"To the ancients, the mighty combusting ball appeared to stand still in the sky, unmoving, burning at its zenith. Filled with light. What will you stand for, unwavering? For what will you burn brightly, lighting up the sky? Tomorrow is another chance to share, to love, and to show that we are willing. We each need to find our way. Then we need to stand together, and find some ways to sing." - T. Thorn Coyle, "Beautiful, Radiant Things"

Looking from this almost officially summer moment, full of sunshine, for what will you burn brightly?

Happy Summer!  Happy Solstice!

In joy,

Brenda & the horses

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