Make a Wish

Dandelion Field Image Copyright mgpenguin86 FlickR

I often contemplate the reason why the oft maligned dandelion inspires such rancor.  It's such a happy little flower.  What's so great about a sea of green grass anyway?  I find lawns pedantic and dull.  I happen to love dandelions.  I wouldn't mind it at all if my entire yard became a sea of cheerful yellow flowers with their bold green spikey leaves dancing in the summer breezes.  Please feel free to send your rejected dandelions to me, as I will treasure them.

Dandelion Photo Copyright Louise Docker FlickR

As if the lovely yellow sunburst of a flower wasn't enough, the dandelion is kind enough to offer us the magical second stage of it's lifespan.  Who among us has not made a most important wish with eyes closed and heart skipping while blowing on the friendly dandelion?  Who among us has not tentatively opened our eyes to watch the little seedlings scatter freely, sending our wishes off to the ethers?

I think sometimes our obsession with order and symmetry and perfection is misguided.  It is the imperfection that reminds us it is okay to be who we really are without apology.  Do you want to be a sea of green grass, perfectly mown into submission, or a defiant little dandelion poking forth in a sea of sameness?  Ultimately we're all part weed, bravely making our way up through the cold soil, stretching our petals towards the light, unfolding, becoming and changing as we grow.  Perhaps it's time we reconsidered our disdain for the lowly dandelion.

xoxo,
Madge