Holy, Hollyhocks!

The neighborhood is aflutter with the final vestiges of summer blooms; a few remaining flowers offering shocks of color on yellowing stalks — as fall moves into the region under still, humid, and rainy skies. At first, I mistook this stunner as a hibiscus — certainly similar in size and stature, but very different in origin and meaning. The hollyhock bears the sign of great abundance and fertility. Its power lies in its prolific ability to reproduce. Its height signifying great ambition and wealthy aspirations. A perfect flower to meditate on during this transition between seasons - a reminder of possibilities in changing tides, of growth, and rebirth. It’s pink petals conveying sweetness and femininity while it shape often used by artists (see Georgia O’Keeffe. Black Hollyhock Blue Larkspur,1930) implies abundant future health.

Cheers to our future and collective good health!

• What are you meditating on this season?

• How do you mark the time between summer and fall?