As this month of creative activities is winding down, I realized this morning that all of my actions that involve working in the garden remained in the pitcher. It would appear that I’m going to be spending some extended time in my backyard paradise.
I was not surprised, then, to draw this creative activity:
Arrange AR rocks in garden.
Before Greg’s parents’ house closed in Arkansas, he transported a variety of rocks from that property to the backyard garden. It wasn’t because Arkansas has rocks and Missouri doesn’t! These rocks were collected over the years by Greg’s sweet mama. In the midst of a fishing trip on the lake, she would suddenly spy an interesting rock, and guide her patient husband to shore, to collect the treasure.
The rocks have been piled in the backyard, awaiting my attention. I was happy to begin settling the rocks into the garden this morning. Those with holes or deep reservoirs in them will be grouped together for a special purpose. More about that project when I draw that creative activity! Today I concentrated on the rest of the collection.
I love that Greg uncovered and brought to Joplin this pretty garden disc, made of colorful rough cut stones. After a thorough cleaning, the disc found a new home at the entrance to my meditation area.
A large, beautifully textured rock with mossy green patches came to rest near clumps of lavender.
I created a grouping of rocks around the black kettle. Rilynn, who was following me around the garden, photo bombed my picture. I will continue to play with these rocks, trying different combinations of displaying them, until I’m satisfied with the look. The variety of colors, sizes and textures creates interest.
As I was working with these rocks, Greg pointed out that we had a visitor. A unique black and white dragonfly was flitting about the garden, circling me, coming to rest occasionally on the fire pit or garden arch. I was delighted! I love dragonflies, and had one as my symbol a couple of years ago. These magical insects represent walking in two worlds and they are always welcome in the garden.
The dragonfly’s unexpected appearance caused me to reflect on the nature of rocks. There is interesting symbolism connected to rocks. Because they endure, they represent eternity and solidity. We refer to a loyal steadfast individual as being “solid as a rock” and one of God’s names is Rock of Ages.
Our ancient ancestors thought that spirits dwelled within rocks, which is one reason for using them as headstones in cemeteries. Or rocks were piled as a memorial, a solid reminder that a beloved person once walked this earth.
Carl Jung saw the rock as a symbol of eternity as well. He said that each of us has inherited an ancient human tendency that allows us to see and feel the sacredness in rocks. I like that. I like having these weighty symbols in my garden, memorial stones that remind me of Greg’s parents and all those in my family who have transitioned into eternity.
There is a sacredness, indeed, that I feel in their presence, a earthy, positive hum of energy that grounds my garden and grounds me as I walk in it. I don’t consider it a coincidence that as I placed these ancient expressions of Divine love around my garden, a dragonfly appeared. He reminded me that this restorative space embodies peace and joy, beauty and enchantment, Earth and Spirit. The rocks called to him. They call to me too.
