Dark times are descending on the Earth. Like, we are literally living through the longest nights of the year in the Southern Hemisphere. And also globally. Things are looking pretty rough. The future of this planet can feel quite bleak.
In my home country of the US, the government is discussing selling off public forests to raise funds for housing (or so they say). And then there is the whole entering a war that no one wants nor approves of ...
It is all so depressing.
This time though, I won't be sinking to rock bottom. I know rock bottom extremely well. I have been there so many times before. I also know that I cannot be of service when I feel that down. So, I am keeping spirits high, praying a lot, and doing what I can, where I can.
And it is here that I can be of the most help. Both here where I currently reside (in the land of Argentina) and here in this online community. I don't have any answers for the geopolitical problems going on. Just my prayers for peace and avoidance of a war that literally no one wants.
I don't want to take part in the fear mongering either though. So, rather than continue on discussing the disasters ongoing, I want to talk about how I am celebrating the changing of the seasons, one of the most important holidays in the year ...
the June Solstice
From now on the days are lengthening, ever so slightly. Still, the days are super short and only a few spots in my garden get enough sunlight for plants to thrive. So, rather than have a feast with friends like I did in years past, I am focusing more inward and simply planting more in the garden.
Winter is the season of growing leafy greens - of which I have sown many seeds. In my hopes for a brighter future I am planting one of the most solar flowers of all and the namesake for this blog: Calendula
The name calendula is related to the word "Calendar" because it is one of those herbs that can be grown year round. I waited until the solstice to plant because I want the seedlings to sprout as the sunlight each day grows. Calendulas are also a type of "sunflower" because they open each day with the sun and turn their flower faces towards the sun's path.
We all need a little extra brightness these days, even if you Northerners are living up the longest days of the year.