Aster

I like to solve my morning crossword every morning. For me,it is an eye-opener and brings my mind to life for the day. Many days , a word will catch my fancy and I will try to find all about it. "Flower that blooms in fall" - this was the clue today that had me turning the page to take a peek at the solution. 'ASTER'. My recent interest in learning more about plants had me googling for this flower that blooms when most other colors are fading away from flower gardens at the end of summer and the beginning of fall. The name 'aster' is derived from the Greek word for "star" maybe for its star-like shape. Mostly purple and blue but also pink, red and white. They are also considered a symbol of patience . I think maybe because they wait till fall to bloom while most of the flowers are losing color.

Reading about this seasonal flower, I also thought of the book I was reading yesterday. 'Relax, You're already Home' by Raymond Barnett. This is a simple book about using ancient universal principle of Tao in our everyday life. There was this one principle that I really found interesting. The author says, "Living in the seasons and celebrating benchmarks as our planet moves around the sun is one of the Taoist habits we can all enjoy." Every season has its own characteristic qualities that are meant to be lived in be it spring, summer, fall or winter. Living with the seasons brings us closer to the rhythm of the universe. I am still on this book and savoring every bit of it.