Quote de jour
"Nature is often obscure or impenetrable, but she is not, like man, deceitful. We must therefore take it that the dream is just what it pretends to be, neither more nor less. If it shows something in a negative light, there is no reason for assuming that it is meant positively. "

On the Psychology of the Unconscious" (1953). In CW 7: Two Essays on Analytical Psychology. pg. 162 by Carl Jung.

I've experienced a bumper crop of dreams lately, from nightmarish to inspirational but all contributing to the creative process. I can't emphasis enough how dreams can add layers of meaning to our day to day lives. By taking the time to make note of them and think about their meaning can spark the imagination and motivate in untold ways.

In this mandala, I'm reaching beyond the circle, outside the boundary with tendrils inspired by unfurling greenery in spring.

There is one solitary tulip in my garden planted perhaps by the previous owner. The squirrels have dined on most of the bulbs I've planted, but this unusual pink and green one springs up unscathed every year. It reminds me of the warrior spirit in me, to stay strong when I feel like wilting. It's beauty is revealed at every stage of its cycle not unlike the dreams of our lives. Who is to say which stage is the most beautiful? The closed, tender bloom or the dying, wide open petals?