All things have an attitude, a habit.

Grandmother Cottonwood

Growing things prefer shade or sun, rocky soil, swampy soil, rich soil. We can be expansive and confident, shy and retiring, showy and extroverted. Some of us thrive in the shadow of larger plants, some tower above the surrounding growth and reach higher than the others… like yours truly.

We may pelt you with hard nuts in the fall, or allow the breeze to blow our cottony seeds miles distant. We may be upright or prostrate, we may prefer to grow wild, or to live tame in your yards.

You too display your attitudes, your personalities. You may prefer to be quiet or lively, you may wish to dance in the street, or curl up with a novel. You may keep things in, or spill everything you know. Trust in yourself even if “Mom or Dad” want you to get out more or quiet down a bit.

Express who you are in the way that makes you happy and energized and satisfied. Do not ask for permission to be yourself! The world needs your unique attitude, for you fill a need here, just as each plant fills their unique place in nature.