I don't know what this field looked like a few months ago...
when the plants were young and fresh.
Though what is growing here is now faded and gone to seed, there is beauty...still.
You may have to slow down a little and take a closer look in order to fully appreciate its loveliness.
But if you do, you will be rewarded. I know I was.
You know me...I can't pass by a pretty flower without snapping a picture. I photographed these Indian blanket blossoms along the nature path across from the LCRA Nature Center in Matagorda. And yes, they really are blooming in December.
We went for a drive down Old Gulf Road in Matagorda, Texas, last week.
It starts out paved, but changes to dirt soon after you cross the bridge.
I enjoyed the scenery—open fields and blue sky.
I kept a watch out for flowers and found some tiny yellow ones growing along the fencerow...
and an occasional pop of color from lantana blossoms. It was also on this road where I found the Cherokee rose.
As I took my flower pictures, I attracted the attention of one particular cow in the field. The rest of the herd ignored me completely, but this cow made sure to keep an eye on me the whole time.
It was these simple sights that had me smiling as we drove down a dirt road.
I saw a pretty rose growing wild along the side of the road. Of course, I stopped to take some photos, but it wasn't until later that I learned about the Legend of the Cherokee Rose.
Cherokee tradition associates this rose with the Trail of Tears. Each part of the flower has a special meaning.
The white petals represent the tears cried by the Cherokee mothers for their children on the long, hard journey.
The seven leaves on each stem symbolize the seven Cherokee clans.
And, the gold center stands for the gold taken from the Cherokee people.
In the legend, this beautiful flower became a source of hope, comfort, and strength. I will remember that whenever I see it blooming along the roadside.
