Hello, dear readers and writers. I’m going to be brief this week, but I’ll say this: happy spring. Everything is in bloom again, and those of you who know me know that I’m a flower freak. I try to fit in a flower prompt at least twice a year. So in honor of April showers and April flowers, here is your virtual flower prompt.
The surprise is that this flower grows in the rocky cliffs of the tallest mountains in the world: the Himalayas. They call her the Snow Lotus, not only because she grows in the melting snow, but because she’s usually white (but not always). Sometimes, she dresses in brown so she won’t be noticed. If you want to know more, read on.
But first our quote for the day, this time by Georgia O’Keefe, who reminds us to stop and look.
Nobody sees a flower—really—it is so small it takes time—we haven't time —and to see takes time, like having a friend takes time.
What follows are some fascinating and unusual facts about the Snow Lotus, followed by what I wrote in response. This flower is quite evocative, and should produce some interesting writing in response. What I wrote is silly and playful.
The poem at the end of today’s post, is by William Wordsworth, because I felt like going old school (and because it’s about the cheerful daffodil).
Enjoy.
The Snow Lotus, a flowering plant that grows in the high regions of the Himalayas, grows best in rocky, sandy soil. It traditionally grows at 12,000 feet above sea level, but locals in the Himalayas climb as high as 13,000 feet to find it.
Due to low temperatures, with snow standing through spring and autumn, the plant must grow in harsh conditions. It blooms in summertime, grows to be about two feet tall, and is distinguished by its bright white flowers, which appear over large, dark green, leathery leaves.
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