Native Son: October 2014
A handful of “snow on the mountain” (Euphorbia marginata), related to poinsettia. All photos courtesy of Steven Chamblee.
by Steven Chamblee
The Significance of One
If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.
–Dalai Lama
Left photo: Texas prickly pear (Opuntia engelmannii) laden with fruits called “tunas.” Right photo: Prickly purple fruits of eryngo (Eryngium leavenworthii).
Caught a bad case of the blues this month, feeling awful small,
Seems like I don’t matter much these days, maybe not at all.
So I pressed my luck and got in the truck and drove down a country road,
Figured Mother Nature might be kind today, and help to lighten my load.
Snow on the mountain, eryngo, prickly pear, and sunflowers,
My thoughts soon drifted away from me, and so did the hours.
The grasses are now golden, the trees somehow still green,
The familiar sights of a late Texas summer; ones I’ve often seen.
A single clump of narrow-leaf gayfeather (Liatris mucronata) brightens up a bar ditch … and Steven’s day.
Suddenly, there on the ground was a single small mound,
Haloed with a purple puff crown.
It was the only one for miles, and it brought me a smile.
How did it know I was feeling down?
This liatris, alone, made itself right at home,
In a rocky bar ditch out in the hot sun.
Its beauty has caught me, its boldness has taught me
The true significance of one.
An hour later, I picked up a live oak acorn,
And beheld it there in my hand.
Thought with time and soil and a little bit of rain,
It can produce a promised land.
This little seed, not yet unfurled,
Could make an actual difference, could make a better world.
Long after I’m gone, when my life is done,
This little seed will show indeed, the significance of one.
This little seed will show, indeed, the significance of one.
One can indeed make a difference…
One kind word can heal a heart.
One hug can change a life.
One pill can cure or kill you.
One small step can begin a great journey.
One day was your first; one day will be your last.
One thank you note can make someone feel appreciated.
One special moment can change the course of your life.
One inspired teacher can inspire you forever.
One worm can spoil the apple.
One true friend is enough.
One child can make two parents.
One kiss can turn your world upside down.
One packet of sunflower seeds can make a gardener.
One seed can a forest birth; one match can return it all to earth.
One “attaboy” can show you the difference between a boss and a leader.
One bad apple doesn’ta spoil the wholla bunch, but one wet mouse spoils the wholla bowl o’ punch.
One homemade peach cobbler with ice cream can make the most crusty curmudgeon smile.
One armadillo can make you decide you’d rather have shrub beds than lawn.
One well-placed sandbur can make a grown man cry.
One spunky squirrel can entertain a dog for months.
One little kid can stampede a whole herd of cows.
One big bull can stampede a whole herd of people.
One skunk can teach a dog a lifetime lesson.
One orchid can hypnotize 1,000 eyes.
One tiny fire ant can make you tear your clothes off in public.
One sunrise can make you realize it may be the last one you ever see, so you’d better live the kind of life that’s worthy of the gift, tell your loved ones how you feel, and stop putzing around in your own pity party puddle.
Carpe unum!
Invitation from Steven
My friend (and TAMU AgriLife horticulture agent) Steve Chaney and I are trying something a little different — an inexpensive garden festival dedicated to “WOW!” Designed for keen gardeners, this little festival is dedicated to fun and innovation. Come join the party! It’s called Hortipalooza ’14. The date is Saturday, Oct. 25, all day, and the place is the Resource Connection in Fort Worth. There will be lots of garden information shared — and even a Garden Hat Contest. (Judges’ decisions are final. No wrasslin’, no fightin’, no cussin’.) Here is a flyer with the basic information. And here is a link to the full schedule, complete with access to online registration.
Come out and breathe in the beauty of Chandor Gardens! Go to www.chandorgardens.com for details. Just take I-20 west to exit 409, hang a right, go 2.1 miles and hang a left on Lee Avenue. Head straight 12 blocks and you’re driving in the gates. Call 817-361-1700 for more information.
I can always use another road trip! Let me know if you’d like me to come out and speak to your group sometime. I’m low-maintenance, flexible, and you know I like to go just about anywhere. No city too big; no town too small. Just send me an e-mail at stevenchamblee@yahoo.com and we’ll work something out.