John P. Schulz: Find The Living Room

Quotes and Notes #268, July 30

The surprise lily or “nekkid Lady” prepares us for August

“Searching is half the fun: life is much more manageable when thought of as a scavenger hunt as opposed to a surprise party.”—Jimmy Buffett—

Lycoris lily species have many names. Way down south, they call it the “nekkid lady.” The more cultured southerners refer to it as a “surprise lily.” The latter is the best name in my opinion.

This wonderful plant puts out a grand show of leaves in the spring, promising something wonderful, but, then, the leaves wither, die, disappear, and are forgotten. The gardener enjoys other plants and flowers.

In the heat of August, however, the forgotten surprise lily lives up to its name and gives us a beautiful flower to enjoy.

There is a philosophical lesson to be learned here. I don’t know what it is, but I’m sure there is one.

Today I will surprise someone with a smile and a kindness
Everything is going to be all right.
John P. Schulz—“Sweetie Drives on Chemo Days.”