BO-HO TO THE CORE

This photo caught my eye, cuz I'm a Bo-Ho to the core.  A Bo-Ho is a bohemian free-spirit who mixes different cultures and artistic expression, with emphasis on organic elements and nature.  All things in this photo are earthy, from the bamboo ceiling to the colorful rock wall and potted live plants.  

Man are we enjoying earth's bounty.  The red and yellow tomatoes drip with goodness.  Salads reign supreme for me year 'round, but the store-bought just can't compare to the home grown.  Two butternut and two acorn squash are in the veggie basket on the kitchen counter.  Yummy yum yum yum time of the year. 

 Isn't it amazing how the vegetables we grow make their annual appearance in a predictable order.  Same with the flowers we plant and the ones nature plants in the ditches along our roads.  Soon we'll be seeing goldenrod. 

Interestingly, goldenrod is the state flower of Alabama, Kentucky and Nebraska.  I grew up thinking that goldenrod pollen caused hay fever, but that's not the case.  Goldenrod was mistaken for ragweed which blooms at the same time and does cause hay fever allergies.

Goldenrod

Native Americans chewed the leaves of goldenrod to help relieve sore throats and toothaches.  An herbal tea is also made with the flowers.   The vibrant yellow flowers are used to make natural dyes, too.  

In our part of the country, when we see goldenrod blossoming, it's a sure sign that autumn is approaching.  They're kinda like Mother Nature's trumpets announcing her seasonal change of attire.  Life is all about cycles, isn't it?  A continuous flow of change even when we want everything to stop and stay as it is.