Bloom

Flowers have meaning and can “speak” for us when words are hard to find. The flowers for August are poppies and gladiolas. These classic and colorful blooms are a symbol of summer.

Gladiolas reflect honor and remembrance. Because of the sword-like shape of the foliage, they are considered to be the flower of gladiators. This stately flower grows like weeds. Literally. They can pop up in your yard and you will wonder where they came from. I have a stunning pink and white gladiola that blooms each summer on the edge of my garden. I didn’t plant it, I just assume it was a gift from Mother Nature. The spire of petals comes in nearly every color imaginable—in both solid and multicolor forms. The petals, which are situated on one side of the long stem, can be frilly or plain. Their size can vary from under three inches to over five inches. One thing to watch out for is that the stem can fall to the ground as the petals become heavy. If you want an arrangement, it’s best to keep an eye out for this before the stem hits the ground. To send a message, red petals mean love and passion, pink says femininity and motherly love, yellow indicates cheerfulness, and purple sends a message of charm and mysteriousness.

Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies love this pretty flower as it is perfectly shaped for them to find nourishment.

Poppies are one of the most widely used symbolic flowers around the world. From death to cheerfulness to extravagance to sleep, this unpretentious flower holds many different meanings. The large, colorful, cup-shaped flowers have played a role in religion, mythology, politics, and medicine. The color of the petals dictates its meaning. Red is linked to death and the remembrance of World War I and II. White is used for funerals and sleep. Pink, purple, and blue poppies reflect imagination and success. Some believe that poppies deliver messages in dreams. The resilient poppy, which can flourish in harsh conditions, is frequently found growing along roadsides. Poppies love the sunshine and prefer loose, dry soil. Many varieties have medicinal and edible qualities. The type of poppy that is used to produce morphine and other drugs has influenced politics and even armed conflicts. Some varieties are used for tea, spices, and cosmetics.

Songbirds, butterflies, and bees are all attracted to poppies. Many packaged bird seeds contain a portion of poppy seeds. The seeds that remain on the stem of a poppy after blooming will feed birds well into the fall and winter seasons.

A Note From the Editor Oh my, what a summer it has been: vacations postponed, playgrounds closed, family reunions, holiday celebrations, church services, quilt shows, craft fairs, and dance competitions—all canceled. This summer has been one to remember—or to try and forget. One thing to consider, however, is the power of staying connected with friends. As August 1 is National Girlfriends Day, we can use this observance as a reminder of the importance of friendship. Friends, whether they are male or female, can help us navigate through hardships and celebrate life’s blessings. Our most basic human need is to feel that we belong and are connected to other humans. Increased depression and addiction are attributed to isolation and loneliness, which lowers our contentment and happiness. In fact, loneliness is considered to be as unhealthy as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Our modern world encourages disconnection. Technology helps us stay in contact with far-away friends, but it also keeps us distant to those who live nearby. We fnd that a text is quicker than a personal phone call and virtual yoga classes are easier than getting dressed and driving to a studio. This distant-communication way of life is sadly taking humanity away from us humans. It’s also easy to let work and home obligations get in the way of friendships. Our busy lives dictate that we belong to fewer social clubs, we skip church functions, and we rarely have neighborhood picnics—we may not even know who our neighbors are! To restore our deteriorating society, we must intentionally make an effort to connect. When we do, we gain strength from each other. Talking with friends is an effective way to process challenges and come up with solutions. Studies show that attention, concern, and comfort from friends boost our immune system. We gain confdence from friends who validate, encourage, and support us. Finding like-minded people to spend time with isn’t always easy, but when you do, you realize that you are not alone in this world. Take a step this month to celebrate friendships. You’ll not only connect with friends, you’ll reconnect with yourself. JeanAnn Taylor

50 + Living of Western NC 50pluslivingWNC.com

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Bloom

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Sandy's Food for Thought

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4 | 50+ Living | August 2020

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