DOGWOOD SPRING……

Yes, it’s that time of year. A few warm days after a deluge of rain and layers of lacy ephemeral blooms can be spied among the sleeping bare woods, along roadways, and through yards throughout The Ozarks.

Dogwoods for me represent faith, love, loss, optimism, serenity, and “what if”......

My sense of calm skyrockets and my blood pressure drops when those blooms appear.

The Easter legend of the dogwood tree goes that in the days of Christ the dogwood was a much larger sturdy tree. When Christ was crucified God cursed AND blessed the tree on the day that his son died.

The curse by making the tree much smaller and blessed by having it bloom every year during the Easter season to remind the world of Jesus’ love.

Each bloom has 4 petals which are said to symbolize the cross. At each end of every petal is a small indentation to remind us of the nails that pierced the hands and feet of Jesus. Looking closely at the center of each flower is a nubby texture. That is the Crown of Thorns placed atop the head of Christ at the time of his torture and death. Sometimes the flowers may be dotted with little droplets of red; the blood that Jesus poured out for us.

According to my mother, the dogwood was my dad’s favorite. I never got the opportunity to know him as he passed on mere months after my arrival.

Dad had been ill with cardiac issues for the entire time of mom’s pregnancy. They found a beautiful ranch home in Sherrill Heights in Little Rock, purchased primarily for the stately dogwood in the backyard with a commanding view from the bed in the master bedroom.

My mother told me that she never thought Gene would die. Sadly, he only lived to see it bloom once. The day before his passing, with mom at his bedside he dropped his pocket watch to the floor — it stopped at 11:13. Never to run again. I still have this watch 70+ years on.

The very next morning as they shared their thoughts about the future and the beauty of the tree through the window he passed. Yes, it was 11:13.

The cemetery where Gene is laid to rest is a concourse of headstones, monuments and serene landscaping. A wonderful place for eternal rest. Now, with mom at his side, this site was chosen by her because 30 feet from the foot of the grave was, yes, a dogwood tree.

My last visit, was at the zenith of dogwood beauty. I was the only person there and the electronic directory was on the fritz. Hours of trudging up and down the rows and finally their spot was found. NO TREE……..a casualty of old age and lightning they said later.

I wept and wept and wept. “What if”............

The Legend of the Dogwood Tree

This was written many years ago by an unknown poet. It reflects the cross that Christ hung upon being made of dogwood. However it should be noted that this species of tree was not natural to the Holy Land. And the Bible does not give us information on the type of wood. Regardless, the point of the poem is that no matter the type of wood used nor any reference to the dogwood. No matter. The legend is to represent a reminder of the crucifixion and Jesus suffered and died for us upon that cross.

When Christ was on the earth, the dogwood grew To a towering size with a lovely hue. Its branches were strong and interwoven And for Christ’s cross its timbers were chosen.

Being distressed at the use of the wood Christ made a promise which still holds good: “Not ever again shall the dogwood grow To be large enough for a tree”, and so

Slender and twisted it shall always be With cross-shaped blossoms for all to see. The petals shall have bloodstains marked brown And in the blossom’[s center a thorny crown.

“All who see it will think of Me, Nailed to a cross from a dogwood tree Protected and cherished this tree shall be A reflection to all of My agony.”

Regards, Marie and Bruce

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Ever Heard of the Prim Rocks?

Out in Prim, Arkansas are these spherical shaped rocks. Some of these rocks are quite large and range from 1 to 4 feet in diameter. “Round Rocks” – they are not man made and the waterfalls are real, too – we will get to that in a bit. Back in the good old days, with all the farming and agriculture going on out in Prim, these rocks were a nuisance and were piled up out of the way. Nowadays, the Prim Rocks are used to line driveways, rustic decor and for landscaping; even shipped all around the world. Prim is about 30 minutes from Mountain View and less than that to Greers Ferry Lake. It’s definitely quiet and beautiful. Full of untouched scenery, fresh air and unique cabins in the mountains, with a hot tub or even a private waterfall & swimming spot. You can see the stars shining bright, cell service is spotty, and everyone is just easygoing and happier. In a beautiful setting it’s almost contagious. Happy equals friendly and you’ll start to understand why when folks retire; they retire in the south.