Penelope spent most of her days outside.
She dug deep in the dirt while leaves from the trees flew freely on her long brown curly hair.
In the late afternoons she grazed her tiny feet across the tall green grass and by early evening lay peacefully under the oak tree next to wildflowers beneath the sun's rays.
After resting for quite a while she rose to seek herbs like lavender,
Eucalyptus,
Basil,
And oregano to rub gently between her fingers breathing in their strong scents.
While inhaling she imagined looking out from the family's kitchen window to a large lavender field that spread over mountains and the taste of her grandmother's tomato sauce filled with newly picked herbs and spices.
The wind blew across her face and she watched closely as a sunflower got swept up in the wind and flew across the way.
Her mom called her from the kitchen sweetly,
Penelope it's almost time for dinner.
My love you've been out there all day.
The bright sun slowly started to fade behind the pink and yellow toned clouds.
Penelope could just make out the bright red strawberries and shiny green peppers that were almost ripe to pick and eat.
Finally brushing off some of the dirt from her yellow marigold dress she walked slowly inside with a gardenia pressed behind her ear.
My dearest Penelope what did you explore and find outside today mother whispered.
Mama you're just like plants and things in nature.
We rest and sleep when the sun goes down and like plants in our own way we dry up when we need nourishment and droop or get sad when we need sunlight.
We chase the light in many forms to find happiness flowers do not always bloom and some foods do not grow every season.
It is not only beautiful when flowers are in bloom it is also beautiful when they are resting and closed too.
It is the rhythm and cycle of nature mama.
Not every living creature like a plant animal or person can always shine.
They need time to recover underneath the sun while flowing freely in the wind and soaking up the rain.
We all must give up control from time to time rest and accept our true nature.
Penelope's mother kissed her sweet sunlit cheeks and curved brow.
Penelope's favorite time of year was the beginning of spring when she saw a monarch butterfly.
The first sign she spotted was that of milkweed leaves that grew long and sparkled as a bright green.
The bees began brushing up against the red pentas and the monarch waited for just after a rain to land.
The black yellow and orange butterfly flapped its wings while tasting the nectar then swiftly threw back to leave eggs for the hatching.
Days passed by the sun rose and set rain would fall and then one morning caterpillars hatched.
They began smaller than the tip on a needle and grew and continued to eat the milkweed until full.
Penelope alternated between watching the caterpillars and swaying and floating among the garden.
Later as time passed she watched them moving at a quick pace to eat the leaves.
After they finished they slowly moved away from the garden to a safe place to create the cocoon to have a rest.
They picked a place high above where they would not be harmed or disturbed by weather.
Once in the perfect spot they retreated in the cocoon for days on end.
Penelope peered on them and noticed the changing neon color and gold flecks shown through.
One glorious sunny morning she found the monarch outside the cocoon drying its wings and preparing for the flight.
It flew to the nearest nectar to feast and then flew away only to start the cycle over.
Penelope was full of joy and happiness.
She grabbed her favorite blanket and laid it on the smooth cool ground,
Called her pup Milo over,
Blanked her eyes slowly,
Listened to the tree branches blow in the wind,
And took in the smell of jasmine surrounding her.
Her eyelids became heavy as the sun sparkled behind the oak Milo nestled under her little arm.
Her breaths were even and full and she began to close her eyes.
Serenity and peace came more and more and more each second as she rested her body and mind.
May we all honor our uniqueness.
