In the Pink

"In the Pink" is the theme of the Smith College Bulb Show, with the centerpiece of the show being entirely pink.

The word "pink" comes from Dianthus, commonly called pinks. And they were called "pinks" due to their pinked edges (think: pinking shears).

Dianthus a.k.a Pinks

We no longer use the word "pinked," but the noun "pink" is part of our daily vocabulary.

Shakespeare first used "pink" in the sense of "the best of," as "the pink of health" or "tickled pink."

The best qualities are the Divine Abodes, also called the Heavenly Houses or the Sublime States:

1. Loving-Kindness
2. Compassion
3. Appreciative Joy or Gladness
4. Equanimity

I've never thought of these Sublime States as pink before, but why not? They put us in the pink of mental health and happiness.

I was tickled pink to be at the Bulb Show with some of my best girlfriends.

Tickled pink--another word for joy.

Photos from wiseacre-gardens.com and parkwholesaleplants.com

Bulb Show

My women's group drove down to the Smith College Bulb Show today for a blast of spring. Two greenhouses filled with daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, blooming apple trees and forsythia, and a multitude of other, smaller bulbs.

While we were there, we walked through the Palm House, the Succulent House, and the Orchid House. Oh, it was so hot and humid in there.

It was 2 degrees here at home this morning, winter still wearing her full regalia--2 feet of snow, frozen in place.

Sometimes, we just need a reminder of the possible.

When your inner climate feels cold and dry, warm yourself up with gratitude and loving-kindness.
Write down 3 gratitudes right now.

I'm thankful for friends, flowers, and home-grown food.
And i'm very grateful for you, dear reader.