A few weeks ago this area had only rocks showing.  Then there were a few green tops popping up through the pebbles and mulch.  

 

Now there are ribbons of green with yellow and white tulips beginning to open up. 

 

There is one purple tulip that comes back some years.  Other years it does not show. 

It’s as if the winter does not give enough water some years so the flower holds onto the color until it is ready. 

 

I love to see these resilient bulbs show what they have every year. 

 

Each year there is a surprise that helps me pause. 

The unraveling of this one tulip, on the fringe, is teaching me many things. 

Ribbon-like

A ribbon-like movement of the leaves is where it began. 

 

It reminds me of when I was a kid and I received a fancy gift with a wide ribbon that had been curled with the edge of sharp scissors for ripples on the bow.  

 

Can you see it?  

Did you then try to save that ribbon to use for another gift?  Oh yes!  

 

That is what the leaves on this tulip look like.  

Magic is what nature can do as the green leaves bloom into small yellow buds.  

 

The final unraveling happens as the day warms up and the petals open up to a full tulip. 

 

Who knew that unraveling could be this beautiful? 

 

There are other things and ways I have thought about unraveling.  

Yarn, shoelaces, thoughts,  

 

What else? 

 

Let’s start with this list. 

 

Yarn unravels when I snag my sweater and then I am left with a hole that is perplexing to my unskilled hands.  I have been known to pull the yarn to the inside and, prepare yourself, tie it in a knot to stop the damage from expanding. 

 

I know!  All the experienced ones are cringing.  

Yes, recovery is possible from this unintended pain. 

 

I also have been the one to create the ball of yarn, stop the unraveling for a time and allow for some level of sorting so that others can then create lovely handcrafted bags, blankets and long incredible coats.  You know who you are! 

 

Imagine what happens one stitch, row and square at a time when yarn is connected with a hook or needle.  That is knitting or crocheting and a long ago memory tells me that my hands were taught how to do this. 

Grandma did try

Oh, the hands. My grandma surely did try to teach me this skill. 

That’s right!  So did a patient neighbor.  

 

I love that an auntie or two and now a niece, as well as others around, know how to keep yarn from unraveling.

 

What is next in the unraveling conversation? 

 

Shoelaces! 

 

These small yet necessary lengths of goodness have come in handy many times. 

Have you added a double knot in your shoelace to keep them unraveling? 

 

Yep, so have I! 

 

During a long road race and also a mountain hike.  Both are times when it is a good thing to keep the shoelace from unraveling.  

 

As a kid, loose unraveled shoelaces slowed me down and increased the risk of skinned knees.  When shoes are tight, life can fly by and you are ready for anything. 

 

If they are not, beware, watch out, and who knows what can happen. 

 

Who knew this small thing can impact the flow and groove of a day? 

 

I have gone along the path a few times over the years, knowing that my shoelaces have come undone and are unraveled.  Letting them flap around for a few moments until I can get to the side of the road or set a bag down has left me feeling unsettled.  

 

Or like I need to watch my feet so there is no side step or fall. 

And then, a quick tie of the laces and I am off! 

 

Let’s go!

What’s next?

 

Here is the piece that I have found myself considering as I watched the tulip then with the yarn and even the shoelaces. 

Thoughts

What about thoughts? 

Do they become unraveled? 

 

So far, unraveling in these things above have brought bits of surprise for me.

The tulip with leaves of ribbon and pops of color. 

 

The yarn to create beautiful handcrafted items in the hands of those who know what to do with tools and stitches. 

Even laces that help hold feet safely in shoes to keep forward movement going. 

 

Thoughts that come sometimes can be felt deeply or new.

What to do with these? 

 

That is a question that has come this time of year for me.  

 

Here is the start of an answer. 

Feel it.  Think about it. Experience what is now. Yes, and what has been.  

 

Consider what could be. 

Breathe with it

Breathe with it. 

 

If that begins to feel brand new, like a green ribbon of a leaf, it may be a new unraveling ready to pop. 

Letting this unraveling happen is perhaps a new level of thoughts.

 

What if that unraveling from deep within is like the dirt holding onto the one lone purple tulip that comes when there is enough water for it?  

 

The beauty of what could become is unknown. Perhaps it comes with a skinned knee or the need to double tie laces.

 

That’s okay, my friends. 

I have seen what can happen when this all unravels.  

Unexpected intensity? 

 

You bet.

 

Equally surprising is being able to look deeply with an occasional shimmer and also smile of hope for the beauty that will always be here.

 

Let’s step into the unraveling of all kinds with one another. Sharing what we see can be the way, perhaps.