June 26, 2025

Good morning!

It’s Thursday. And after seeing what I wrote about the clematis yesterday, my dogwood asked if she could make a suggestion.

This is a special dogwood. She began her life at the feet of grand and glorious dogwoods in my aunt Judy’s Michigan garden. When we stopped there on our cross-country move 27 years ago, my aunt dug up a wee seedling and plunked it in a berry basket for me.

Slowly, cautiously, that twig took root and began the important business of becoming a tree. After 13 years, she produced her first flower. She is slow and wise, and when she has something to say, I listen.

She asked me to tell you that boldly blooming in the sunlight is a lovely thing. But it’s even better if you can also offer shade and shelter to those who might need it.

“Altruism is innate, but it's not instinctual. Everybody's wired for it, but a switch has to be flipped.”

—David Rakoff

Click.

Onwards we go,

Clara