Anemophily.
That's the word for what's happening in fine yellow abundance up where we are righ
t now. It's part of the deal when we come up earlier in the season. The white pines are in full out courtship mode and they're not shy about it.
The evidence of their love is literally everywhere. A yellow dusting lays on every surface possible. Even inside, I could quite literally wipe down all the surfaces every half hour.
Outside it's most obvious on the water. If the last few days of heat tempts me even a little to get in for a swim, this yellow, swirling layer of white pine love says, No thank you.
If you're interested, take a look at this Smithsonian video, and you'll see what we're up against here.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/watch-pine-tree-unleashes-huge-fluffy-pollen-cloud-180969048/
Ironically, white pine pollen isn't a huge allergy trigger for most people. Personally, we're not entirely unbothered, because it can induce a series of loud and uncontrollable sneezes, the kind that, in our family, are given the name 'Mary B' sneezes in honour of Ken's mother. (We do remember her for other things, honest.) But by and large, the particulates are large enough that they don't penetrate the mucous membranes to the same degree as a true allergic reaction. (Oh so much science this morning!)
I don't want to force any lessons out of this, really, and any metaphor risks breaking down entirely because of how annoying this can be for a few days. But I can't help but wonder....(here she goes)...
What if human love was just as plentiful as white pine love, but without the annoying bit? What if the least bit of breeze just spread it around like nobody's business, and we all couldn't help but be aware of it, amazed by it, covered by it...in all the good ways the white pines are hoping it will be?
"Above all," Peter compels us, "Constantly echo God's intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins."
1 Peter 4:8 (The Passion Translation)
I write this during a month set aside to promote understanding and acceptance between all kinds of folks, yet some of the messaging wishes bad things and renders disparaging labels for anyone not following a specific agenda. I get that this must come out of woundedness, and I am sorry for the stories behind that. But if love is love, then don't we want to perpetuate that story?
Like an echo, says Peter.
Like yellow pollen, say the white pines.
So wherever you land on any issue or belief or idea, I wish you an anemophily kind of day, where love just lands on you.
And now I must go dust a few things.
Ironically, white pine pollen isn't a huge allergy trigger for most people. Personally, we're not entirely unbothered, because it can induce a series of loud and uncontrollable sneezes, the kind that, in our family, are given the name 'Mary B' sneezes in honour of Ken's mother. (We do remember her for other things, honest.) But by and large, the particulates are large enough that they don't penetrate the mucous membranes to the same degree as a true allergic reaction. (Oh so much science this morning!)
I don't want to force any lessons out of this, really, and any metaphor risks breaking down entirely because of how annoying this can be for a few days. But I can't help but wonder....(here she goes)...
What if human love was just as plentiful as white pine love, but without the annoying bit? What if the least bit of breeze just spread it around like nobody's business, and we all couldn't help but be aware of it, amazed by it, covered by it...in all the good ways the white pines are hoping it will be?
"Above all," Peter compels us, "Constantly echo God's intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins."
1 Peter 4:8 (The Passion Translation)
Like an echo, says Peter.
Like yellow pollen, say the white pines.
So wherever you land on any issue or belief or idea, I wish you an anemophily kind of day, where love just lands on you.
And now I must go dust a few things.
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