The First of the Pink Lady's Slipper Orchids

For several weeks, I have been watching with interest as the first few little greenies started coming up in the Barrens. These are lady's slipper orchids, Cypripedium acaule, and they grow wild among the woods and waters of central Pennsylvania. Yes, orchids. Growing wild. Amazing.

I examined all of the ones along the pathway between the first and third ponds, and even further up into the woods, and this one here - this plant - is the first one to feature pink blooms. There are TWO of them, and I tried to get close enough that you could see the texture of the front bloom.

Now, the orchid flowers in this phase are awfully cute and winsome. They look like little alien heads on long swan-like necks, looking all around. For what? I'm not sure. But they do seem to be looking. Eventually, they will stand up tall and proud. I'll show you. I promise!

I have told you some stories already about these flowers, and how I scattered the ashes of one of my best friends here in the Barrens, among the pink ladies. My friend Ellen is among them now, and I like to think that I am visiting her when they come into bloom. How she loved the color pink!

But know that today is a happy day, and not a sad one. I am not put here on this Earth for sorrow, but for rejoicing. So let's celebrate this, the first of the pink lady's slippers for this year, with many more pink blooms to come!

I wanted my soundtrack song to have the word Lady in it. And here is a real gem, one of my favorites. This particular performance is full of love and respect, and I offer it up in appreciation of these two men: Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie sing Lady.