Carol Alleman - Ruby Promises

The Garden of Promises, which includes Promises, Golden Promises, Ruby Promises, Blue Promises, and Snowy White Promises, were inspired by warm memories of Pennsylvania's early spring days. -- Buying 2 from the Garden of Promises will have a 5% discount. Buying 3 or 4 will have a 10% discount. Buying the full garden will be a 15% discount for a price of $9987.50.

Choosing a favorite crocus hue proved impossible, however, the golden yellow and vibrant violet ones remain most vivid and cherished to me. The dependable crocus colorfully proclaimed spring's impending arrival; long before there was any other visible indications of its approach (save perhaps the tiny snowdrops). Many times these delicately, determined crocus denied the crusted snow its tenacity, popping their brilliant little heads through layers of both ice and snow. Most times, the short emerald, spear-like tips appeared precisely when we had simply "had enough" of the cold, short winter days and mounding drifts of snow. They promised new and hopeful days exactly when many grew sluggish and experienced the depths of "winter blues."

In Lancaster County, the yearly discovery of the first crocus petals seemed an unspoken child-like contest among female adults in their banter: "Are your crocus up yet? Mine are!" Within these heart-warming memories, I received a larger gift. Here, in the desert of Arizona, we do not experience the unexpected joy of the crocus announcing the coming of spring. Yet, each spring I fondly remember their quiet sweetness and the contagious hopefulness they impart. 

The crocus promises the imminent arrival of spring. The tiny, brilliant crocus continues, consistently, each spring, to remind me of mysterious promises in its sweet whisper: nature knows "nature show" the Way. Ruby Promises, inspired by the crocus, this piece speaks to the many threads of growth occurring for each of us invisibly. Just as the crocus invisibly grows beneath the surface, so too are all our life events woven together invisibly and in preparation for our blooming. A potent purpose for each season is our promise in the garden of life.