Evolution of a Sunflower

Helianthus annuus, Sunflowers, are annual plants native to the Americas, that possess a large inflorescence (flowering head).

The sunflower is native to the Central Americas. The evidence thus far is that it was first domesticated in Mesoamerica, present day Mexico, by at least 2600 BC

To grow well, sunflowers need full sun. They grow best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil with a lot of mulch. In commercial planting, seeds are planted 45 cm (1.5 ft) apart and 2.5 cm (1 in) deep.

• The sunflower is the state flower of the US state of Kansas, and one of the city flowers of Kitakyūshū, Japan.
• The sunflower is often used as a symbol of green ideology, much as the red rose is a symbol of socialism or social democracy. *The sunflower is also the symbol of the Vegan Society.
• During the late 19th century, the flower was used as the symbol of the Aesthetic Movement.
• Subject of Van Gogh's most famous still life, Sunflowers (series of paintings).
• The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine.

With all this in mind, a $4. pack of Mammoth Sunflower seeds became a sweeping 20 ft arc in the garden this year. Contending with the heat and drought they still reached heights of 10-15 ft with heads the size of well, GIANT sunflowers. The stalks are still like corded baseball bats. 

After they had given all their seed to the Gold Finches, Sparrows, and Cardinals, I cut off the heads and dried them in the loft of the garage. I meant to paint and mount them as a display for Halloween inside. 

Later it occurred to me that I should buy nearly 7000 stick matches in different colors and drill and sink them into the sunflower heads, mount them to a post and light it up for our annual Halloween bash. Please don't ask how I made this creative stumble/leap- no one knows. XD

Party was great, people were awesome- costumes were so cool. Too many to mention. Great melon carves, too. I had great fun with my Sonic Screwdriver as the 9th Doctor.  

"Who are you?"  

"I'm the Doctor."  

"Doctor Who?"  

"That's right!  Run for your life."  

Music, fire, food, drink, and more fire. Lighting it up and moving off to turn on the hose, just in case, I stood back as it went up and watched this group of people. I'm really grateful to know them. It's this kind of moment that will catch and hold you in the present sometimes.

And then you wake the next morning groggy and confused, until a yellow leaf hits the bathroom window and presses itself against the glass. 

It says 'I will be lost without your love.' An invisible force holds it close to you. It fills you up with yellow and streaking green, a memory. 

Hold your breath.

You look away. The plunger is still in the bathtub. What do we do today?

You look back and the leaf is gone.

Happy Halloween, from Me to You.

bc