Dear Curiosity Journal,

Sitting several hours handling a certain plant never ceases to kindle my curiosity, sending me wondering about a deeper meaning. What is its essence and what layers of explanation, interpretation, and symbolization have others bestowed upon the strawflower? A member of the aster family, Xerochrysum bracteatum are also known as “everlastings’ ‘ as they hold their floral form and hue long past harvest. Due to their postmortem resilience and concentric rings, they have become a symbol of immortality. They have additional associations with “someone or something always remembered” and “agreements”. Staring into the multilayered bracts, one can’t help but see the sacred geometry of their structure, appreciate the perfect mathematics of their design, and marvel at all these love notes from Mother Nature.

~Joy