Friday, May 23, 2008

The Daffodil Principle in Action

Remember the Daffodil Principle? One woman kept planting and planting, day after day, a few more daffodil bulbs. Time passed and she didn't quit. Small bits of effort multiplied and then: 50,000 bulbs burst into bloom each spring on the land surrounding her home.

With dibs and dabs of time, she'd made an art work with the impact of a mountain view. This one woman had become a force of nature.

I'm thinking of this again because I was just asked to e-mail my NC legislators asking for funding for the NC Arts Council. On the occasions when I take a moment to do such things, I'm half-thinking that I'm just wasting ten minutes.

However, a dab of my time, a dab of yours, and extraordinary things happen. People and places bloom.

Though it may not always seem so, everybody's dab is crucial. Don't forget to add yours, maybe even daily, to the world changes you want.

And, if you live in NC or have any interest in the arts here, click here to take action. It probably won't even take you ten minutes.




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4 comments:

Debra said...

Hi Peggy,

I was just reading your post about The Daffodil Principle, and I was struck by the familiarity of the description that was given in the story you posted. I asked my husband, Mark, if he thought that the majestic garden that you were referring to could be the same one which we visited with our girls and some friends, several years ago, and he said to Google it. I looked it up and sure enough, the garden that was featured in this amazing story is the same exact one that we went to see. I never, ever realized that it was so famous or well-known! We have another home up in Lake Arrowhead, CA, and our neighbors there insisted on bringing us to see it. It was an absolutely breath-taking garden of Daffodils! Acre upon acre of color, all planted and maintained by one incredible woman. The gardens are open to the public and all that is asked is that you leave a donation to help with the upkeep. At the time, we didn't realize that she had planted all of those bulbs by herself! You would really have to see it to understand how much work must have gone into it, but little by little, bulb by bulb, she created something incredible.

You are so right when you say that dabs and dabs can create something extraordinary! Having visited her garden and now, knowing the exact story behind it, has given me a new appreciation for how much one person can truly accomplish.

You know, you do the same thing in your classes, writings and here on your blog, Peggy. You inspire people one Daffodil at at time. Who knows how many thousands of flowers you have growing out in the world, right now. I am doing my very best to blossom into one of them.

With a grateful heart,
Debbie

Peggy Payne said...

Debbie, You're so kind. I think you're blossoming wonderfully.

And you've actually visited the famous daffodils!!! I'm envious. Did you happen to take a picture?
I would love to post one.

Debra said...

Thank you, Peggy! I know that I took a bunch of photos, but I will have to dig them out. When I find one, I will send it to you. It was an extraordinary sight!

Hugs,
Debbie

Peggy Payne said...

Only if it's no huge trouble, Debbie.

You do have such wonderful pictures on your blog, though.