Today my best friend and I found the most amazing mimosa tree as we were driving home. It was in an abandoned lot, and we can’t simply resist a magical nature side quest, so of course she drove right up to it.

When we got out of the car, we could immediately smell the mimosa flowers. They have such a sweet floral smell – almost like honey suckle in my opinion. Not only was this the largest mimosa tree I’d ever seen in my life, I’d also never seen such dense flower coverage. It was absolutely breathtaking. When I got out of that car, nothing else existed – not one of my problems, none of my responsibilities – it was truly a much needed communion with nature.

We both collected a few flowers. I, for a tincture I’ve been wanting to try for anxiety, and her, just to take the smell and beauty home to savor a bit longer and share with her beau.

When I finished my flower collecting, I walked underneath the branches. It was like walking through a portal into the most peaceful place. The tree was tall and wide. The branches provided a kind of alcove. I looked up, and the branches seemed to stretch forever. My best friend joined me, and we enjoyed the view for a few minutes, noticing the flowers and how far up they went. She pointed out a cluster that was more pink that the rest.

Then we walked back out, got in the car, and left. That was the end of our little adventure under the mimosa tree, but the impression it left was soul-deep, and I hope to visit it again sometime. For a moment, I’m really thankful to be a part of this beautiful floating rock. It’s the small moments like that that make life worth living.

To good friends and mimosa trees.

– Alis