Follow the Nudge
by Kayce Stevens Hughlett
Sometimes a thought, writing, or journal entry rises to the forefront of my mind and simply won’t go away until It’s had more breath in the world. It is my invitation to “follow the nudge.” Does this happen to you too?
Recently I read a post on Substack: The Isolation Journal by Suleika Jaouad where you compose an ode to your favorite color as a numbered list (stretching it to 13 if possible).
Since (and before) that time, the color pink and my resulting journal response have tugged at my heart, pleading for air time (or possibly witnessing). Regardless of the reason, my marching orders from Spirit these days are “Trust your intuition!” (which came through loud and clear in our recent Garden of Old Bones call), so without further ado, I share with you “Pink in 13 movements” in its original form.
1. Oh Pink, you come to me like morning sky rising in the east, rising like the blush on my cheeks, the fading color of my lips
2. Oh Pink, you come to me in old growth roses. So sad that Bessie’s plant did not survive the restoration. Out with the old. In with the new. There is so much more in that muddled earth. More to excavate. Pink, a faded version of red earth. Perhaps not faded, but younger. The dance between old growth and new. The circle of life. The spin of the wheel.
3. Oh Pink, you come to me, La Vie en Rose, sung by Edith Piaf, Lady Gaga, so many more. An accordion player en français. All the versions leading me to SoulStroll where roses follow (and lead) each step of my way. “Awaken,” said the Muse. Is that what Pink says to me?
4. Oh Pink, one would think my color would be blue. Blue like my novel, the summer sky. I spy with my little eye. No one wants pink eye. But still you are here.
5. Here in pink petals, dogwood, peony, echinacea, rose. Here in flamingo call, Ça va! Ça va!
6. Here in my tender heart – beating, loving, longing, yearning, burning. A heart that thrums for love and fellowship. The summer sizzle of Cancer season. Pink flowing hair of The Star telling me it’s time to shine.
7. Oh Pink, you adorn my hermitage walls, changing shades throughout the day. Gray to match a surly mood, then almost white like a flash of awareness, brilliant in the afternoon sun.
8. Sunrises and sunsets. Spin of the wheel. High Priestess hair. Wild hare. The dirty goddesses. Pink ears and lips and bunny eyes. I guess some things do want pink eye :)
9. Pink! Soft like an old cat’s fur, like a cozy throw that warms in morning’s chill, that calls us to be still. Pink as pause, be it sunrise or sunset. The threshold places before morning’s light or evening dark. Pink as threshold, that feels right.
10. Oh Pink, you come to me in palettes—bold, pale, in between. Rose Madder, fuchsia, palest hue, Sahara sand, the inside of a shell where secrets lay. Pray tell, what say you?
11. Victorian pink, almost the color of lavender. P!nk who sings to “get this party started!” You do that, Pink. Brighten my day, my lips, my soul. Subtle and bold, so much to be told.
12. Oh Pink, I wear you and tear you, see you and flee you. They say pink is the color of baby girls and old ladies. I am both and everything in between. You are the color of life blood, for what is red but amped up pink?
13. Tell me, Pink, what do you think of this ode? Where and how will you whisper (or shout) to me as I walk today’s road? Teacup? Blossom? A blouse or mouse’s ear? You are very near. Here on my nails that hold this pen. Where is our next adventure, Pink? Please tell me when …
So dear one, this is my ode. What color are you in love with? Is there a hue that tints your days? Like pink bubbles, what arose for you as you read along? (By the way, thank you for witnessing!)
Finally, is there a word or phrase or tarot card or symbol that needs more air time or witness from/by you? This Garden space is a great place to share. I do hope you will!!