1 of tulips

1 of tulips
Originally uploaded by rod lewis

Years and years ago, Al and I lived in an apartment that was a century-old house. The landlord had brought in a load of dirt for the backyard, but it was simply piled near our back door and left there. I don't remember that it was spread as long as we lived there.
In the first spring of our marriage, a single tulip came up in the middle of that dirt pile and bloomed red and beautiful. I'll never forget that. A glorious blossoming gift amidst an ugly pile of forgotten dirt.
I think it represents to me that nuance between happiness and joy. Joy is not contingent upon circumstances.
Happiness is a beautifully tended flower garden.
Joy is a tulip blossoming in a pile of dirt.