By Jeannie Greensfelder

A sunflower in my neighbor’s yard called for my attention. I observed it everyday, photographed it, and wrote about it. It seemed to appear overnight, the sturdy stalk with a bloom ready to burst forth. Out of sync with the garden, it was a volunteer, perhaps from a seed dropped by a bird.

When the flower opened, I doubted it was a sunflower. I didn’t see any seeds, but I decided to be patient and watch. First honeybees came. They gathered pollen, placed it behind their back legs, tiny little hunks of gold. I wanted to fly home with them to see what happened at the hive.

When the pollen was gone, small five-pointed-star florets formed. A week later they dried and dropped away unveiling a tight web of sunflower seeds. Goldfinches feasted. The wilting plant still stands and I thank it each morning for all the gifts I received. I have photos, a poem, and a deep connection to sunflowers because I took time to notice.

Noticing can be simple, like watching our breath, touching a flower or piece of fruit: seeing it as if for the first time, slowing down, and using our senses. We think we don’t have time to notice, but when we stop and observe, we often find the meaning we crave.

Noticing during the holidays, being thankful, can nurture our spirits. Think about your favorite ways to notice that you’re alive, living in a wondrous world.