chimera |kīˈmi(ə)rə, kə-|(also chimaera )  Biology: an organism containing a mixture of genetically different tissues, formed by processes such as fusion of early embryos, grafting, or mutation: the sheeplike goat chimera.

The drought has been challenging this year but one should always look for the positive.  We hardly mowed the yard at all this year!  We also have found several chimeras in the zinnia patch.  What is a chimera?  A chimera is made up of different genetic material in one being.  My husband says he found chimeras in the apple orchard all the time.  Rarely you’ll find a really special one in some way and if your lucky, you reproduce it, patent it and become rich.

I don’t think I’ll gain any monetary compensation for this beautiful flower found in my garden, but the pleasure it gives me is beyond measure!  I love the symmetry between the solid and the peppermint.  The yellow stamen are so unexpected and perfect.  I’m sure this flower is reverting to the parents that bred it because of the stress caused by drought and extreme heat this summer.  The flower is a peppermint variety and should look like the right side all over…and yet it really catches my attention.  I love it.

A bouquet fresh from the garden. Zinnias are so colorful and come in a variety of colors and shapes. These are from the Benery Giant collection from Harris Seeds.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade….This lovely flower did just that, and is the better for it.  It stands out from all the other flowers in the vase.  Sometimes life seems a bit overwhelming and it is so easy to fixate on the negative. Remember that adversity makes us strong and helps us to become more than we were……..it gives us a chance to grow, change, and yes….evolve!

Please take time to enjoy the simple pleasures that touch your life every day, even in the face of challenge.