Zen Monday: #135

On Zen Monday, I pretend I am a Zen Master. I ask you to experience the photo and tell us, in the comments, what you've learned. Today I'm not much of a master (as if that's different from other Mondays) because I must suggest that you click on the photo to enlarge it.

(Your first Zen Monday? Tell us what the photo makes you think of. There's no right or wrong. There are no prizes. Just have fun.)

Planet Flora

My move in the late 1980's from Illinois to southern California was a culture shock so complete I didn't even recognize the vegetation. Gone were the tame, Midwestern maples, elms and simple posies, to be replaced by palm trees and flora I recognized from Dr. Seuss.

To keep my attitude positive, I decided to think about my move not as a life-changing apocalypse but as a vacation on another planet. I've been enjoying my vacation amid exotic flora ever since.

But this flower looks familiar. I remember it from Illinois, New Jersey, Texas and even Minnesota. This or its variations must be a very American plant. Not to mention the white picket fence.

I don't know plant names. I didn't know this one back in Illinois, either. I know someone will tell me it's name in the comments and I'll say thanks in advance. No matter where I see it, though, it looks right at home.