Being "Non-Native"

Queen Anne's Lace is prolific along roadsides and in ditches this time of year. So prolific that many people think it's one of our native wildflowers; it's not. It was introduced from Europe as a medicinal plant and from it carrots were developed. As a 'non-native' it could be considered a weed, an intruder, something that competes with its natural surroundings. Queen Anne's Lace, however, has made herself right at home here and contributes most positively to any neighborhood she finds herself in. She's a beautiful flowering plant that welcomes bugs and butterflies, birds and bees.

When I think about my ex-pat friends who live both here (Randi) and abroad (Laury, Kristin), I think of this lovely wild flower. Non-native, yes. But living beautiful lives, wholly engaged and involved in their adopted communities, welcoming all the local flora and fauna and feeling right at home!