Protector of Plants

Last week, we made it to free afternoon yoga at Ruta Maya Coffeehouse -- "Happy Hour Yoga," as they call it. Turns out that 5:30 p.m. is a fantastic time to stop everything and move your body.

We sat on our mats and waited for the class to begin. A young guy in a beige delivery uniform walked up to the small stage, his hands full of slightly battered but alive potted orchids, begonias, and other flowering plants. He made several trips up there, and one or two students got up to take a plant.

When class began, the teacher said, "These plants are donated by Travis; he works at a nursery and they would otherwise be thrown away, so please feel free to take what you would like." I took the plant above, with its tiny, beautiful flowers. He made me wonder about what simple acts of generosity I could easily make to brighten someone else's day.

Here's to Travis, protector of imperfect plants and joy activist.