Wisdom

The Narcissus Principle

It was a different day; Eva had finally managed to visit her daughter and grandchildren after they had asked several times. " We really need to show you something important ," the grandchildren had shouted vehemently into the phone. A week later, the time had finally come. Eva was sitting in her daughter's car, wondering what to expect. After about twenty minutes, they turned onto a narrow gravel road, past a small church. On the long side of the building was a handwritten sign that read " Daffodil Garden ." Everyone got out, and the grandchildren grabbed Grandma's hands, chattering excitedly among themselves, and gently pulled her up the hill. When they reached the top, Eva's breath caught in her throat. An incredible view opened up before her. It looked as if someone had taken a barrel of gold dust and poured it over the mountain meadows. The flowers were planted in majestic, ribbon-like alternating patterns of bright orange, white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, saffron, and cream. Each different color was used in such a way that the entire image resembled a rushing, swirling river with unique shades. It was an area of about two hectares full of blossoms . In the midst of all this splendor stood a small, simple cottage. A meadow path wound through the floral splendor, directly toward the cottage. On the porch hung a poster:

Answers to questions you will ask!

• 50,000 flower bulbs

• One by one. By a single woman. Two hands, two feet, and a moderate amount of brains.

• Started in 1958

In a way, it made Eva sad. What she could have created if she had chosen a wonderful goal 35 or 40 years ago and worked on it all those years, using the " seedling by seedling " method. " Just think, what I could have achieved... " she murmured thoughtfully to herself.

Eva's daughter smiled. Then she became serious and answered very wisely: " Every day a new year begins – ... start today!"

(read and retold somewhere)