I have to confess that, before our trip to Nova Scotia for my secret 50th birthday, I had never seen a Lupine. It was July, but still spring in Nova Scotia. The coldest July ever.

Under the stars, we'd bundle up in blankets and listen to Scottish bagpipes. We'd walk along the seashore in our winter hats and coats. We'd stoke the fireplace in our room. It was freezing, but the Lupines didn't mind. They popped up all along the paths and beach views. Blue and pink and purple and white. Like the promise of spring. Like the promise of beauty and life after 50.

Before we left Nova Scotia for home, we bought packets of Lupine seeds to plant in our garden at home. Later, we poked holes in our New Jersey soil and carefully planted our promises. This pink Lupine is our first.

Happy music and art, Cinder LeDell