Chicory Along the Roadside

These periwinkle-colored flowers are blooming along every roadside here, and of course, I must stop and take their picture. I was on my bike and I dismounted and there they were. This is called chicory; aren't the blooms just lovely?

I looked it up and I learned a thing. Chicory is one of Edward Bach's original flower remedy healers. According to Bach, these flowers can help a person give and receive selfless love: "The person who has learned the lesson chicory has to teach can allow themselves to bloom in love for others that is nurturing and uplifting."

If you have ever had coffee at Cafe Beignet in the French Quarter of New Orleans, you also know that chicory can be used in coffee. It is, in fact, a beloved local tradition there. Also of note: beignets (a sweet treat; also from the Big Easy) are delectable and I wish I had some right now!

Since we're on the topic of love, here are several songs about it: Robert Palmer, Addicted to Love; Jennifer Warnes, Ain't No Cure for Love; and both Don McLean's And I Love You So and the Emmylou Harris cover. Enjoy! And, wherever possible - and it is ALWAYS possible - choose love!