When I was little, I’d traverse the fields around my home, on the lookout for as many dandelions that had gone to seed as I could find.

It was at this stage, of course, that I could take a deep breath, close my eyes, and blow those seeds into the wind while silently sending my wishes into the atmosphere.

I truly believed this was the way to make my dreams come true: Just blow on the “pom pom” and send it forth.

With the full blooming of spring, not only have I seen the dandelions go to seed alongside the tulips and lilacs opening—I’ve also felt an awakening, aliveness, and encouragement in my energy, my relationships, and my work.

I’m taken right back to those childhood days, only now, I have the gift of hindsight to show me just how many of my wishes have come true.

Lately, that’s shown up in my work as getting the opportunity to attend the Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE) this month for a second year, having an advertising spot in Plein Air Magazine, and filling classes I’m teaching at Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery.

Personally, that’s shown up as recentering my health in my life, spending as much time with my grandkids as I can, and nurturing the friendships I’ve been blessed with.

It’s magic, really…all of it. This life. The doors that continue to open as others close. The opportunities we have to keep wishing; to keep dreaming; to keep putting one foot in front of the other as we make things happen.

This past weekend, I watched my granddaughter Lottie blow her own dandelion seeds into the wind, and I saw that magic continuing to live on.

Whether it’s finding those white puffy tops and placing your wishes on their floating seeds, or throwing a penny into the fountain, or blowing out your candles on your birthday cake, or happening to glance at the clock at 11:11…

Know that your wishes CAN come true. First, you have to believe. Next, you have to show up. And finally, you have to trust.

Then let go, knowing that the universe has got your back.