12 dreams for the one who tends lavender

The inspiration for 12 dreams for the one who tends lavender, I realize now, was almost a kind of dare. Someone was bold enough to suggest that instability is a deal-breaker. Since then I have balanced (with steady employment) along the edge of that stage with a handshake at the end, trying to convince myself otherwise. But, this is the proof. Instability brought the lavender and then disturbed its sipping pond-drink reflection. But, instability continues towards bare fruits: a zebra with noncommittal stripes, a mixed message to a Mississippi art farm, something with pages that really turn, and the ending of an unfortunate cookie.