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I am utterly fascinated and captivated by the unique unfurling of each frond of the ferns in the forest. Each one unfurls in its own individual way. None are critical of how the other is doing opening up, they are just all opening, easing the tightness of each part and easing into openness.
Like a colossal paw on the forest floor, a giant cedar rests on the ground. The limbs that spread from its trunk are now trees themselves, nourished from the strong trunk with its roots still pressed into the soil.
The brilliant fresh green of the deer-foot (a.k.a. vanilla leaf) and more properly Achlys triphylla -- it is a delight to see their slender stalks, and the tight leaves, like hands with their palms pressed together, then opening like praying hands opening to the light —
The flowers will emerge later but meanwhile these beauties light up the forest floor everywhere the sun filters through.
I’ve walked past this particular huckleberry for years but it was only yesterday I noticed the extraordinary lesson it was offering.
A metaphor of rootedness perhaps?
The stump that offered it life, and a strong base for its young life, has rotted quite thoroughly and is continuing to fall away, yet the strong roots continue to hold the huckleberry steady.
What a marvel! I’m going to think on this… but meanwhile, I wonder what it says to you?
From a crevice in the cracked sandstone ridge, a slender young hemlock tree stretches up into the light. Sheltered by the large cedars, the sunlight filters through.
In the morning and in the afternoon, the sunlight highlights the beauty all around…. The salmon berry blossom in the morning light (below), and the flowering currant in the afternoon as the sun lowers…
January 1, 2024
A few glimpses of the first sunrise of the year. My routine of capturing images of the mornings, day by day, continues. And my resolve for this year is to resume my postings on this website: a good project to re-launch as my retirement resumes.
The day begins….the wind is calm, the water, still, at least on the surface. Beneath the glassy calm there’s a whole world of life. A good reminder there’s always more….
We are enjoying the Anna's and Rufous Hummingbirds visiting the flowers and feeders, distributing delight with every single visit. Such a treat to see so many!
Here are a few more recent photos....
Each morning I meander out to the Point by our flagpole and take a photo or two as a way to start the day and record the morning's weather. Invariably I am met by beauty and wonder, whether it's dull or clear. Often too there are eagles, otters, seals, and other shorebirds and wildlife. Here's a small sampling of some recent mornings.
