Today I am grateful there was finally a nice long break in the torrentially rainy weather, and Charlie and I got to take one of our favorite walks along a paved trail that is adjacent to the Clackamas River.
The river is wide and full from all the rain; the rocky banks we often explore were covered with water. No swimming for Charlie today. It hurries on its way west to join the Willamette, itself hurrying north to join the Columbia. I thought rivers weren’t supposed to flow north, but rivers do what they will. Who am I to suggest otherwise?
The trees are bare, reaching naked branches starkly up into the pale blue sky carved and sculpted by snowy clouds. Without the leaves it is easier to see their form and shape. I wonder if there are growth patterns specific to different trees: the alder forming branches different from the vine maple. Truthfully, without their leaves I have a hard time knowing which is which. But again, the trees grow as their nature intends for them to, absent interference from humans, animals, storms or other threats.
The osprey family that I watched over the spring and summer is gone. The chicks have grown and gone their own way. I don’t know if osprey winter here or follow the ducks south.
A few of the Himalayan blackberries still sport red or golden leaves;, the Himalayan is an invasive species imported from Europe or Asia. Like the starling and English sparrow, these weeds have wreaked havoc with native species, usurping their territory, out-competing for resources needed to grow, pushing natives out of their own home. But I have to admit, as much as I hate their thorns and their pushy attitude, I love the taste of their summer berries. The birds and small animals do, as well.
Another non-native, wild clematis, catches my eye as we walk. From a distance it appears to be blossoming with little white blooms as it climbs up into a tree. I know these are its seedheads but am intrigued. On closer inspection I see the heart of the “flower” is several small black seeds that form a star shape. Attached to each seed is a gossamer angel wing (it is these that appear to be petals) that will help it fly to a patch of bare earth where it will send down roots and eventually form a new plant. I’m not sure when the vine will let go of these seeds; perhaps a finch or chickadee will find the seeds before they are released, and enjoy a Christmas feast.
These are hopeful reminders to me that God can take all our mistakes and badly-executed good intentions and create beauty and value from them.
Walking in nature with a little sunshine is good for my body but even better for my soul. It clears my mind of dark thoughts that accumulate with dark days. Filling my lungs with air and my mind with beauty always energizes me and makes me want to be a better person, to be the best me I can be, to – as the river and the trees – flow and grow in the directions I am mean to follow.
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