Secret and I went for our last big hike on the mountain before Ms Thing’s arrival. Climbing the rise was excruciating (why did I think it would be a fun thing to do again?) I brought the camera in tow (because hiking up wasn’t enough, I needed to load down with extra baggage too) but despite stopping and looking with a watchful eye, I wasn’t moved to frame anything and shoot. It was beautiful and I did try to stop and take it in, knowing it’s the last time I’ll see it until sometime next year. It’s all golden and thirsty this time of year, and the trails are soft with crushed leaves in all different arrays of pastels and dusty. When we see it next it will be wet and green and misty.
The Madrone trees are in berry with the bark in full peel – ribbons of swirling red paper-thin curls of shedding Madrone skin adorn the trunks like they’re all gussied up for a cotillion. Just makes you want to dance with them. There’s one, my favorite, I pause at it and run my fingers along the cool smooth bark after clearing away a patch of ribbons and I wish it well and I ask for the tree to welcome Zoe. I can feel it saying hello. That will not be the last time the trees speak kindly to her.
I’ve just come in from a
We went to see The Kingdom last night. Note to self, you are no longer equipped for 7 pm showings. It was very predictable and the special effects were far less special than I’d hoped for – but there’s something about getting beat up from the inside out during an action thriller that makes the whole thing take on the tenor of one of those John Water’s 3D scratch and sniff movies. Watching the portrayal of the Saudi Muslim fundamentalists blowing up the all-American baseball game recalled that documentary Jesus Camp where the camp director touts, with no small amount of pride, that it’s high time the Christians started raising devout, brainwashed, terrorist children to strike back, just like them fundie Muslims. They really are all so indistinguishable. Isn’t it just so incredibly true that pride indeed does go before the fall? I mean, even when people don’t even realize how shameful they’ve become.
With October waking this morning, the season resolutely changed with a cool rain and overcast morning. When it cleared around mid-day and the sun bellowed across the sky, it was interrupted by high cottony clouds which just seemed to scream things like hot apple cider, butternut squash and pumpkin pie. It was warm, but it was certainly Fall.
5 comments:
Living in my nature vacuum, I didn't know what a Madrone tree looks like so I googled it (how sad is that?). Just beautiful! Reading this entry makes me crave another caramel apple cider. I'm leaving early today so I can get one thanks to you!
We'll absolutely have to fix that!! - Zuzu
I had to google it too. And reading this made me crave ice cream!
Oh... ice cream, now that's a great idea! I have a feeling, that you of all people, would particularly love the Madrone tree. It's spectacular in every season.. it flowers with bell-shaped clumps in the Spring. This time of year, at the right low angle of afternoon light, the sun shines through the peeling bark and the trees look like they're aflame (that bark is so red.) And beneath the freshly peeling outer bark is the brightest green underbelly - that will turn red through the winter and on into next summer. - Zu
Zuzu, when are we going to go for a hike? Your posts almost make me hop in my car and head your way...pregnancy gluttony and laziness my only tethers. :P We'll have to start planning something though!
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