Smokey Joy

The house is warm this morning as it is sealed tight against the smoke drawn through the mountain passes from all the fires on the eastern half of our state. Spokane being the most heartbreaking one. It’s hard to be joyful when the world is burning.

. . .a portender of what is to come with the hint of the apples ripening

But, I had to pull the garbage out anyway, and the cool morning invited me to notice the abundance of summer as I walked through the “hazardous” air, thankful that my lungs can handle a short exposures, unlike so many other people. There is a spot on the drive where the wild apple trees try hard to make an arbor. In the spring their bridal white petals harken to Anne’s “white way of delight,” but, if you pay attention throughout the year, your realize this space offers a myriad of delights.  The animal trails part the tall grasses on either side, places the coyotes and deer, rabbits and bear have deemed their own paths between worlds.  When you meander slowly enough, you realize that the trees hold the day a little longer in this space: petrichor lingers, cool morning shade lasts, stillness in the air traps fragrances.  This morning was a portender of what is to come with the hint of the apples ripening tantalizing my senses. 

A thorny tendril of blackberry wound its way down the apple branches offering me a handful of sun sweetened goodness. . .

A thorny tendril of blackberry wound its way down the apple branches offering me a handful of sun sweetened goodness right at eye level.  Even through the hazy light the apples glinted, shining like ornaments all over the trees.  A loaded apple tree is almost as stunning as a flowering one.

I’ll head back in, out of the toxic air, but the taste of blackberries will linger.

#joyasresistance