I think we have finally turned a corner here in Jackson Hole and the entire community is vibrant and joyful, riding their bikes, skateboarding, hiking, fishing and all the activities our town is best known for.
Today I as I was driving through town, as the sun kissed the mountainside and the skin of all that breathes, I felt once again, I LIVE IN HEAVEN.
My family went camping with some friends which was a celebration to the sun, the animals coming back, and community. A blessing, to say the least, is to have such wonderful people surrounding you.
When we chose the camping spots, we decided on one of them because this was greeting us. I beleive it is a phlox, although I did not have my field guide with me.
I had the opportunity to wander a bit and see what exactly was coming to fruition. A pocketful of cottonwood buds stuck together in my pocket, a sweet bite here and there of dandelion flowers and yellow violets were a special treat, connecting me once again to the life springing forth from the earth and sun.
The children bravely took a dip in the Gros Ventre river, turning pink immediately, yet not regretting the courage and fun to indulge in something so crazy.
Roasting marshmallows and hot dogs on sticks, listening to guitar music and stories by the fire were all a special part of our gathering.
Around midnight, dressed in jeans, tshirt, 2 hoodies, stocking cap, and wool socks, I climbed into my tent for the night, so thankful for the warmth of my already sleeping children.
One of our companions heard the wolves howling at 4 a.m. although I slept through that.
In the morning, the sun shone right in my tent and the senstion of joy flooded my soul and the life bursting energy ran through me causing me to tremble near the river.
To feel so much love at this moment was more healing to my weary soul than anything I could have asked for.
After the pancake making assembly line and clean up,
we all began to pack up for the days schedules ahead of us. I walk one more time to be blessed to see a yellow fritillary(Fritillaria pudica)
which loves the sage habitats.
And to be greated by the bluebird....oh yes, I think we are over the hump Jackson. There is a reason there is a bluebird in my header and to have one come to us today was pure bliss!
So excited to see all my plant friends again very soon. Blessed be!
oh how beautiful kristina:) so glad your spring has arrived. what an absolutely delightful way to celebrate it! when i went to yellowstone 5 yrs ago, i so fell in love with your bluebirds. such friendly birds! i had one escort and talk to me most of the time i was at old faithful:) does this mean your cottonbuds are now at the right stage to pic. i missed ours which was back in february. so glad you are having such a great time. enjoy! hugs
ReplyDeleteOh gosh the bluebirds are the most vibrant and beautiful birds. So glad you got to experience them!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been harvesting cottonwood for a couple months now. They can be harvested anytime their buds have set, which I understand is winter, but since I do not ski yet, I have no had opportunity to go any earlier than when enough snow has melted to get to the trees. Our buds do not get very big like they do other places, so to get enough for the year, you gotta go out often, and best after windstorm when some of the taller branches fall to the ground, where the larger buds are. Then you can harvest those buds and not feel guilty about plucking from the tree...lol