Mary Ann Hayes

“Our life is but a grain of sand in the indifferent ocean of infinity.”  Sergei Dovlatov

Simply said — we are, as individuals, insignificant in the universal scheme of things. A self important person only need step outside their tidy little world to understand and reap the benefits of such an absolute truth. Not s single one of us is that big a deal!

Now, the mountains – they’re a big deal. They are room and board to all kinds of wildlife, plant-life, streams, rivers, birds. They have the power to challenge, inspire, destroy, and heal. Spending time in the mountains puts me in my place. I’ve never conquered a mountain by climbing to the top. Yet, I have stood on the summit and felt grateful to have arrived without being swallowed up along the way.

And the oceans? Now, that’s something to brag about. If you wake up one day and discover you are the Pacific Ocean, you have a right to be cocky! You and the moon are in cahoots, (can you imagine such a thing?) and your tides rule as a maritime god. The power of your combined forces is unimaginable. So, if the oceans roll in with epic waves and declare their self-importance, I’d say they have that right.

There is a bristlecone pine tree in the White Mountains of California named Methuselah that is 4,848 years old. If only that old tree could talk! Somehow, Methuselah’s mighty roots have held tight to the earth, extracted necessary nutrients, water and sunshine, and managed to ward off insect infestation and disease for 4,848 years! Imagine the strength at the core root of such a tree. It is truly unimaginable.

Sometimes it’s a good idea to put our self important little selves in perspective. The universe doesn’t really care that we just lost fifteen pounds or that we drive a Tesla. When we individual humans dry up like old prunes and leave the planet, nature won’t care and nothing will happen. Yet, if the mountains blew their tops or the oceans dried up, well now, that’s another story, isn’t it?

Later,

Mary Ann

It’s that time of year again, when we lose the ever so precious hour, yet gain an hour at the end of the day. Funny how there are times when we simply can’t tell spring is on the way, regardless of the date.

Being the research junkie that I am, I turned to the internet for advise. Don’t look at the snow in your yard, it said. Just sit back and ask yourself these simple questions:

1. Have you seen any Indian Plum in bloom yet? Because it’s about the first thing to bloom in lowland forest and wetlands. Lord knows we have plenty of those, so finding it shouldn’t be much of a challenge.
2. Are the Herons gathering in their giant rookeries to build or repair nests in massive treetop colonies? Go look around Discovery Park if your not sure.
3. Have you spotted any gray whales lately? They migrate in spring, travel through Puget Sound, and feed off the bottom which makes them pretty easy to spot. Usually in March.
4. Have you been to the Columbia Gorge recently? Is it exploding in wild flowers? The unique combination of dry hi desert and damp west-side air contribute to the abundance of unique-to-the-area wild flowers.
5. Do you suddenly have a pet newt? It’s that little lizard with the bright orange belly and toxic skin. It’s the one that isn’t afraid of anything and scurries around in broad daylight daring anyone to touch it.

If you have answered no to any or all of the above (which I have done), then go back to bed, regardless of the calendar date or daylight savings. It’s just not happening. Just look out your window at all that snow!

Later,

Mary Ann