Finding time.

The first few weeks of the year are always busy at work. Eyes bleary from too much screen time, I escaped to the forest the first chance I got. I thought I’d just go for a quick hike, then… as usual every molecule in my body came alive with joy. HERE. Be here. Right here. And there. Oh! And over there! Ooh look at that. Must go this way, the long way, all the way. Take the long way home. So I did. I wandered up the Wildwood and down the MAC trail, around the Cloud Walk Forest and back around again. Seeking and finding my muse. Some glorious Turkey Tails.

Chatted with two ladies, curious about what I was photographing. We hiked the rest of the way out of the park, discussing pronunciations for local Portland things - which was super cool - so I don’t sound like a tourist - things you can’t learn without being here for a bit. Lower Macleay sounds like McClay apparently and the debate rages on about Couch (like sofa) Street or Couch like Couchee Coo Street. Depends on who you ask they say - though apparently named for Captain John Heard Couch. Glisan Street - again depends on where you are. Like Glisten on the west side but sounds like Gleason on the east side. Oh, Portland! Way to keep them guessing! How ever you pronounce it - it’s feeling more and more like home to me. Especially when I stumble across goodness like this Turkey Tail - super fuzzy fabulous!

Snow is on the way - the second I saw the forecast, my very first thought was my fungi friends are going to freeze! My second thought was how much Mack will love romping in the snow. My third thought - MUST GET TO THE FOREST! So I can get my first photos of my favorite place with a dusting or more of snow glittering on the trees.

Must. Get. To the forest… invades my thoughts more times a day than I can count. Not mad. It’s a delicious distraction from the drama unfolding on the news and in this world.