Even in the midst of Rainy days there is beauty… although at times I just stand there and watch the rain fall, in a bit of a trance. The gentle or fierce sound of the rain, leaves blowing in the wet wind, the smell of fungi beginning to grow, it all washes over me like a cool bath of nourishment. At times I can feel my skin drinking in the moisture like a thirsty summer day.
However soon enough I feel inspired to move, and areas of blue sky return after the passing squall… the light calls my name and a rainbow waits for me somewhere north, so off I go to Husum, Washington.
Arriving in the tiny town known for agriculture and rafting companies, I received a text with the bad news… my cousin’s daughter had unexpectedly passed away in England. Somewhat shell shocked, I wandered for awhile around my childhood hangouts along the river, in tears but trying to find positive things and beauty to hold me steady so I can send strength to my cousin Camille.
The White Salmon River is now brown with runoff and as light and shadow dance with fall leaves and clouds, and I feel the spiritual cleansing of heart this river always brings to me as it washes away the tears.
This is when I finally found a rainbow, and I felt it was a sign of hope in the darkness.
All around me the light danced, and plants and rocks glimmered in rain coated jewels. Through a doorway in the darkness I saw a soft and beautiful world
Getting back in my little freshly repaired old truck, Ruby Red Rattle Rocket, I headed on north to Trout Lake as the light continued to dance on the fall leaves along the way. In a large clearcut along highway 141 the vine maples have been growing and carpeting the ground, and I realized just how many had grown when I saw the color as light burst through the clouds.
Following the light on uphill to Trout Lake, I found more pretty colors around Trout Creek by the bridge in town.
Sunset was coming on, so next I drove out to the Lake for a refreshing sunset recharge, and This next photo made me think of a bird flying free, or in this case a spirit or soul flying free of this physical restraints.
After this the rain came back for awhile, and i went to visit my brother Roger and his wife Connie in their home in Trout Lake.
One last image… a friend just shared this photo with me of a mountain lake near Mount Adams. How quickly it moves from fall to winter!
Starlisa Black Photography 