A Wildflower Morning

For years I've wanted to go to Mt. Rainier when the wildflowers were blooming.  I'd heard that the meadows are breathtaking, and now I know the reports are correct.  Because of the late spring in the Northwest, the snow stayed late on the mountains, which pushed the peak bloom into September.  Often peak bloom is around a month or two earlier, depending on the elevation. The lupines were lovely, accented with sunny yellow composites, and the fascinating seed heads from the Western Pasqueflower, (Anemone occidentalis).  We got up early so we could make it to Tipsoo Lake, right along the highway at the eastern entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park.  Smoke from forest fires covered the mountain in a haze every day by noon.  I knew the mountain would look beautiful reflected on the lake in early morning light.  The meadows were still dew covered.  The air was sweet with fragrance. There were at least three different asters in the area.  I think this one is the Subalpin

I've never seen the morning light come in like it did this morning, illuminating the canning jar of Sunny Flowers on the dining table.  The colors richer and brighter then I've ever seen them. It seems that is what Jesus does every morning, when I sit down in the quiet and let Him shine on me.  He illuminates common things and they take on a luster that I have never noticed before; almost too beautiful for words.  What a privilege to be a little jar of light reflecting His beauty.

I've been carrying produce up the hill almost every day.  Sometimes one bucket full, sometimes two, sometimes more.  Every bucket I puff up the hill is full of blessings.  Usually there are green beans, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes and kale.  But sometimes my bucket is overflowing with sunflowers, a symbol of joyful, abundant summer days.    I think I'd better pick some more tomorrow.   They make me smile.

The tomatoes are ripe!  Yipee!!  We've had two small pickings so far, but tonight I had to call for help to carry 30 pounds of tomatoes to the house!  We have some great, big tomatoes, and some tiny current tomatoes.  Just see how tiny these are in grandma's hand.  Let the canning and drying commence - tomorrow, after I get some sleep.  And of course there will be onion and tomato sandwiches for lunch.  Spring is my favorite time of year, but tomato season is a close second. Next year I want to experiment with getting some tomatoes into the garden really early.  September is the latest I've ever had my first tomato harvest.

This is what I went to the Beartooth Wilderness area for - a beautiful blue morning by a sub-alpine lake.  We were camped within walking distance of this lake.  I sneaked out of the tent, just after the sun came over the horizon. Long shadows walked with me through the dew studded Lupine meadow. Four varieties of Lupine caught my eye.  I didn't know there would be so many colors in one meadow. Everything from purple to pink to white.  And then I found this one, blue, with a completely different shape. Just God and I walking through the fields together, warming in the sunlight, by lovely Long Lake. Enjoyable moments passing by so quickly.  I talk with God about everything on my heart.  I search with eyes and ears to learn everything I can while the distractions of a mother's life aren't pressing in, while I'm in the most beautiful place I've ever been. He fills my heart and mind with peace.  I stop and sit on a rock, and read God's

Meadows of yellow of blue; yellow paintbrush and bluebells; bracted lousewort and forget-me-nots, like a springtime fresh quilt.  This treat-for-the-eyes was found on the gravel road to the fire lookout just off the Beartooth Hwy.  Unfortunately the fire lookout was closed this year.