This week I've been a little short on optimism. It doesn't really matter why but I have been trying to find ways to change that. So tonight I started flipping through pics I took in Indian Creek two weeks ago. I have a new camera and I'm still trying to learn how to use it. Some of the pictures did not turn out as well as I had hoped but some of them brought me back to a simple hour of happiness/discovery that was all mine that weekend.
It was cold the night before and I only got a few hours of sleep. The night seemed to stretch on and on. Thankfully I had my cell phone charged so that I could check the time and at least mark that time had not stopped, and we were making slow progress towards morning light. When I could finally recognize the orange walls of the tent signaling the dawn I jumped out of my bag in order to hike some warmth back into my body and make use of what real photographers call "the golden hour." I watched the last morning star being swallowed by the sunlight. Then, a river of Cottonwood trees, gold & green, caught my eye in the distance. They were a good 20 minute walk away but I just had to go wander among them. I was pleasantly surprised to discover how massive they were. It is amazing to me that trees like that can grow in any desert setting. I mean really! It is a miracle.
When I finally reached the creek bed I found my way down a flash-flood-demolished bank and marvelled at the familiar shape of their branches. Trying to memorize the color which was not fully illuminating on film because the sunlight had not yet spilled over the adjacent red slab cliffs.
I took a moment to write myself a note: "Cottonwood trees are my favorite element in the desert. They are a sign that there is water & that something big & strong & beautiful can grow here. I thought about a couple of scriptures I rather like:
"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." Isaiah 35:1
"and in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living water; and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land." D&C 133:29
Those are good reminders that things are not always as drab as they might seem.
Every long, cold, night is overtaken by the sun, Every desert has a secret oasis, and even an average girl with an average life can hope to grow into something strong and beautiful like a tall desert cottonwood. How's that for optimism?
