Marty and I walk along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, a 23.5 mile trail that follows what was the shoreline of ancient Lake Bonneville and extends from Draper to Provo. There is a 2.5 mile section which runs near our home. At 5:45 am we join a few other early-morning joggers, bikers, and walkers on the trail. It's a great way to begin the day.
This particular morning I was on my own and walking at a fairly brisk pace. I had lots on my "to do" list for the day and a short time for a morning walk.
The rising sun had a different "to do" list for me. It started peeking over the mountains, lighting up Provo Canyon and sending glorious light across the morning sky.
I remembered Marty's idea to serpentine along the edge of the trail, rather than staying on the pavement so one can observe and enjoy. The sun had sent me an invitation to do so, so I did.
I slowed and began to serpentine. Crickets chirped in the long grass. I could smell fragrant honeysuckle creeping over a backyard fence. A rooster welcomed the morning. Random clusters of gray-green sage brush and tall wild wheat blew in the slight breeze and thistle burst above the other plants with its silver prickled leaves.
Further down the trail I came across golden patch of Yarrow growing tall from seeds scattered by the wind and dancing in the morning sun.
Yarrow—achillea millefolium, Achilliea being a reference to Achilles, hero of the Trojan Wars in Greek mythology, who used the plant to heal the wounds of his soldiers a weed found throughout North America—growing along roadsides and in fields. (A recall from a field botany class at BYU.)
As I noticed its beauty, a quote came to my mind:"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" said Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. I stopped to gather a handful of weeds! Flowers! Then continued on the trail home.
The world of nature stimulates our senses in many ways—through sights, sounds, textures, tastes, and scents.
Ruth Wilson, PhD "Learning is in Bloom: Cultivating Outdoor Explorations"
My imperfect "weeds are flowers too" arrangement is now on my kitchen counter and serves as a reminder to take time everyday to slow down, serpentine along the path and closely observe the wonders of nature.
At Marbles Farm our goal is to foster observation, to encourage curiosity and support a sense of wonder in the children we teach.
Marjan Oakeson, Director, Marbles Farm