Tote-n-Float Pacific Northwest Adventures

"Some of my best friends are widows," said Catherine. "Perhaps that's because I've become one myself." (Wagon Roads, 75; 2009)

"Fixed laws create art under otherwise chaotic conditions." (Fractals, "Total chaos is temporary, never permanent"; 77; 2009)

"Nature has its own version of July 4th," Catherine explained. "It is a beautiful message that keeps repeating itself from March through July." (Covered Wagons, Vol 3, 87; 1860)

"Extreme beauty is the fruit of violent transformation," whispered the Voice. (Wind & Water, 55; 2009)

"Allow me to introduce my new friends from the Grass Widow family (from the left): Wisdom, Love, Justice, Gentleness, Truth, Happiness and Mercy." (Meadows of Wonder, 64; 2009)

"They are beautiful," explained Mossier, "but I'd be lying if I implied this place wasn't dangerous." (Unfamiliar Poisons, 45; 2008)

"You can learn a lot from these Grass Widows," said the Mentor, as he turned to take his seat beside them in the meadow. (Students and Teachers, 77; 2008)

"Desert sage! Gnarly and dry!" Tom the Tourist complained. "Not so fast!" cautioned the Ranger. "You will not know the true beauty of the sage until it begins to flower and bear fruit." (True Worth, 88; 2003)

"Temperature: We know it exists, even though we can't 'see' it. Really important things are like this." (Essence, 97; 2009)

"It's amazing how much two people can learn about each other when neither of them is hiding from the light." (Transparent Relationships, 48; 2009)

"Seeing an extraordinarily beautiful new wildflower for the first time reminds me of falling in love," explained Iron-Man. "When my eyes first met the Blue Flax, I became as giddy as a teenage boy." (Real Metal, 88; 1844)

"Adventure makes the soul young, teaching the heart about courage, beauty and being." (Philosophy of the Muddy Fork, IIX, 325; 1902)

"Paradise Park, that's what they call this place," said Trekker. "I've learned an important lesson today about the meaning of words!" (Paradise on Mt Hood, 67; 2008)

"The circling vine is not about aesthetics," explained the Professor. "This plant is a 'climber,' perfectly designed for conquering treacherous terrain."  (Survival, 46, 2004)

"There!" the Painter declared, holding His paintbrush to one side. "I'd say this scene is finished!" (Watercolors, 88; 2002)

"Well... I finally found Tom, Dick and Harry, the three mountaineers after whom the three peaks are named. They were not interested in talking, but just stood there mesmerized by Mt Hood. I joined them for a while, then continued hiking." (Mountaineers, 74; 1766)

"I remember the first time I saw a bitterroot," said Trekker. "My heart started beating like an Indian War drum, and I stumbled all over myself with excitement." He paused for moment and his voice softened. "Things of great value affect me this way." (Price Tags, 57, 1971)

"Hey Terry, we've got to get going! What's taking you so long?" -- the voice faded away in my ears, as I stepped into the meadows." (Priorities, 78; 2008)

"Plant your feet in mountain springs," called the Sun-Catcher, "and spend your days gathering light."  (Meadow Mentors, 67, 1794 - unpublished)

"Each Grass Widow is unique," explained Catherine. "You will discover this for yourself once you believe it." (The Value of Others, 78; 2009)

"Wildflowers, blue skies and sunshine are a remedy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.)."  (Healthy Times Newsletter, Vol 5, Nov, 12)

"There is an unusual story behind this flower. One year ago, while I was talking to God, I had a vision of a flower; blue petals, a golden-yellow center and six thin white stamins shooting straight out from the center. I thought it must be an imaginary flower. However, last week at 9,000 ft elev. on Mt Adams, I found it growing on the talus slopes! It's called Jacob's Ladder. So... what does the Vision mean? This is something I'm in the process of finding out. It is a wonderful experience."  (God-Talk, Vol 1500, 980; 1344)

"Like-Lilly, like-Man. There seems to be a necessary pattern staring me in the face." (Destiny, III, 97; Introduction, ix)

"Timing is everything," insisted the Watchmaker. "You've gotta be there when the bud blooms, or you're going to miss the glory." (This Bud's For You, 26; 1999)

"Flowers only bloom if they make it through winter," the gardener said, all the while gazing at the photo in her hand, and then added, "Winters are necessary." (Inevitable Storms, 77; 1644)

"I am unusually happy today..." (Journal, February 23st - 2008)

"Beauty is perishing from the earth," cried Tree-Hugger. (Warning Signs, Vol 4, 34; 2009, To be released in March)

"Each Grass Widow is unique," explained Catherine. "You will discover this for yourself once you believe it." (The Value of Others, 78; 2009)

"You're a little early," Catherine said to Golden Star, "as a great smile appeared across her face." (Spring Smiles, 79; 2009)

"I cannot change the whole meadow," explained the Widow, "but I certainly can improve things right here." (Personal Responsibilities, 89; 2009)

"Focus on the pollen," Catherine told the bees. "Florence is expecting you." (Predestined, 37; 2009)

"In some ways I'm like this Naked Broom Rape," explained Weldon. "All my success comes from contributions others have made in my life." (Humility, 95; 2009)

"Perfect! That's what I'm after. Not too congested and the color scheme is really nice. I'm definitely going to make a bunch more, and then scatter them in the forest." (Full of Wonder, "Names for God," 96; 2009)

"Don't rush," Rosario said to Widora. "Beautiful blooms depend on perfect timing." (Friends, 76; 2009)

"Hey! Why are you so happy?" I asked the dancing Asters, as my own feet suddenly began moving with the music of the wind! (Mountain Music, 88; 2007)

"Always there will be brilliance of form and function in such discreet and flagrant abundance that the universe must be nothing but a bottomless grab bag of ingenuity." (Animal Dialogues, Craig Childs)

"The shower has passed, Benevolence. You can can out now, it's going to be a beautiful day in the Meadow." (Rain Drops, 75; 2009)