Right now the side of his face rests against my belly, skin to skin, his warmth magnified by mine. It is a wonder, an absolute awe-filled thing, that just days ago he was on the other side of me, tucked away and unseeable, a secret. Elliot. Elliot with the head full of hair. Elliot with the fifty-eight eyelashes. Elliot with the rounded nose that dips into rounded cheeks that slope to the tiny chin that quivers when he cries, lifts when he smiles in his sleep. A landscape. Elliot. Tiny boy so like and unlike all the other boys who have been born before. So like and unlike whatever small person I imagined my own son to be. Perfection is a rare if not impossible thing, but how could he not be, right now, so young, so soft, exactly as he is here, breathing in and out, making the sounds that all mothers and fathers know as first-speak. Secrets. He is revealing them to me, unspooling them by the minute, by the number of his sighs, and they tangle around my legs and body until I am war
We went out west to southern Washington and northwestern Oregon recently to visit the first child that has made us Aunt and Uncle. A lovely trip. Inspired lots of writing that I can't quite find the time (or energy) to finish. But these. Thank God for photographs that don't require words. Except I can't quite keep quiet about the fact that, yes, this pregnant lady hiked through the drip, stepped back and forth over switch backs, and stopped (repeatedly) to suck down great gulps of delicious mossy thick green-coated air until I reached the top of Multnomah Falls, sweating, heart pounding, baby dancing inside of me, thankful once again for high places and tall trees and rushing water and the flat-out wonder I feel when I walk upon the world. 
I visited here in spring of 2011. I also climbed the falls but I wasn't pregnant. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI definitely had a few moments along the hike where I thought I might need to stop, but I have a bit of the stubborn inside me: when I'm close to something beautiful, it would be more painful NOT to see it than anything else. So, power on!
DeleteEmily:
ReplyDeleteNice shots from Oregon. I especially like the Maidenhair Fern (or is it an Ebony Spleenwort?) Speaking of wonder, wait until you "walk upon the world" with your new baby at about 15 months old... wonderous !
Hope all is going well for you.
Blessings,
Richard
All is well, Richard, and yes, so excited to show this child the world. Or perhaps let him or her help me see the world again, as if for the first time.
DeleteWhat a wonderful trip, and beautifully evocative photos. As a matter of fact, you captured the water so well you've made me thirsty. I was traveling last week myself and discovered the best water in parts of Oklahoma and Kansas - sometimes those of us who live far from truly fresh water forget what a blessing it is - or how good it tastes!
ReplyDeleteHa! Actually these photos make me thirsty, too... but I also might be remembering how much I NEEDED water on that hike. Don't you just love H2O?
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ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful autumn.
Sea of clouds, waterfalls, autumn leaves.
Everything is the same as in Japan.
It is my favorite season.
Thank you. ARIGATOU.
Ryoma Sakamoto.
Hi Ryoma,
DeleteIt's my favorite season, too. It's wonderful to know these photos remind you of Japan. Just another reason for me to make my way over to your lovely country at some point in the not too distant future.
Amazing photos! They do speak volumes. The landscape is so dramatic and different from anything over this way. I'm also impressed by the beauty of the necessary man-made features such as railings and bridge. They've done a tasteful job of it without detracting from nature's beauty.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it nice when such things--bridges and roads--are built with thoughtful intention? I know a landscape architect who focuses his work on that very thing, and I admire him for it. And yes, it's always nice to get out into a different landscape and let the senses run and climb.
DeleteI remember hiking up Blue Mountain in the adirondacks when I was pregnant with my first. That hike really has a firm hold in my memory. Hopefully you will remember this hike years from now.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, too. I shared it with both my husband and my brother-in-law, and I did appreciate how patient they were with me. The hikes that I'm sure will be with me forever, though, were when I was earlyearly pregnant, going upup the Alpine slopes of Grindelwald, Switzerland. Doing what I can to make sure this babe enjoys the outdoors!
DeleteRight back at you: mmm.
ReplyDeleteReminded me of Vermont in many ways. Do you remember what that trail/overlook was called that led to a lovely view of Montpelier? I made that trek a few times every summer during residencies.
DeleteI'm struck with the wonderful start in life that you are giving your baby! Already he's climbed a trail to get to the top of waterfalls. Wow! And that this baby will get to see the world through your eyes as she or he grows up is simply wonderful. What a blessing. With good wishes!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bill. I have to say a few of the things I am most looking forward to about being a mother are 1) reading to my kiddos and 2) exploring the world with them. Some of my favorite moments of childhood, from this time of year in particular, were making leaf forts and jumping into leaf piles. Looking forward to experiencing all of that again!
DeleteAh, to relive parenting again, and second time around I'd certainly improve (although my two boys turned out to be fabulous people), maybe someday grandchildren!
DeleteMy bet? You would/will make an incredible grandfather!
DeleteI'll have to add this to my places-to-visit list! Your vision of this place is stunning. When I visit your blog, I am continually struck by how you photograph the details of places you visit. That spider's web is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI was a little TOO excited when I saw the spider and web; I might have startled the little guy. Details like those are my favorites, too. I hope you get to the falls! It really is a beautiful place.
DeleteBeautiful, as always. But you would never get me onto that bridge, even if it meant a photo op.
ReplyDeleteHa! It's not as scary as it looks. The big waterfall behind it is a good ways away, and the moisture that comes across the bridge has nothing in common with Valley Fair's "Wave" ride, I promise. :)
DeleteYour photographs are inspiring. Happy you and your little one enjoyed this trek. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSo many people and places inspire me, so I'm happy to pass along a similar experience. Happy weekend!
DeleteSuch pretty photographs! I scrolled through other of your posts and really liked those as well. Fall looks so incredibly gorgeous where you live (and where you traveled). And that bridge in these posts? That's that one you always see in commercials and such. :) It's so mesmerizing and beautiful there.
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn, I'm so glad you liked what you found here! Fall is beautiful in Minnesota, it's true. My favorite time of year. Are you from the north east? So mossy and moody and full of wonder. :)
DeleteYou were right in my backyard! Where else did you go while in Oregon? I am sincerely impressed with you for making that climb pregnant. I've seen people puke on that trail... and they weren't with child!!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad I did not puke! :) I loved Oregon. We drove along the Gorge, explored a bit of Portland, cruised through Tilamook State Forest, went out to the coast, and had a delicious dinner at Porway's Tavern in Astoria. It was my first time in the state, and since we have family that has purchased a home in southern Washington, we'll definitely be back. I'll have to ask you for must-see suggestions next time!
DeleteSounds like you guys hit all the right spots for a first trip! Yes, definitely let me know when you make it back out here. Would love to share a couple of gems with you, maybe in the Mt. Hood area if you're interested. Very cool that you have family out here! :)
Deletethe idea of your baby dancing inside you as you were at the top makes me smile so big :) and your photos are beautiful too.
ReplyDelete:) Thanks, Rhianne.
Deletei love this place. i visited the falls around the same time of year and the trees are just so wet and beautiful. also, just love your writing in this post.
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful to explore a new part of the country. Moisture is lovely, isn't it? Little mirror beads of wet coating every surface? Out of a kid's book, for me. Thanks for reading, Kelton!
DeleteWow gorgeous! I've never been to Washington or Oregon but always wanted to go. Thanks for stopping by my blog and I'm following you now. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the shot of the spider on its web.
xo,
Mary
Beautiful photographs! The first one is absolutely stunning and the dew drops on the spider web are magical.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary and Stephanie. The spider-web seems to be the common favorite. Maybe because it's easier to miss than, say, a large waterfall? :) And therefore more precious? In any case, I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Hope you both are enjoying your weekends!
Deletegorgeous! i've been emailing my brother who lives in the northwest trying to plan a trip up there in the spring...can't wait!
ReplyDeleteOh, so lovely in spring, I'm sure! I'm imagining all those spring beauties dotting the trail up. I would love to see this place through your camera, Ann Marie.
Deletei've always wanted to see that bridge!
ReplyDeletegorgeous fall photos.
xo the egg out west.
Something lovely to behold... especially when it's raining. :)
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