Marion Patterson

For several days Faulkes Woods has called me.  Over the past few days I have seen eagles in unlikely places and at unlikely times – very early morning before sunrise.  Right over Coe College and along Mcleod Run by 42nd St. Today is more mild than other days and a storm is predicted to come in this weekend.  Finally, I “gave it up” and pulled on heavy clothes and boots, grabbed my camera and trek pole and struck out.

The obstacles are NOT insurmountable.

The metaphor was readily apparent.  The first hillside was crisscrossed with fallen trees – many not there just a month ago.  So, I wound my way around, over and past the logs and branches to the top of the ridge.  “The obstacles are NOT insurmountable,” was the clear message in my mind.   The ground was hard underfoot and not that fun to navigate.  I had to keep my eyes to the ground a lot, but looked up and saw ahead of me the deer run.

Go around is best.

Soon, another metaphor of awareness as I approached a “widow maker,” a fallen tree lodged in other trees.  While the possibility of the tree falling at the very moment I chose to walk under it are remote, to go around is more reasonable.  So, what did I do?  Took a chance as the words, “It’s best to go around,” formed across my mind’s eye. And, “You know better, Mrs. Patterson.  You are experienced in the woods – and life.” The rest of the way down to the Creek I circled the widow makers and on the way back, I gave that particular one wide berth.

The full force of the northwest wind hit me as I crested the ridge above the Creek.  The noise of the wind and the By-pass were deafening.  Slipping down to the middle of the ridge I made my way laterally upstream.  I found first one, then more, winter ravaged turkey feathers – the primary and secondary flying feathers that must take quite a beating all year long.  That is why the turkeys shed them and keep making new ones.  Then, I looked up just as an eagle soared past, circled back, wove an intricate pattern in the wind and waited until I offered thanks and let it know, “I am a safe person.”  Remembering a conversation with WTD about not just looking at the small and of eagles – And, how I had been focused on the ground gathering the feathers; Of being high, looking ahead, getting a large view.    “Remember to look high.”  “You may not have the details exact but you have the basic intuitive gist.”

The new nest high in the tree rocking in the wind.

On to the Eagle nest which is in a slender tree that rocked in the wind.  I’m not sure the choice is better than the old dead elm.  And, the sticks are every which way!  Goodness, what a mess!  And, another tree down.  This winter has been hard on the trees and by extension the animals that use them.

Returning I thought about how we take basically the same route down and back.  But, then realized that we have explored other routes to and from.  Essentially, with a few exceptions, they are less compelling.  To the west we enter the ravine and contend with the Japanese Barberry.  A scourge if ever there were one.  To the east is rough terrain, but in spring delight beckons as the woodland shooting stars bloom.  And, the den hole – what ever creature lives there is elusive and intriguing. Like life, we have pursued different paths, and realized that some are more productive than others. Another metaphor.  And, recalling Terri W’s words, “Don’t get distracted,”  I guess it is OK to follow basically a familiar path as long as I don’t out of hand dismiss other options when they present themselves.  Rich had an option presented to him Friday and I asked him to just allow it to “be there.”  And, I shared the metaphors of my walk in Faulkes Woods. But, for now, he is discouraged about the difficulty getting the changes at the Center to move forward and manifest.  I would like to be “Reiki Masterish” about this, but at times I am absolutely not.  Perhaps as Lauren Artress of Veriditas has written, whatever happens in the labyrinth is OK.  Perhaps, too with being a Reiki Master.   All does not have to be nor will be “love and light” although we do sincerely try to project that into the world to overcome the darkness and negativity.  All we can do is extend and the other(s) can choose to accept or not as meets the highest good – and their ability to recognize and accept that. (Getting way too philosophical here.  It was “only a walk in the woods.”)

The feathers fascinated me and I studied some closely when I returned to the house.  Split shafts. Dirt embedded in the rachis (groove) of

Winter Feather

the quill. Tips worn.  In the middle bent barbs, rendering the feather less effective for flight.  All together, though, perhaps the turkey needed to shed the feather, but the woodland creatures find it useful for bedding and calcium and however else they use it.

Wax On and Wax Off.  Faulkes Woods Called and reminded me – I am on the right path.

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