Seeing Red

January 12, 2009

Saturday morning we had brunch with friends, one of our unChurch gatherings. We came home early afternoon and I was antsy. 

The day was cold but the sun was shining. Since Damien was home and could manage the kids I took the opportunity to venture out in search of solitude and sun.

Sun on my face. Sun on my back.  Sun on my blue-toqued head (toque is what Canadians call winter hats).

But as I got closer to the path that runs along the wooded ravine my search changed. I wanted to find red.

I felt a pang of longing for my summer garden full of color and fragrance.  I wanted to feast my eyes on something warm and bright. Something other than January's palette of white, brown, grey and blue.

So I scanned the small shrubby trees for red, till I found a patch of berries. I don't know the name of these beauties (the scientist in me wishes I did, I've since learned they are Japanese Barberry) but photographing them did the job. My red tank was filled up. 

I came home cold and snowy, I hadn't dressed for trekking through knee deep snow to photograph berries. But I was content and refreshed. Satisfied.