connecting with the corals

Yesterday morning, I woke up feeling so connected to the universe, to nature and beyond, that tears came. As I lay sobbing next to Andre, I tried to explain my experience, but I had trouble processing it and experiencing it at the same time, so I just gave up on the words.

We spent the scorching hot day driving across Oregon, seeking out high elevation hillsides. The view of Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, and Mt. Hood, was spectacular, and the snow covered peaks gave me hope for morels.  Just because there’s snow doesn’t mean it’s the right season, but hope is exciting so long as you’re not holding expectations that will lead to disappointment.  

Instead, all we found were some coral mushrooms, one large pink and one small yellow.  After keying out the pink one, which was difficult to do without a spore print, we decided not to eat it as it makes some folks cathartic.  The yellow coral, sautéed on the campfire in red wine and butter was spectacular, and followed a delicious whole wheat pasta drenched in pesto and served with a big bowl of steamed greens… all foraged or gifted.  Sitting by the fire, sipping red wine and nibbling dark chocolate, we pointed out constellations, watched satellites move across the sky, and enjoyed the plantain flowers dancing in the evening breeze under the dim light of the moon.  For a change, we slept out under the stars.  What luxury time is when it means nothing.