I can just picture those trees in Laurelhurst Park. Magnolias are finally in bloom here so spring has sprung (despite some backsliding weather). Wonderful synchronicities.
My husband experiences a lot of synchronicity too, even as a little guy, and I agree with you, it’s not because it happens more for him. I think it’s simply bc he’s keenly attuned to his surroundings, always tracking and presence-ing, something you do with such grace and enthusiasm!
There are many things I like about Portland, and very close to the top of my list are Portland crows. Every day, around 4 or 5 p.m., they all fly to a particular place and hold a huge and LOUD convention. If you happen to be around South Waterfront at that time, you will see them flying so deliberately in the same direction. Sometimes their convention is closer to downtown, sometimes on Ross Island, sometimes closer to where we live, near Willamette Park. And sometimes, instead of convening, they take a bath in the Willamette River, which is very fun to watch. I really think they deserve a poem ;-)
Our winter has been so warm and cozy, it's hard to get excited by the coming of spring. Garden work starts seriously tomorrow as the puncture weed is getting thicker each day. And one lone daffodil has gleamed in the sunlight all week while its partners in the bed are still sleeping.
Much you write here resonates in my mind. William Kent Kruger is the youngest brother of David. A long time close friend of my sister since high school. I love William’s story’s. Thank you Fran. Have a great spring.
I can just picture those trees in Laurelhurst Park. Magnolias are finally in bloom here so spring has sprung (despite some backsliding weather). Wonderful synchronicities.
My husband experiences a lot of synchronicity too, even as a little guy, and I agree with you, it’s not because it happens more for him. I think it’s simply bc he’s keenly attuned to his surroundings, always tracking and presence-ing, something you do with such grace and enthusiasm!
I loved this one, Fran! The ecstasy of being... and all the synchronicities. This chanegd the fabric of my day.
There are many things I like about Portland, and very close to the top of my list are Portland crows. Every day, around 4 or 5 p.m., they all fly to a particular place and hold a huge and LOUD convention. If you happen to be around South Waterfront at that time, you will see them flying so deliberately in the same direction. Sometimes their convention is closer to downtown, sometimes on Ross Island, sometimes closer to where we live, near Willamette Park. And sometimes, instead of convening, they take a bath in the Willamette River, which is very fun to watch. I really think they deserve a poem ;-)
Yes, I’ve seen the crows congregate at the waterfront. I published a poem about them in 2023
Crow Convo
Off to the east in ragged formation
Bird after bird, black against blue
Dusk will be on us but now the light shimmers
Limning black feathers as crows flap and soar.
I know where they’re going, magical corvids—
Off to the river to settle and sit
I’ve seen them there often, the murder of twilight
Thousands of birds in a blanket of black.
Why do they muster as earth spins toward evening?
Cawing and answering, wings folded in prayer,
Whispering crow secrets—How did the day go?
Did you eat enough Cheez-Its? Is your family safe?
Then off like a ragged shawl launched over water
Twisting in rhythm, a spiral of black.
Farewell to your feathers, brave sunlit creatures!
Bring all your cousins, next time we fly here.
We are the murder, the crows of our clan,
Tested by weather, the wind, snow and rain.
Peckers of carrion and lovers of Cheez-Its
Remember our number: we will come again.
Oh, this is so beautiful! Absolutely the right spirit! That's Portland crows!
I recently finished Kimberly Warner’s Unfixed and couldn’t put it down. It was fabulous.
I love how you weave so many through lines in your essays, Fran. Always such a pleasure to read.
Our winter has been so warm and cozy, it's hard to get excited by the coming of spring. Garden work starts seriously tomorrow as the puncture weed is getting thicker each day. And one lone daffodil has gleamed in the sunlight all week while its partners in the bed are still sleeping.
Much you write here resonates in my mind. William Kent Kruger is the youngest brother of David. A long time close friend of my sister since high school. I love William’s story’s. Thank you Fran. Have a great spring.
Another synchronicity! I love stories like this.
Fran. Great read this week. And I am not a big reader. I love all the quick details that we all relate to. Photos too.
It is so welcome to hear praise for my photos, especially from a pro like you.