Hurricane "Gemstones"

  After any storm (especially hurricanes), you can expect to find any number of items in the yard and marsh.  The tidal surge washes in new stuff from across the way and old stuff that has been deep in the marsh from storms past.  When the winds are from the right direction and the surge is pounding, whatever gets caught up in the turmoil is deposited on our place.  Sometimes, even treasures can be found!  This morning, I found such a treasure that rode the winds of Hurricane Zeta.

  Down along the marsh edge, there are any number of scraggly oaks, bay trees and salt myrtles.  Most of these are low-growing and catch the brunt of both wind and surge.  At daybreak, I was meandering the shoreline on a daily hike.  As the sun rose over the pines on the opposite side of the Bayou, bright beams were being shot through the tree limbs.  Suddenly, the sun was at the right angle and I was in the right spot to reveal one of the treasures.  A bright blue gleam among the tree limbs caught my eye.  I figured it was hurricane debris but had no idea just what had hung up in the tree until I squirmed my way through the underbrush. 

  A shred of blue plastic had snagged onto a twig and held on throughout the storm.  Somehow, it did not tear any further and so remained in place.  The sunbeams passing through the plastic made it look like a bright gemstone.  There was my "treasure"!  While I realize the plastic is worthless and is an eyesore during most of the day, in the morning, it gives me a much needed smile.  For a few moments, I am not standing in the midst of debris, the stench is not overbearing and the hillside does not look in shambles.  With the blue "gemstone" hanging in the treetop and being backlit by the sunbeams, I am in a wondrous place where life is good and all things are happy.  Folks, look for the gemstones in the midst of the chaos going on in the world...even if those gemstones are only momentarily there and are tiny shreds of plastic.  Be happy.  Find the magic.