Sometimes, you come across something that strikes a chord with you or tugs at the heartstrings for no other reason than it is there. It is almost as if the item was specifically placed for you to find. My hikes about the Bayou often present me with such treasures...treasures that most would pass over without a second thought but for some reason stand out as special to me. This morning's "treasure" was nothing more than a leaf but, for some odd reason, it "spoke" to me. (Not actually but you get the idea.)
Son and I were out getting more firewood early this morning. He was running the chainsaw and I had hauling duty. Even though toting the wood up the hill, around the side of the greenhouse and to the wood bin is tiring, I would much rather do this than the other part. I am getting too old to be wielding the chainsaw! It was on one of those walks with an armload of wood that I nigh on stepped onto the leaf. Although it was noticed, the leaf did not stand out as anything miraculous until about the fourth trip past it. Suddenly, I saw the leaf in a whole new light...literally. The sun cast a single beam of light through the leaves of the old oak tree and brightened the leaf. By the time I retrieved the camera from the house, the sun had moved on its merry way but the new found interest in the leaf remained. It was gorgeous...a perfect red heart! The leaf was photographed and toted back into the Little Bayou House. I knew exactly what I was to do with the leaf!
For years now, I have often given a "heart" to my sweet niece when she comes to visit. It may be a heart-shaped stone, a leaf or flower petal but never anything bought. Sweet Eva was coming today so I feel the leaf was placed especially for me to present to her. Yes, it seems silly but let me explain. This young lady has held a piece of my heart ever since she was a child. She would often come stay when she was nothing more than toddler. Now that she is grown, visits to the Bayou are special to me. She is the type who would rather have a simple, from-the-heart gift than the most expensive present that money can buy and fully appreciates even the tiniest of gestures. I knew when I saw the heart-shaped leaf that it was meant for Eva. Not that a leaf, itself, was worth anything but, still, it was priceless. The hearts that have been given to this sweet girl show that, even though the items themselves may fall the wayside (leaves whither, you know), the love this old aunt has will hold strong through whatever may come.
Gracious as she is, Eva accepted my tiny offering with a profuse amount of gratitude. She understands. She knows that even though the leaf was simply plucked from the ground, that it represented the fullness of my love. Oddly to say, she and I are kindred spirits. We both understand.
Ms. Ez and I headed down to the pier late this afternoon to check on Mark's little skiff. Last night's clouds dumped a good bit of rain down upon the Bayou and I wanted to make sure the automatic pump was being automatic. It was and all was well. Since I wanted to play ball with the old dog, our visit to the pier was short but sweet. We headed back up to find her old softball. Just as I stepped off the pier, I noticed a bright splash of orange to my right. Well, this called for an investigation. Anything bright and pretty during these gray days of fog and rain is a welcome sight.
Right in the edge of the marsh, the heart-shaped leaves of a smilax vine stood out in sharp contrast to the tangled mess of reeds and other brush. I had to smile when I realized that I was actually admiring something that normally would bring a grimace and a few choice words. If this plant had been growing in my garden instead of the marsh, I would have had the shovel out in a second! Those big, knotty roots take over any space given a half of chance. Digging them out is the only recourse when it comes to clearing the garden. If you leave one tiny, tidbit of a root, within a year, there will be a problem. These vines love to take ahold to a plot of ground and never give an inch.
Here, however, I do not mind. In the marsh, the smilax's large, mass of potato-like roots help to hold the soil in place during tidal surges associated with the frequent tropical storms or hurricanes that plague the Bayou. I have heard tell (but have never tried) that these very same roots can be harvested, dried and ground into a flour. This can be added to other flours to be used in baking. Supposedly, the roots are high in starch and can also be used as a thickening agent much like cornstarch is used. Someday, I will be brave enough to eat the "bane of my garden". Then perhaps, I shall find it delightful and wish that I have been cultivating them all along. Until then, however, I shall just be thankful that this plant with its lovely leaves resides in my marsh edge!
