The Popping of Medrona Leaves

I crouched below a Madrona tree to try to find the source of a popping sound. I crunched the fallen leaves of the Madrona as I squatted. Sure enough, as I watched and listened it became apparent that the drying leaves of the Madrona, now receiving the sunlight’s heat, were popping as they dried.

It was one of those connections to nature moments when it’s just you and nature – and no one else to witness the beauty that you’re seeing or hearing or smelling.

I was in the middle of a blackberry picking adventure. My intent was to pick enough to make a pie with. I began along East Bay Drive, where there is a long stretch of blackberry bushes.

But, the pickings were scarce and so I entertained myself by crouching for several moments to listen to the popping of Madrona leaves, a moment in time that was somehow, in its simplicity, a joy to experience.

And, perhaps the uniqueness of it also added to the simple joy. It was like I was overhearing something that was mine alone to witness, as if no one else has heard the popping of Madrona leaves. It wasn’t cracking – but popping – as if there were tiny kernels of popcorn inside exploding.

At first, I wished there was someone with me to hear it too. But then, as I walked away, I decided it was a moment that maybe is one of those moments where you are glad to experience all to yourself– a private moment in time – you and nature -- that will be your secret to carry. Ever have one of those?

(Plus, I never told anyone that ate the pie later that I was too tempted by the bigger blackberries across the street – the ones that were on a few private properties, that I trespassed to pick them. The biggest berries came from this one apartment complex property – and perhaps that of a house ---Are blackberries that extend onto a public sidewalk okay to pick? Or, do they officially belong to the owner of the house? It’s like when your neighbor’s plum tree extends onto your property – aren’t the plums okay to pick for yourself? )