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Seasons in the mountains reach the extremes.
In winter, snow falls in bucket fulls, leaving the world draped in a thick white blanket. For good or ill, everything is covered by a new, clean layer. Dead looking trees with barren branches sleep, saving their energy for the growth that will come in spring. The freezing temperatures create a dramatic, monochromatic world, where the dark stone of the mountain contrasts the bright whiteness of the snow and ice. Silence reigns.
Winter’s beauty is full of harsh angles, sharp contrasts and dramatic vistas.
Summer, on the other hand, is soft and lush. New growth peeks through the layer of melting snow and ice, full of hope and promise. Colors explode – greens of every hue in the meadows, delicate pinks and purples of the wildflowers. Plants grow wild and uncontrollable. Warm air teems with the sounds of zooming hummingbirds, rustling leaves, cackling squirrels, bubbling water and the neverending conversations birds flitting from branch to branch.
Summer’s beauty is bright and cheerful, comfortable and unassuming.
These photos of the Stewart Falls River Valley were taken by Mountain Dad last year. The contrast between them reminds me that no matter what the season in life, change will come. Just like the mountain, I have extremes too. The Snow Queen side of me is harsh and demanding, daring others to defy me. As the Snow Queen I am strong and get things done. The Summer Goddess side of me is light and happy, beckoning all to dance away their cares. As the Summer Goddess I appreciate life and the joys of what it brings. And just like the seasons in the mountains, both the Snow Queen and Summer Goddess could not exist without the other. The Snow Queen provides structure to life, helps me make goals, and motivates me to succeed. Without that structure and forward progression, the Summer Goddess would have no purpose and could not fully enjoy the depths of happiness life has to offer.
Just as the change, I do too. I guess that’s what makes me a Mountain Mom.
