I was once hiking around this mountain - I think it was the skyline loop trail - with one of my aging aunts. She had plenty of stamina to hike the trail but due to Parkinson's she lacked coordination to navigate over rocks, roots, and streams. She tripped and toppled over about four times. People were SO unbelievably kind - men and women both jumping in to help her get up and making sure she was okay. It wasn't just a few people, it was at least 20 people who showed great concern and willingness to help out. And people weren't helping out of obligation, or duty. With enthusiasm, they wanted to help.
I was moved by the amount of kindness that is in the depths of people. Maybe Tahoma brings out the best in us. She turns people into the best and kindest versions of themselves.
What a beautiful story Alissa. Seeing kindness in action is always profound, especially when it is unexpected and so bountiful too. And you may very well be right that Tahoma brings out the best in us, I adore that idea.
Lake George in the Adirondack mountains of upstate New York is mine. The Iroquois named the lake Andia-to-roc-té, “The place where the mountains close in.” It has a vast history. It is where the French and Indian war took place and the site of Last of the Mohicans. Give it a Google sometime it is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.
Steph, I love hearing the depth of your relationship with our closest mountain. Mundanely, I think of folks asking each other if the mountain is out today, as though she’s not there everyday. From that amazing view, my daily walk took me by a tree that was honestly so badly pruned but gorgeous in its mossy burled body. I’ll send you a pic
Good morning Alea, and I'm so glad we found each other and can bond over The Mother of All Waters' stunning beauty. Hasn't she been especially beautiful on these recent summer days?!
Thank you for telling me about the mural reveal, I will get myself there to enjoy. Had no idea!
Yes! Always stunning, but especially on days with high visibility - we are reminded of her prominence as she looks closer and fuller, and we can see the details of her face 😌
Here’s a link to the art installation, but I guess it was taken down ?
My mouth is agape Alea!!!! This is beyond incredible. Thank you for sharing, I'm sorry I missed this installation in person but this link allows me to catch a clear glimpse. Wow.
May The Mother of All Waters shine down on you today with all her glory. She connects us all, doesn't she?
She absolutely does, in so many ways. From the shade she provides in her towering size, to the water that nourishes the lands below, to the volcanic ash and rocks that gives life room to grow, and her beauty is seen by all 🥰
This is very beautiful, Stephanie - both the words and the photographs.
Some years ago, Meg and I drove to Seattle from the East, on our way South from Canada, via Northern Idaho then onward via Spokane to the coast. The weather was good, and we watched Tahoma grow on the horizon as we drove Westward.
It was a mesmerising sight.
As was the sight of her gorgeous form rising above the city, the next day.
I love all mountains - volcanos included - so the memory has never left me. Your lovely Post made me feel as if I was back there.
Oh my goodness. THIS. I think I am in love with her too. ❤️
Lovely. And I'm so glad you mentioned reciprocity as the foundation of the relationship. Yes!
I was once hiking around this mountain - I think it was the skyline loop trail - with one of my aging aunts. She had plenty of stamina to hike the trail but due to Parkinson's she lacked coordination to navigate over rocks, roots, and streams. She tripped and toppled over about four times. People were SO unbelievably kind - men and women both jumping in to help her get up and making sure she was okay. It wasn't just a few people, it was at least 20 people who showed great concern and willingness to help out. And people weren't helping out of obligation, or duty. With enthusiasm, they wanted to help.
I was moved by the amount of kindness that is in the depths of people. Maybe Tahoma brings out the best in us. She turns people into the best and kindest versions of themselves.
What a beautiful story Alissa. Seeing kindness in action is always profound, especially when it is unexpected and so bountiful too. And you may very well be right that Tahoma brings out the best in us, I adore that idea.
Will never look at the Mountain the same way again!
Thank you for giving her and all of nature a voice. I am forever touched by your writing. 🙏❤️
https://open.substack.com/pub/johnshanewayofthepoet/p/to-those-who-poison-the-water?r=4max28&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
What a stunning prescient powerful poem, thank you for sharing. Required reading for these times.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Stephanie…!! Much appreciated….
Lake George in the Adirondack mountains of upstate New York is mine. The Iroquois named the lake Andia-to-roc-té, “The place where the mountains close in.” It has a vast history. It is where the French and Indian war took place and the site of Last of the Mohicans. Give it a Google sometime it is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/Lake_George_fog.jpg/1920px-Lake_George_fog.jpg
Breathtaking Katy!!! My goodness, I will read more. Thank you for revering this place and all she has to teach us.
Our Tahoma here,
dear neighbor Mount Wilikos,
Valley of the Moon.
Steph, I love hearing the depth of your relationship with our closest mountain. Mundanely, I think of folks asking each other if the mountain is out today, as though she’s not there everyday. From that amazing view, my daily walk took me by a tree that was honestly so badly pruned but gorgeous in its mossy burled body. I’ll send you a pic
I loved this so much! Ah! This is exactly how I feel. I could never ever be tired of her beauty. I have hundreds of photos of her.
They recently did a mural reveal at the Tacoma port, for The Mother of All Waters, and it’s gorgeous. 🏔️
Good morning Alea, and I'm so glad we found each other and can bond over The Mother of All Waters' stunning beauty. Hasn't she been especially beautiful on these recent summer days?!
Thank you for telling me about the mural reveal, I will get myself there to enjoy. Had no idea!
Love your name by the way: "Heal House." <3
Yes! Always stunning, but especially on days with high visibility - we are reminded of her prominence as she looks closer and fuller, and we can see the details of her face 😌
Here’s a link to the art installation, but I guess it was taken down ?
https://riverreishi.com/mother-of-waters#:~:text=river%20reishi%20%2D%20Installation:%20Mother%20of%20Waters
My mouth is agape Alea!!!! This is beyond incredible. Thank you for sharing, I'm sorry I missed this installation in person but this link allows me to catch a clear glimpse. Wow.
May The Mother of All Waters shine down on you today with all her glory. She connects us all, doesn't she?
She absolutely does, in so many ways. From the shade she provides in her towering size, to the water that nourishes the lands below, to the volcanic ash and rocks that gives life room to grow, and her beauty is seen by all 🥰
This is very beautiful, Stephanie - both the words and the photographs.
Some years ago, Meg and I drove to Seattle from the East, on our way South from Canada, via Northern Idaho then onward via Spokane to the coast. The weather was good, and we watched Tahoma grow on the horizon as we drove Westward.
It was a mesmerising sight.
As was the sight of her gorgeous form rising above the city, the next day.
I love all mountains - volcanos included - so the memory has never left me. Your lovely Post made me feel as if I was back there.
Best Wishes - Dave :)
Thank you for sharing this beautiful relationship with Tahoma and introducing her through a more genuine name 💚
We shared resonance and relationship with the Salt River here: https://interform.substack.com/p/river-cleansing
Just her name is beautiful. Thank you! A stunning read, honored to meet her and you.
Beautiful…thank you 🤍
I love the concept of our reciprocity with the natural world Stephanie, mutual suffering and mutual care ❤️🌳
Really enjoyed this post, Steph! Loved reading about how you gaze upon THE mountain. What a beaut. Mount Tahoma all the way.