Seeing Red
Sometimes the simplest sight evokes the greatest sense of wonderment. What is even better is the fact that these types of sights are abundant. As I sat at the bus stop waiting for my little one’s bus to arrive one of these sights set my brain buzzing. Phrases like “seeing red” and “every rose has a thorn” popped into my head. I had a particularly challenging day at work but I was not seeing red by the time I completed my drive home. I was merely deflated. But that can happen when you spend the day with a bunch of chatty ten-year-olds. The silence and solitude of waiting on the corner gave me enough time to calm my mind and give it free rein to wonder. As I gazed upon the pasture, changing with the season, I beheld a vision so serene - a sight so inspiring. There, not more than a few feet away, was a beautiful cardinal perched amongst the rose hip-covered arching canes of multiflora rose bush. I was seeing only red and I was deeply stirred.
Fall in my part of NY is not lingering. The leaves have turned and are quickly falling. The wild rose bushes are no exception. But yet the rose hips, small red fruit, cover the thorny branches. This tiny vitamin C-packed fruit is a favorite amongst some birds and the climbing canes provide shelter for the birds as well. I imagine the vibrant male cardinal was safely enjoying a snack while I was feasting my eyes. And what a feast it was! His brilliant red feathers matched the berries perfectly. The red set against a backdrop of a vividly blue sky was perfected by the rays of sunshine that seemed to shine only on this one spot. No photographer could have set a better scene. And there I was captivated and without my camera. Fortunately, I have my memory and words.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t rejoice over the sight of a cardinal. They are after all the state bird of 7 states. Their pictures adorn holiday cards and they provide a splash of color at any winter feeder. But they are also symbolic creatures. The following excerpt from Birds: Explore the Symbology and Significance of These Divine Winged Messengers by Arin Murphy-Hiscock perfectly sums up the spiritual power of the cardinal: Examine the areas of your life in which you are, or should be, a leader. Is your confidence shaky? The cardinal tells you that you can handle it, and to believe in yourself. It is important to be proud of yourself for your abilities or for the things you have achieved. The cardinal’s bright red feathers and cheerful song call attention to him wherever he goes. If you see a cardinal, it may be telling you to stand up, lift your head high, and take pride in yourself.
I cannot leave well enough alone. I didn’t just see a cardinal. I saw a cardinal sitting in a multiflora rose bush (presumably feasting on rose hips). I got to wondering about my love/hate relationship with this intoxicatingly fragrant invader of pastures. Multiflora Rose is invasive to New York and many other states. It was first introduced to the States from Asia in the 1930s for soil stabilization and living fences as well as to provide winter forage for wildlife. It is had been a bane of my existence for many years. It grows quickly and to heights of up to 10 feet. The canes are covered in thorns so removal can be a harrowing experience especially if you don’t want to use chemical herbicides. I was forced to admit defeat and allow them to share the horse pastures. But I also had a trick up my sleeve. I may not be able to win the battle but I can stand my ground. I enlisted a few recruits by the names of Ethel, Tiffany, Nugget, and Nelly, my pygmy/Nigerian dwarf goats. These adorable little browsers have turned my exasperation into appreciation.
Multiflora Rose, albeit thorny and invasive, is not the enemy. Although it does not belong it has naturalized and has become part of the landscape. I cannot dislike it any more than I dislike the Hickory tree that litters the property with its nuts. It is part of the ecology of my land and I have to accept its gifts as well as its thorns. The bushes add such amazing elements to this place. In the summer the delicate white flowers are so fragrant that I wish I could bottle the scent. During summer nights the property looks like a magical fairyland with thousands of shimmering lights (thanks to the fireflies that hover around the plants). The thickets also provide shelter for resident rabbits and woodchucks. And let’s not forget the birds! Then in the fall, the rosehips form. I love the color they add to the barren landscape. But I also appreciate how they nourish the animals as well as me. Rose hips are edible and I figured I’d make my appreciation last as long as possible by enjoying rose hip tea. FYI it’s high in vitamin C and a great detoxifier. Another added benefit is the living fence that has formed between my property and that of my cranky neighbor.
I can simply sum all this wondering up to two words - life happens. Some days I get the thorns and some days I get the sweetness. But good or bad it is all part of my life. I can choose how I experience my day. Am I going to be a solitary soldier hacking away at the thorns that scratch and tear away at me? Or am I going to enlist the help of others and get the support I need to accept the things I cannot control? I choose the latter. I am confident even when my confidence is shaken. I am proud of myself even when my pride gets hurt. But mostly I am accepting of all the parts, beneficial and prickly, that make up the life I’ve lived, the life I’m living, and the one I will live. And the best part of all is I’m doing it with not just my four cloven-hooved friends but with all the people I love and all who love me.
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