I was fortunate enough to spend several months in the northwest corner of the U.S. for my dissertation field work in 2013. I traveled throughout Washington, Oregon, and California, with much of that time spent in coastal areas. As often as possible, I was outdoors, and the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park was one of my favorite spots. The Hoh is one of the greenest places on earth. The unique climate and nearly constant precipitation allows a rich green oasis with coniferous and deciduous trees, as well as many varieties of mosses and ferns. You literally feel transformed into some mythical fairyland when you enter. 

During one of my visits to the Hoh, I was quietly walking among the lush green ground cover when a pop of color caught my attention. It was a brilliantly hued feather, resting quietly on the tip of a large green leaf. The contrast of the rich blue, black, and white feather of the stellar’s jay against the deep forest green almost caused the feather to glow. It was stunning and it stopped me in my tracks. I stared for a few minutes, just soaking in the richness. The Hoh is a landscape full of color, but that extra dab of blue really added some spice! 

We all have those people in our lives that add just a little extra color. These folks have the uncanny ability to lighten the mood, find the bright side, and be silly and playful. They add red, blue, and yellow to an otherwise dull and grey canvass. I cherish the pops of color in my own life (in human and non-human form) and am trying to find ways to embrace more color too. I’m not talking about adding a new palate to my wardrobe (although I should probably do that as well) but adding more color to my LIFE. I am working to find more moments among the mundane in which I laugh more, smile more, and love more – stopping among the sea of green to gaze on that small yet powerful radiant blue feather.