Tucannon River Valley, WA

Two definitions of “seasoned” come to mind: one, to flavor with spices; the other, to gain wisdom through experience. Here’s another possibility. What if seasoned means having experienced the seasons? I have passed this spot through the year — seen the soft new growth of spring, the verdant summer, the full palette of fall color, and stood with my camera against the cold to capture winter’s well-defined monochromes. We transition smoothly through the cycle, but at the peak of each, how startling the differences! From the seasons, we learn to be adaptable. We learn to celebrate diversity and welcome change. We learn to let go and embrace what comes next. Lessons not found in books, but supremely important to a life well-lived.