Camouflage

We live in a world that has become dominated by superlatives. From the super-size to the ultra-light to the Mega-deal everything, including how nature is presented in photos is over the top. However, nature although magnificent in every way, is most of the time hidden to the casual passer-by. Such is the case of the subtle Red Alder. It is not a tree of the grandeur of the Redwoods nor of the stoic strength of a mighty oak nor the delicate nature of the Aspen. On the contrary, it is hidden deep in the canyons buried in the thickets along mountain streams, covered in lichens and moss they blend in to the background with a camouflage so well made that even when looking right at them they seem hidden to the eye. The world is full of these hidden gems that go unnoticed but keep the world working all the same. Look around you, and you just might find such a gem in your midst. And if not, then look a little harder and when you find one, honor it for the treasure that it is.