I have grown scarlet runner beans ever since I can remember. I have heirloom seeds that I collect every fall to dry and store for the winter. During the last few years as the weather began to shift planting became tricky. The deer were also decimating my plants before they could produce seeds pods so eventually after sharing seeds with others, I gave up growing my own…
Last winter I had an opportunity to look at lichens, molds, and stones under a powerful microscope at the Mineral and Gem Museum (MGM) and since I had one old seed from many years past, I took it in along with some slime molds because I wanted to see the colors. To my utter shock when I opened the damp packet the seed had produced a big fat white root.
Although it was only the first of March, I brought home my treasure and planted it in a pot. Any seed that wanted to grow that much had to be given a chance to live.
Within a month I had this huge vine climbing up my window. Every day, after apologizing profusely and telling the vine how much I loved her, I wound her tendrils back on each other.
May came with a hard killing freeze and then the rains began. The flooding lasted all summer along with the worst air quality we have ever had here in Maine (nano particles are not measured, the worst air pollution of all). Our beloved Northern Forests are still on fire.
In desperation I planted my vine just outside my window to avoid deer predation, where it immediately died.
Imagine my astonishment when a tiny leaf appeared about two weeks later in the rain. It was now almost July. The scarlet runner sent out more shoots and by mid – August tiny scarlet flowers appeared. Hummingbirds flocked to the blossoms. Bees too. I waited, and lo, a few pods finally appeared in September.
A terrifying accident prevented me from seeing my beans again… Just two days ago my dear friend James, the Bird Man, collected the few pods for me. Most were unripe but when I shelled the beans this morning I had three good seeds, and some unripe ones that looked like jewels.
I will dry all of them for about a week and then store the three viable seeds in a cool place for the winter…
Maybe my heirloom seeds will produce another magic vine or two next year. I know that I will never forget this old, abandoned bean seed that simply refused to give up.
I am awed by the Powers of Nature. S/he will endure. Perhaps before too long these beans will be gone forever, but for now, I may see another scarlet runner vine bear flowers and seed pods next year.
Our only hope lies with the Powers of Nature. No matter what humans continue to do to destroy this beautiful blue green planet – one day S/he will begin again.
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Feminism and Religion 
I like how you refer to nature as s/he. Everything that grows require both sexes. The sky should be referred to in the same way.
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well in nature often two sexes are not needed ! but S/he is an inclusive term….
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Has your hip repaired sufficiently?
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Sara, This speaks straight to the heart. Wishing you strength, courage and joy.
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yes indeed – heart centered
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I, too, am in awe of life’s determination to persist. When I am in urban spaces I so often see one flower or one tree growing through cracks in concrete or in other little niches and what a gift it is to see the power of Nature in those places. I’ve often thought that the real mission of humans is to be of help to other non-human beings on the Earth, if only we could see that and change course in time.
And I add my good wishes and hopes that you are healing well and quickly.
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I’ll repeat S/he is not able to keep up with the destruction humans are engaged in – tenacious yes, longe term yes – BUT let’s be realistic and LOOK at the big picture just for once.
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living in the high new mexico desert i am frequently amazed and grateful for the way that Mother restores herself and me. thanks for all the times your words have reminded me of Her power. namaste
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S/he can’t keep up with the destruction we are so intent upon… that’s the sad part and the take away message…. long term the planet willl endure but before that – well…
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living with change, whatever the “cause” is the practice i am most involved in, both with my aging/changing body and with the world i stand on. i can still trust that Mother Knows Best, and mourn the children destroyed by huMAN greed and blindness while focusing on the infinite possibilities of blessings.
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I once saw a rose bay willow herb growing out of the wall on the inside of a small road bridge that had been blackened by exhaust fumes. Luckily she was only a couple of yards from the entrance so she was getting the light as well. Human civilizations perish and greenery covers the remains of buildings. Nature is powerful and when we admit to being part of her instead of the big I am then she shares her consciousness and power with us. I am sure you will hear well \Sara because you are so connected to the land.
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