Watercress Heaven

Watercress Heaven Thirty-five years I've travelled these backroads, .....renewing my soul, while being nourished by local artisans, I now call my friends. Bread they've baked, milk coaxed from unwieldy goats in the wee hours, beauty defining paintings, in magical shades of bluff-reflected light, all etching memories of my retreats to the driftless river valley. Yesterday, an Apple Artisan (she grows dwarf varietals for hard and soft cider and wine) I visit often, let me in on a close-held local secret, directions to a brief-winding, swift Spring Creek….. it’s there, she said….. at the crevice where it begins to escape from the limestone bluff……. you’ll find an endless bounty of fresh Watercress, sparkling, like garnet-tinged emeralds, so vibrant, you’d swear fresh pepper was just ground on each bite! I accepted the invitation……. Upon discovery, I fell to my knees and scooped a bristling bit of Heaven from the crystal clear rushing water! _______________________ First day of Spring 3/21/10 8:59 am