ashten-birthday

<img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Chrysopoea_of_Cleopatra_1.png" /> Yesterday, you could tell, would be the last in this area. You'd thought it would have been a week or so ago, but that seems to be the case every year. You shrug the thought, look around, and glide forward; the reminder of both cycles and growth fueling your [[journey->Passage 1]]. The cold is settling in and you fucking hate the cold.

<img src="http://www.happybirthdayashten.com/mangroves.png" width="726" height="544" /> Many have ventured forth already. Aside from a [[peregrine falcon flying by->Peregrine]], the area seems clear and a bit quiet. Luckily you have next to nothing to bring so you are able to leave quickly, and - though you are not the one to feel rushed or the need to hurry - the temperature drop as early afternoon fades into dusk has quickened your pace as much as it was going to. The purple and orange are blending in a pleasant way as you look up. A familiar grumble reminds you to eat along your [[route->Passage 2]].

<img src="http://www.happybirthdayashten.com/pathway.png" width="544" height="726" /> Heading towards a familiar inlet you're reminded of a nook in this particular path, a favorite spot should you be here this time of year, with particularly delicious food options. Thinking of that paired with perfect view of tonight's full moon, you know exactly where you want to end up tonight: a place where, when you settle in, your sight breaks through the surface. It soothes and entices. It vibrates energy and takes you in the ebb and flow of all that surrounds you. [[Continue on->Friends]]

<img src="http://www.happybirthdayashten.com/manatee_pair.png" width="544" height="726" /> On your way you notice your friends Athena and Demeter throught some roots, chuckling while enjoying some particularly appetizing greens. The wave and smile at you. Do you want to [[join them for dinner->Friends 2]], or enjoy the full moon in [[solitude in your favorite nook->Moon, Solo]]?

You join them, settle in, and proceed to eat what must be sixty pounds of food. Athena has been feeling poorly, and her energy is coming off a bit shakey and off center. The changing weather hasn't treated her well, and the tardy cold exacerbated what was already a tough season. The full moon in Gemini doesn't seem to help in nailing down any specific root cause. Nonetheless it seems very relatable. After listening, and reminding the importance of steady breathing, friends, and hydration in times of peaking anxiety, the natural conversation of the evening takes a changing, amorphous shape that matches the surrounding water. The three of you happily decide to travel the [[rest of the way->Passage 3]] together.

The sky continues to reach through the surface and despite the dropping temperature you nestle in and feel the warmth and light of tonight's full moon in Gemini. It leaks slowly through a break in the mangroves and cypress and inspires endless conversation within yourself, the injustices of the world pitted against your cultivated sense of self and worth. Each event this closing year weighs on you. The many codas, tragedies, and cyclical complexities of life, contrasted by the moon's deceptive simplicity, resonate together in your proud solitude. Although it did not solve your problems in one evening, and almost in spite of them, the moon's bountiful and inspiring light resolve you to another evening and another day and another year and ... You resolve to [[catch up with Demeter and Athena->Passage 3]] come dawn.

<img src="http://www.happybirthdayashten.com/gator.png" width="726" height="544" /> The gators glare - they always do. You avert your eyes from their disturbing gaze, harrowing in how their bared teeth foment memories of blades and the three of you collectively wince at the sight. Each of your respective scars also relive the blades and related past traumas. It's hard not to, even knowing these lurking spectres are harmless. The thick skin you've accumulated from your life and the lives of your ancestors mocks them in their inability to pierce it, and they resent you for it. Nonetheless you find yourselves [[pushing past->Passage 5]] this part with a heightened pace. Just as you leave the gators' stare, you rise and take a breather. Carefully, this time, given [[past issues->Collision]] y'all have run into.

<img src="http://www.happybirthdayashten.com/gallinule.jpg" width="540" height="400" /> The seemingly circuitous routes of the Suwannee unfold like an old note as the three of you feel your way forward. It is familiar; you know it's traversal through maternal memories, the floral and faunal filigree, and the subtle temperature changes rising up to that magical number. Each curve along the banks brings new creatures into your purview. You pass schools of friendly stumpknockers, catfish, and sturgeon, and a beautiful gallinule. Demeter holds back laughter passing some raucous river otters. She recounts returning to the coast last spring and passing one that was particularly livid. They were so fed up with the naked apes they decided to [[attack a small group of them->Otter Attack]] kayaking somewhere or another. The river [[continues - ->Passage 4]]

Earlier this year, in Manatee County, there were <a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/wildlife/Kayakers-face-terror-on-the-river-This-is-one-renegade-otter-_166147853" target="_blank">several attacks by allegedly rabid river otters</a>. "I thought ‘Oh *this* is a cute otter,’" she said, "and all of the sudden he jumped on the back of the kayak and lunged at me." Life comes at you fast! The otter engaged in a fight with an old woman which tipped the kayak. Once free, the otter continued to chase the kayak away - "The women in the back of the group saw him and yelled **‘he’s back’** and we just paddled like hell to get back to the launch." [[Return to the Suwannee->Passage 3]]

<img src="http://www.happybirthdayashten.com/manatee_cave.jpg" width="540" height="400" /> Reaching Ichetucknee Springs by way of the Suwanee, the three of you bask and wade in the warmth of the constant and reliable temperatures it provides. You spot Lily, her progeny, and a few other old timers as well as many others, some familiar and some not. You are lovely and incredibly strong. You are both graceful and clumsy. Your heart and kindness can always be felt by those around you. While your past helps define you - you are so much more than the sum of your experiences. I know 29 will be a testament to your strength in the wake of what turned out to be an incredibly devastating year. Thanks for being a great partner, I hope you enjoyed this trip. Happy birthday, Ashten! [[Credits->Credits]]

...these incompetent, unaware humans. The other day, as you were rising to take a quick break, you collided with a kayak aimlessly wandering above. One would think with their heightened dexterity and visual acuity they could get out of your way, but such is not the case. You suppose for a species that continuously and almost proudly effects these volatile weather changes you shouldn't be surprised. *Would have been a lot worse with a motor* you surmised and [[joined back up->Passage 5]] with Demeter and Athena.

They are a pleasant and noble sighting - despite their distinct black under the eye that brings up images of American football players - and you feel a tinge of jealousy at their propensity for speed. Perhaps with that speed one can fly so fast as to leave this entire past year behind. The falcon leaves your sight and [[reminds you to hurry->Passage 2]] lest the cold sets in.

Story and images (except noted below) by Ryan 'Gallinule' and 'Manatee by Cave' by Tiny (Phil) Ouroboros by Cleopatra the Alchemist Inspired by Kaye Blegvad (<a href="https://happybirthdayviggo.com/">happybirthdayviggo.com</a>)