On an early saturday morning in January and I drive out to the Sandy river as it empties into the Columbia. Along the banks tall fast growing black cottonwoods sprout like weeds. I can smell the rich fragrant scent from far away. Sweet resin exudes from the newly formed reddish brown buds. A recent windstorm has downed a couple tall trees and their branches hang heavy with aromatic perfume. I bend down and make a few prayers. Here in the Northwest this is the start off the gathering season. Black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) delivers her medicine and magic as a gift to the winds. Breathe in that overwhelming sweet luxurious hedonic scent. The perfume smells like a warm bath, like soft sunshine on the belly, like a gift for those who are scared, grieving, sad.