nature – Page 7 – Site Title

Nature, “My Other Love.”

“Nature has been for me, for as long as I remember, a source of solace, inspiration, adventure, and delight; a home, a teacher, a companion.” Lorraine Anderson

The rain had stopped but there were reminders left behind as I stepped over mud-covered pathways and navigated around small puddles of water. I had a sudden urge to jump in them as I used to as a young girl but I had to stop myself as I am a grown woman now and such antics would not be looked upon kindly. It was cold this morning but that’s nothing new. Winter was marching in and little by little the wide open expanse before me is being transformed into a bare and desolate landscape ready to go to sleep before the biting cold sets in.

Today, I am greeted by loud squawking. Birds were flying overhead zooming in and out haphazardly. Watching them I noticed that they weren’t heading anywhere in particular but just flying around with no formation whatsoever to speak of. Were they heading south? Each year, it is a ritual for the migratory birds to fly out of here before the cold sets in. It is a display of precision, of single-mindedness and of loud shrills and squawking as they made their presence known to those of us below who watched them mesmerized as they flew out of here and to places unknown. It was also a sign that nature was getting ready to take a well-deserved break from the breathtaking display of color to one of drab and grey. Today I was alone as I watched the birds fly and then settle in the trees nearby. Perhaps they were taking a break from their journey to recuperate before they took off again. Whatever the reason, I welcomed their company with a big smile on my face.

Approaching the apple trees, a sudden movement catches my attention. Two beautiful bob-tailed deer dash out from the forest line and across my path and onto the other side disappearing into a clump of bushes. Come to think of it, I hadn’t seen any deer in a long time so this was interesting. The fields were certainly alive this morning. Perhaps the birds had stirred some life into them. As I approached the path where I had almost twisted my ankle the other day staring at some birds in the distance, I heard flapping and shrill cries in the sky. Just ahead and not too high up in the sky were six birds, their wings spread out like fans as they descended a little distance from me and landed quietly on the ground and then stood there as still as sentinels standing guard over nothing in particular. My breath caught in my throat. I had seen them twice before and not recognizing them, I had done some research and found out that they are grey herons. Slim, elegant creatures with long beaks and dark circles around their eyes. They are beautiful in a silent and regal way. I didn’t expect to see them today but there they were standing still and ignoring me.

In Greek mythology, the heron is associated with Poseidon and is seen as a good omen. Native American Tribes see the heron as a symbol of patience and good luck and in Celtic mythology, it is associated with transitions and adaptability and if that’s not enough to get your “happy hormones” in a spin, herons often appear to those seeking healing, calmness and stillness in their life. When you experience repeated heron sightings, it is there to remind you of the contentment that comes with knowing abundance is at your fingertips. All good right? I’ve seen them three times so it’s a wait and see approach now!

I decided to check out the deer and the birds as well. Something was up and me being the superstitious type, well not quite, but I do believe in some stuff so I was curious and needed to know if there was anything attached to these sightings. Remember what they say about black cats crossing your path? However, deer crossing your path is supposed to have an opposite effect. If you see a deer crossing your path, it is seen as a positive omen. It means that you will soon receive good news or fortune. WHAT?!! Let’s add birds to the mix why don’t we? Birds flying above you is a positive sign and it means that something massive is about to happen in your life and change the whole trajectory in the best way imaginable.

Hell, I’ll go jump in those puddles of dirty, muddy water, who cares what anyone thinks? Is nature getting ready to reward me? I don’t know but I have to get quiet, find a space to meditate and hope one or the other thing happens. Fingers crossed and I’ll keep you posted.

Have an amazing day.

A Lesson Learned

Photo by Catherine Leclert on Pexels.com

It was a nice walk as usual but only this time, I was bundled up against the bitter cold in a thick jacket complete with fur-lined boots on my feet. Unfortunately, I had forgotten my gloves in my rush to get out the door this morning. It was a big mistake because it was icy cold and my hands needed warmth fast! I shoved them into my jacket to keep them warm and continued on walking.

Winter was here even though it was still fall according to the weather forecast. Looking at the trees, I noticed that they had lost their golden glow. Some branches were bare to the bone and others still had a few leaves hanging on them for dear life. They were fighting a losing battle against the cold wind which was unrelenting and with every sweep, it sent the remaining leaves gliding softly to the ground. It was just a matter of time before the trees would stand unclothed and wait for Mother Nature to clothe them again. It will happen like clockwork and they knew they had nothing to worry about. All in good time.

Looking out into the distance all was quiet. It was grey and foggy and nothing seemed to be moving except for the crows gathering in the fields like they were meeting for a convention of some kind. God only knows what they were going on about but that raucous crowing was unsettling to say the least. Just then, I noticed movement past them and saw something unfamiliar. They were standing still like statues, their long beaks pointed to nothing in particular and the crows didn’t seem to bother them. I was fascinated and kept my eyes focused on them. They were migratory birds of some kind but not something I am familiar with. Movement did not seem to be their forte and silence and stillness seemed to be.

I kept on walking on the path I was on with my eyes trained on those strange birds. Suddenly, I felt a deep searing pain shoot up my right ankle and it stopped me in my tracks. I had stepped on a large rock and twisted my ankle! Fearing the worst, I moved my ankle gingerly and it seemed to be alright. I didn’t want to walk home limping all the way and neither did I want to wait for help to come get me! Luckily for me, everything seemed to be fine as I took a few steps to test my foot and moved on with no problems.

The path I was on was strewn with big and small rocks. Some places were still holding mud and others dry and some a straight shot with nothing to worry about if you looked carefully before taking your next step. You’ve heard the saying, “Curiosity killed the cat?” Well, it didn’t kill me today but my pre-occupation with something in the distance had almost caused a foot injury and it could have been a serious one.

We do that a lot don’t we? Instead of keeping our eyes focused on the here and now or in front of us, we veer off when something catches our attention and we lose sight of where we should be going. It might take a few seconds or a few minutes but that is all it takes sometimes to make one false move and to land on our backs or in this case with a sprained ankle. Luckily that didn’t happen this time. A lesson learned and one that will teach me to keep my focus in front of me and to not get distracted every time something catches my attention.

Walking back deep in thought, I was thankful that I was able to with no pain. Pulling my jacket closer around me as the wind kissed my almost frozen nose, I made it home in one piece and ready for a well-deserved cup of hot coffee. The birds are still on my mind but that is for another day.

HAVE AN AMAZING DAY.

The Walk

I was restless. My mind was doing a dance while the rest of me was having a hard time keeping up. It was still early in the morning but I needed to get out and into the open. I needed to breathe and leaving the enclosed space I was in would help me to do just that. I needed that blast of cold air to shut out my thoughts and I needed to feel free.

Bundling up was my first priority. It was cold as I approached the open expanse I call the fields. The wind was doing its happy dance and reached out brushing my face with its long cold fingers. Icy it was not, but that was to come in the not too distant future. It was just a matter of time now.

The purple-hued mountains in the distance were shrouded in a thick fog and they were now invisible to the naked eye just as parts of the fields were as they too were covered in a veil of white. I paid it no mind as I knew the way well and could get around the area with my eyes closed. As usual, there was no one around and I had the place to myself. My mind started to settle down taking a back seat for a change and I let out a sigh of relief. It was nice to feel calm again.

It wasn’t a pretty day as pretty days go. Everything seemed grey and gloomy, there was beauty there somewhere if only I looked hard enough but today I wasn’t looking. The fields were bare having lost their summer bounty of fruits and vegetables. Some parts were brown, tilled and ready for winter but other parts had something green growing and flourishing in spite of the weather. I couldn’t tell what they were except that they were a bright green adding much needed color to an otherwise drab day. Probably some feed for the animals. The farmers had it down to a science so nothing was ever left to chance. The trees had lost their golden glow, the leaves had all but gone and the branches looked bare their gnarled fingers reaching to the sky as it sent a chill down my spine. I prefer them clothed in green or in shades of gold, orange and red.

Suddenly a shrill sound caught my attention. Looking up I saw a large hawk cut through the fog gracefully. It was on its way somewhere. I stood and watched as it flew out of sight and disappeared into the distance and all was quiet again.

Winter was on its way, that was clear. The fields were preparing to go into their winter sleep having done their work for the summer. It was time to rest and recuperate and to work beneath the surface but they were not in a rush either. They had the time to work their magic in silence so that when spring rolls around they will emerge to WOW with a new bounty of the fantastic kind meant to mesmerize the mind, body and soul. I wasn’t quite ready for it yet. I needed a break.

Summer had bid adieu and we too will bundle up against the bitter cold, gather indoors for warmth and in a way like nature, it will be a time for introspection and regrowth. It is a chance to stop, reflect, regather our strength and to come back stronger, I hope, to face a new season. That is the plan.

“Look for something positive everyday even if some days you have to look a little harder.” Unknown

Have An Amazing Day

A Gorgeous Day

“A beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset.” Unknown

That’s the truth, however, I had a bad night so I wasn’t expecting anything better. I wrote about my ‘cheesecake fetish’ yesterday and after polishing off half the cake, I spent most of the night puking my guts out! There’s a lesson to be learned in the mere art of puking. Overindulgence is never a good thing.

I woke up this morning looking a little green around the gills and had decided to spend the day in bed drinking lots of water to flush out my system and eating soup to give my stomach a break. Absolutely NO cheesecake today!

Looking outside I noticed that the sun was making a showing after disappearing for a few days so I decided to do my walk in the fields. It definitely will cheer me up so off I went, a plum in one hand as a reminder to stay away from all that is not good for me. I was off to a good start.

The fields greeted me with open arms ablaze in beautiful sunshine. Immediately, a smile crossed my face and I veered off on the path to the apple trees. It was muddy in some places but I made my way gingerly hopping over stones as I glanced towards the apple trees awash in a golden light. Approaching a small forest to my left, it looked dark and dreary closed in by trees. Some branches had escaped their tight confines and were now forming a shady canopy over the pathway making it almost impassable because the ground was drenched in thick gooey mud. I navigated my way through trying not to get my boots dirty which was an impossible task but as I emerged out into the open, the blazing sun almost blinded me and I was back on firm footing again. In the distance, the mountains had emerged from their purple shroud of fog and were now covered in green and gold. The apple trees looked bare but for a few globes of yellow and red still hanging on for dear life. They too will fall to the ground pretty soon or some person will pluck them as a tasty snack. Winter is definitely approaching.

Once again, I was the only one out there. I had paradise to myself and as I took in a big breath of fresh air filled with all things nice I made my way back deep in thought. I realized that life is very much like the mud-covered pathways. You do have to navigate them, sometimes they are rocky, sometimes barely visible coated with mud BUT if you keep on going, sunshine greets you on the other side. Darkness never lasts for very long, it is always followed by light but only if you keep moving. Trusting that concept is the problem but today I have a gorgeous day ahead of me and a feeling that anything is possible if you have the right mindset and the will to keep going.

HAVE AN AMAZING DAY

After the Rain

“Sometimes the only way you can get past the rain is to remind yourself that nothing lasts forever and that better and brighter days are coming your way.” Roger Lee

The rain had come and gone, all three days of non-stop heavy showers and intermittent drizzly weather. The ground is soaked and fall had done its job of shaking the leaves from the trees and they lay forming a carpet of rain soaked leaves on the wet ground. Looking up at the trees there are still leaves on the branches, some green and some golden as a reminder that this is not the end of it, there will be more rain to come and there was more work to be done.

“Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass….It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Vivian Greene

I wish I could dance in the rain again. As a young girl, my greatest joy was to join the ducks in their dirty brown puddles of water and to let my heart sing with joy as the rain beat down on us. The ducks quacked with delight or was it with anger, whatever the case maybe, the human was one with nature. Now that l’m all grown up and should know better, I spent the last three days cuddling my coffee mug in my hand and my head filled with stories to tell. Today the rain had moved on and the sun finally made a showing although weak, it was still beautiful as it caressed my head with warmth. The fields were a mess drenched in water and mud. The narrow rocky path was the only way to go. The breath I took in was clean and smelled of something unfamiliar or it could be that the rain had washed away the staleness and in its place had left a beautiful freshness and all was made new again.

A raucous crow made a loud sound as it made its way to the fields and landed on the ground looking for whatever crows look for. Looking down at the tiny gravel-covered road, I noticed that the sun was doing a number on the road. Long thin strands were glistening like they were holding diamonds in their midst. I stooped to inspect it because it was a beautiful sight as it sparkled and beckoned. I realized that those tiny long strands making circles all over the road were snail slime or rather a kind of mucus produced by snails. Those snail trails help to protect the softer tissues of the snail’s foot as it crawled along but add sunshine to it and the yuckiness turns to magic and I had diamonds sparkling everywhere. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and whoever coined that phrase knew exactly what they were talking about.

“Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.” Langston Hughes

The man had a way with words and today it sang to me as I made my way back home for another well-deserved cup of coffee and more stories to tell.

HAVE AN AMAZING DAY

This and That

Woke up this morning with my cat, Chachi, next to me. He had made himself comfortable next to my head and was purring softly as he heard the movement that signaled, it was time to get up. The purring notched up a few decibels as he moved closer to me. It was a sound I loved, not too soft and not too loud, just a perfect soothing all-around droning that seemed to calm my just awakening mind, body and soul.

It was Sunday and time to relax but my mind was on the ‘go’ mode and there was no stopping it. I laid there under the warm covers and my mind immediately moved to the conversation I had last night. The person was trying to give me feedback on one of my articles. More specifically, the one called, “Change Your Strategy.” He said, “well-written, true but hard to do.” I agree whole-heartedly with him. Change is never easy and putting in steps to change what always is the norm is definitely “hard.” No one said it was going to be easy but it needs to be done in order to change something that is not working to something that could change your life for the better. He understood that perfectly but for the change mindset to work, it has to be put in motion and that is the hard part. Most of us think of changing but it never takes off.

See what I mean? My mind was up and running even before my body decides to move a muscle! Nothing new there, most days it (my mind) takes control and I go along for the ride!

After several tries from an impatient Chachi to get me out of bed, he took off to the kitchen and I followed slowly, very slowly. I got the water going for coffee, gave my little sweetheart a kiss on the forehead which earned me another slew of purrs and love-struck eyes. Peering out into the darkness, I could see that fall had definitely taken hold. It looked dark and gloomy but each time I turned away to get a cup or to get breakfast going, I noticed that it got a shade lighter as if by magic. Not all once but slowly as if someone was using a brush to paint in the lightness painstakingly with each stroke and before I knew it and within a short span of time, it was so much lighter that I could see the silhouette of the houses across the street and a still dark but pearl grey sky peering back at me. Just like life I thought. It happens when you’re not looking.

Making my way back up the stairs with breakfast on a tray, I realized that my knee was feeling better. I had injured it a few days ago, not sure how but there was no doubt in my mind that I had done something to it. I work out seven days a week and often forget that I am no longer a spring chicken. I still jump, kick and do 60 minute workouts to the detriment of my joints. Most days I can keep up with the best of those in the thirties BUT now and than my body reminds me to back off as it did a few days ago. Human nature is such that we refuse to accept the inevitable until life in its wisdom decides to show us why it is a necessity to do so. Staying off my feet is not easy, I am raring to go and to kick butt as far as workouts are concerned but today I am planning a light, very light workout that will give my injured knee some well-earned rest. Not for long though, I am planning a long walk tomorrow. Like I said, human nature has its quirks, pair it with stupidity and you know why we face the difficulties we do.

Breakfast was done and my mind was doing its monkey dance again. I tend to live in my headspace so that jumping from one topic to the next is easy to do. However, that quiet, private, contemplative mood or frame of mind or even hectic and chaotic is ok once in a while but when it takes over 24/7, it’s time to shut it down.

My day is just starting. Nature had done its magic outside, it is bright and beautiful with the added promise of a beautiful day ahead. It’s time for ‘mommy and Chachi’ day to take off. He loves playing chase but that’s an absolute no no for today. I hope he’ll settle for loads of kisses and cuddles. I’m sure he will, he’s easy that way. It doesn’t take much to make him happy unlike ‘humans’ who make it complicated. Not taking off on an another topic although….

Suddenly my phone goes ping and there is this message from a friend and it says, “I had a restless night, had too many thoughts in my head.” Instantly I wanted to jump right in with Max Goodwin’s words from New Amsterdam, “How can I help?” Nope, not doing it today, maybe later, much later but it’s time for that monkey I call my mind to take a well-deserved break.

Have an amazing Sunday.

Contrasts

“To me, a rich and satisfying life means one full of contrast. Give me sleep ins. And soft rains. Coffee shops and conversation. But also adrenaline and adventure. And drunken bellows to the stars. I am determined to embrace this extravagant life for all that it has to offer.” Beau Taplin

It wasn’t a great day for a walk, grey clouds were gathering and as promised rain was on the way. What a difference a day makes, weather-wise. Yesterday it was picture perfect, warm and absolutely mesmerizing but today it had turned tables and was ready to show another side, a grey and wet one. There was no beauty to speak off as I trudged nonchalantly through the muddy and leaf-strewn path heading for the forest line. Oh, but I was wrong for I had only to open my mind and my senses to see the contrasts between a beautiful day and a bad one. To my surprise, each had its own brand of beauty if only I wasn’t so quick to pass judgement.

The not so subtle rustling of the leaves caught in the interplay of wind and absolute silence was balm for my anxious soul. I needed peace but somehow it was missing today. Glancing into the forest, I noticed that it was quiet, too quiet. The trees were tight-knit and hidden in shadows of its own making echoing the onslaught of rain that was to come. I usually don’t like walking close to the forest because a feeling of unease usually envelops me and my senses are usually on high alert as it was today. There was no room to relax. I walked on in silence and in the distance, the hoot of an owl could be heard. I welcomed the distraction and made my way to the stream. It’s gorgeous in spring, its banks overflowing with golden daffodils but today it droned on in silence, devoid of color as it made its way to the pond where the storks gather. Today, there was not one stork to be seen. They too had gone hiding from the oncoming force of nature. Standing at the tiny wooden bridge, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It was peaceful but the unease was still there. Enclosed spaces are not my cup of tea and neither are deep dark forests. I moved on, got back on the path and made it to the fields.

My mind began to relax as I took in the wild open spaces before me. I was free again and standing at the bottom of the hill, I took in the panoramic view. It was grandiose even through there was no sun to speak of, only a light purple haze enveloping the distant mountains. It was beautiful just the same. Just a different kind of beautiful.

Contrasts are necessary to show the light and dark aspects of life and today nature decided to show my jaded mind, come rain or sunshine, there is always something beautiful about each aspect if only I would open my mind to it and embrace it with open arms to reap the full benefits. The rest of the walk was uneventful, an ordinary walk but my mind knew that if I kept my eyes peeled, I would capture the extraordinary. It was just a matter of time and if nature was willing to throw it my way. As the first droplets of rain hit the muddy path, I pulled my jacket tighter around me and ran back home leaving nature to do what it does best.

The ebb and flow of life was at work and who was I a mere mortal to question the order of the day or how it was brought about to life. Just accept and enjoy was the message and I bowed my head to its all-knowing wisdom. I was at peace.

HAVE AN AMAZING DAY

Nature’s Way

“Adapt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

It was wildly windy yesterday but since we had a respite from two days of non-stop rain, I decided I would venture out and see what nature had in store for me.

Approaching my usual haunt, I noticed that I was all alone with wide open spaces before me. The sky was dotted with angry grey-tinged clouds and they seemed to be gathering force, perhaps for another deluge or two. It was in the weather forecast afterall.

I couldn’t take my usual route because it was covered in mud so I kept on the narrow roadway heading to the top of the hill. I noticed that even the birds had taken cover from whatever Mother Nature had in store for us. Not a soul and no animal or bird was out there but I liked it that way. However, I would have liked a rabbit or two for company but not today. The wind was strong as it whooshed past my head and it wasn’t whispering softly as it usually does.

Suddenly I noticed something move in the distance. I stopped and watched as it glided gracefully with the wind. As it got closer, I noticed that it was playing along with the wind, doing a dance of its own. I thought it was a hawk at first but it was much bigger than any hawk I had ever seen and its underbelly was tinged in orange. Was it an owl? Do they fly like that? I had always thought they were nocturnal creatures but I’ve been surprised before. I stood and watched as it got closer with every gust of wind. Right before it got above me, I decided to move and fast! Not sure why but I just did and the unidentified creature took off in the opposite direction.

The wind had picked up speed as I got to the top of the hill and it was playing havoc with my hair whipping it around my face. I looked around and noticed that today my beloved fields were cloaked differently. The trees were showing bald spots where once it had been a lush green and the farmers had harvested all their crops and in its place planted something that was sprouting green. Not sure what but it didn’t matter. They knew what they were doing. Then it dawned on me that I loved the fields in whatever color it chooses to wear. I’ve seen it dressed in white, seen it bright with flowers, golden when it is turning colder and today dressed in grey with its skirt billowing from the wind and that too seemed to suit it just as well.

Stopping at the top of the hill to take in the scene before me, I noticed the wind had picked up speed so I turned around to make my way home and just then I felt the wind pushing me forward and not too kindly either. It seemed to be saying, “C’mon get moving! I’ve got work to do.”

I walked home with a smile on my face, the wind on my back and a new found respect for nature. It has it all planned and execution of that plan is never a problem. Winter will get here when it is good and ready but first fall needs to make one last stand. Golden suits me just fine as well.

A Walk To Somewhere

Photo by Irina Iriser on Pexels.com

I woke up this morning with a new mindset and ready to conquer the day. Starting the day off with meditation did wonders and being grateful for the brand new day ahead got me revved up to see how this new day would develop.

As usual, I was looking forward to my walk in the open fields but this morning, there were more people than I wanted to see! I could feel my mood sinking and my engine losing power but before it could get all the way down to ground zero, I put my best smile on my face, greeted a few neighbors like I meant it and took off to a quieter part of the fields.

Once there, I felt calm take hold as it always does when I can see blue skies splashed above me and open landscape for as far as I can see. Gorgeous can’t even begin to describe it. It is windy today and there is a chill in the air but it somehow added to my feeling of “freedom.” Walking next to the forest line, the rustling from the tree tops created music of their own. I had my own symphony playing the most beautiful music and my smile got wider as I took it all in and I could feel my soul soaring. I was at peace.

Nature has a way of soothing even the most frazzled nerves and it has worked its magic on me many times over. Breathe I told myself as I took in the biggest breath I could take. It felt good. I decided to let go of what I didn’t need. The anxiety, fear, anger and uncertainty, they all needed to go. Nature was my guide now and I decided to let it take me to where I needed to go to find my inner peace and I did exactly that. I took in the scents and sounds of nature like I was hearing and seeing it for the very first time. The squawking of a black crow was unsettling but the graceful gliding of the hawk above me was mesmerizing. The wind picking up speed and sweeping haphazardly through my long hair felt good and the big puffy white clouds on their way to nowhere was interesting to watch. It was nature at its best and I was paying attention to it.

It took all of 20 minutes and I was a different person altogether. Gone were the anxiety of this morning, the little aggravations that tend to press at your nerve endings and gone too were the feeling of carrying way too much on your shoulders. I was free as a bird and as light as a feather. Nature has a tendency to do exactly that if you let it.

Out in the open, I am in sync with my inner being as I connect with the simplest things possible. The air I breathe, a bird taking flight, nature waking up to a brand new day and all the soft sounds around me. I make my way back my mind free, my nerves settled and my mood ready to tackle a brand new day. I am ready for anything life throws my way. Coffee sounds good and so does everything else!

HAVE AN AMAZING DAY!

Take a Deep Breath

Today, I decided to take a walk out in nature after having been down with a cold and being cooped up in my place for little over a week. I was miserable to say the least. Stepping outside, I realized that there was a chill in the air so I put on a thicker jacket and made my way to the fields and open spaces. Freedom from my thoughts was what I was seeking as it suddenly dawned on me that the cold had not only robbed me of my strength by my good mood as well. Normal? Well, I was going to mend, come hell or high water!

I found myself all alone out in the open with only the birds and a duck or two for company. The fields looked empty having been robbed of their normal output of corn, potatoes and whatever else the farmers had thought was a necessity for human or animal consumption. The wind picked up speed and I pulled my jacket closer around me. Is it that time of year again? The time when summer takes leave and fall comes in almost on silent feet? It is one of my favourite seasons and I felt myself relaxing. Summer with its blazing heat and all that comes with it especially the “sweat it out” part was never my cup of tea.

I kept my eyes focused but on nothing in particular. It was just wonderful to be out in familiar territory and I noticed that the apples were halfway harvested which meant we still had a while to go before fall walks in and takes its rightful place.

It seems that nature has a way of taking care of itself. It knows when the sweet apple blossoms should show up, they then give way to apples and when not picked, fall to the ground and make way for the next season to begin with very little fanfare. Humans know about progression too but we often fight it every step of the way. Why is that? Perhaps fighting is in our nature and God forbid if something becomes too easy. Nope, we can’t have that.

I spent the week bundled up feeling miserable and to make matters worse, I decided to take a look at all the things that were not so right in my world. Take it from me, never do that when you’re not feeling well. It’s the easiest way to stumble, fall and go to the depths of depression. That’s exactly what happened. Suddenly all the progress I had made the last few months came to a screeching halt and I was crying, “Poor me!” in no time at all. Add to that the constant nose blowing and nothing tastes quite right feeling and you’ve got the picture I think. Self-pity is often self-serving and it does its job well.

I went from a simple cold to my whole world is messed up! How did that happen? Well, humans have a knack for botching things up. We can take something small and blow it out of the water. Building mountains out of molehills is my expertise BUT I might let it go for a while and than I reel it back in as I am doing now.

The sun feels great on my face and the world is righting itself back into normalcy again. Taking a deep breath, I make my way back thanking nature for having come to my rescue again. It’s going to be an amazing day.

“The difference between a mountain and a molehill is your perspective.” Unknown

AND

“A molehill can only become a mountain if you give it the power to grow.” Unknown