Micro-escape to Nature

There's a nature trail that runs behind the building in which I work most of the week. Only three weeks ago did I start taking advantage of it.

Inspired by a quest to lose weight and an effort to sustain the connection with nature I re-discovered during my trek to the East coast, I started going for 30-minute walks during my lunch hour. I target three walks a week, weather permitting.

After only three weeks it's become something I look forward to - a micro-escape that both energizes and calms.

Last week I brought along my trusty point & shoot to give you a glimpse into this world that I see for which I am grateful...

there's a fork in the trail that veers toward this barn,

a few years ago there were horses in a pen beside it that would come and greet you

a perfect August midday sky, don't you think?

wildflowers along the trail

this is my happy place, a pond that is teeming with life

it's where I saw a snake catch a frog, and a Belted Kingfisher circle the trees

this is a view of my happy place looking toward the other side of the trail,

someday I'd like to sit and meditate there

Permission to Simplify

 

 sunset blur

"When going back makes sense, you are going ahead." ~ Wendell Berry

It seems my blogging mantra so far this month has been "Keep it simple." A few creative projects, good books (the ones that make you smile, cry or break out the highlighter) and some long time coming soul searching are leaving the word well dry. So I am giving myself permission to simplify.

What could you simplify today? Think you could give yourself permission to do so?