peaceful

Thunderstorms

Yesterday afternoon,
I got an email from the Hike Ohio Meetup group I belong to.

It was a reminder of the hike today at Battelle Darby Park.

I had yet to RSVP and it was reminding me.

Knowing I had child care for Saturday,
I clicked "Yes" and decided in a moment to attend.

The four mile hike was just what I was looking for to leave the week behind.

To soak up the solitude that I can only find outdoors.

This morning I could smell the rain on the wind.
I could feel the moisture in the air.
I decided to trek across town anyway.

By lunch,
it was raining....
actually storming...
but,
my resolve was set.

With a last minute email saying the leader would be there "just in case",
I headed out.

Characteristically,
map quest and I didn't get along.
Add in that I wasn't sure which park entrance to use.
(feel free to sigh and shake your head here
all you non directionally challenged friends...
I really don't mind.)
I ended up almost fifteen minutes late.
As I entered the area,
I saw several vehicles leaving and I figured
that I had probably just missed my hiking buddies.

I was correct.
There was no "Hike Ohio" sign,
no friendly faces waiting.

Thinking about this as I rounded the parking circle,
I pulled into a parking spot and stopped my car.

With a sigh,
a chuckle,
and an acknowledgement to myself of how crazy it was...

I decided to hike anyway.
In the downpour...
all by myself...

I saw a heron fly as I dallied by the water's edge.
I saw a thistle blooming with a delicate purple hue.
I became increasingly wetter.

I marveled at the way Virgina creeper and poison ivy can take over a tree trunk...
and I decided that I would definitely carve my name on a tree someday.

It is just something I want to do...
even if I do it...
all by myself.

While I freely admit that hiking solo is not an amazingly brilliant idea...
I had a talk with God while I was walking and beseeched him to have pity on me...
to get me back safely from my hike... even if it was a silly thing to do...

I am back home typing,
wrapped in my robe,
drying out.

Feeling the peace and silence of the forest,
still wrapping me in calm.

I am thankful for the time today,
to relax,
to step away from the world,
to set the issues of my life down for a while...

I pray that you and I...

That we will find happiness in the blessings around us.
My heart is filled with gratitude for the drenching rain that soothed me today.
I pray that you are given what you need as well...
even if you'd prefer your "peace" delivered in a drier method!

Playing in the water

The water was calling us.

My son lost his shirt with a grin.

I handed over my cell and keys to a friend and followed him in.

Playing in the water,

watching minnows swim past my toes,

sitting in the water...

Happy.

Peaceful.

We were at Old Man's Cave today,

located down State Route 33 about an hour or so from Columbus.

Nestled in Hocking Hills State Park,

surrounded by trees,

moss,

cool air,

happy people...

It is a place to leave the outside world,

relax,

smile.

Although we favor the Old Man's Cave area,

there is absolutely no place in the whole area that isn't lovely.

Visit http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/tabid/743/Default.aspx to consider a trip for yourself. Go for a day trip or come for a weekend or longer. Leave the stress of the world somewhere else. Play in the water, walk the trails... enjoy the company of those you love or come solo and enjoy the peaceful views yourself.

May your day,

your night,

your always,

be blessed by the beauty of our world.

Peace to you.

A Beautiful Adventure....

Laughing,

sitting in hay with fourteen children...

Petting,

deer,

bunnies,

steer,

horses,

kittens,

chickens...

Leading ponies,

with delighted children aboard...

Eating together,

sharing cookies

and laughter.

Playing in the play barn,

climbing to the tippy top with the children,

following the peacock

with a smile mirrored on every face.

Marmon Valley Farm,

delightful and caring staff,

gentle animals,

quiet happiness.

Count me in.

Sigh...

Life is full of beautiful places.

Check out Marmon Valley Farm at: http://www.marmonvalley.com/ .

I can honestly say that it has been a long time since I have been to a for profit location that felt so honestly like a family that cared for it's loved ones.

If you are up for an adventure about an hour outside of Columbus, Ohio, please click on my link.

Call for more details and speak with wonderful people.

(ph 937-593-8000)

May your evening,

your tomorrow,

your forever...

be blessed.

I wish you happiness,

a sure path to follow

and a hand to hold on the journey.

The One who made us,

the dear ones He gave us...

They are with us on the path,

we are never alone.