I just went on a walk. It was a wonderful walk.
When you are finished reading this, close your eyes and imagine yourself on a walk like mine.
It's dusk; almost dark. And, it's cloudy and brisk. There wasn't anyone outside - no cars, no people walking. All, I could hear was a cricket in a garden. And, then it started to sprinkle. The droplets lightly padded the leaves above my head. The trees where I live hover over our neighborhood like kings in a forest. They are strong and powerful and tall. But, then it started to rain a little more briskly and the droplets made music on the down vest I was wearing. No one was around but me and my trees. I love the rain. I love the fall. It's quite invigorating. I guess it kind of wakens me from the frightful, overbearing sun that cooks us every summer. I have a friend who once told me she has to surround herself with beauty. She yearns to be in a beautiful place and I know exactly what she means.
Just a couple days ago, I had one of those surveys in my in-box where you fill in odd facts about yourself and forward it to all your friends. Well, I admit I like answering the questions but I never forward them on to friends. I usually just return it to the person who sent it to me. Anyhow, one of the questions was "What is your favorite sound?" I really had to think. What sound do I love? Can you answer the question? I thought and finally the most perfect sound came to me. I hope you've heard it before. It's the sound of snow falling. But, not just falling anywhere. It's best when it's falling on a mountain while you are skiing. Isn't that the greatest? I'm not a great skier but it is my most favorite thing to do. I love getting on the mountain and inhaling the breathtaking views. Since I was about 7, I have always taken a moment to seal the experience of being on the mountain in my heart. There may be other people skiing past me but I don't hear them. It's where I see God. I love being up there. I hardly ever go skiing anymore. It's such a pain to get there and so expensive. But, I guess that's not a very good excuse when I think about how much I love it. Maybe someday I can live somewhere closer to the mountains. I suppose I can always close my eyes and bring back the beauty I've stored up for so long. And, I can go on walks in the rain.
