Whimsical Moments

Sitting at the dining room table yesterday for hours working on year book pages and report cards, it was time to take a break. I said to mum, “Get your jacket on, we’re going for a walk around the block. It’s time to get some fresh air!!” So, off we went…smelling the dampness of the earth after the rain earlier in the day. The air was cooler than it had been with a brisk wind… refreshing… uplifting… energizing. We didn’t rush…just meandered from one house to the next looking at the gardens and landscaping. One house had no grass, just a beautifully arranges front yard with flowers, trees and bushes of many varieties. I couldn’t help but notice how different it ’felt’ standing there, than looking at just a lawn. We took in beautiful displays and splashes of colour…then walked past lilac bushes in full bloom…there delicate and fragrant scent unmistakeably present in the air. I took each step, slowly and deliberately…not feeling any rush to get back.

We came across a newer home with a stone front face…a distinct character of its own. Around the bend and down the next street with its own lawns, yards and landscaping. Breathing in…breathing out…again and again, deeply and deliberately. Again, the mixtures of plants, shrubs, and flowers with their own unique qualities and colours were observed and appreciated. And as we neared back home, I saw that mum was now holding onto her back….although the walk was short in duration, it was enough. A tree looking somewhat like a bush caught my eye….similar to a red maple, but not…the leaves quite different…I walked up closer to get a better look. Ahh…the amazing gifts to behold in nature.

And so we returned to the house and ventures first into the backyard. The evergreen tree planted almost 30 years ago, on the top of the hill, now towers nearly 5o feet tall. The rock garden one of my favourite places. We paused to look at the periwinkle needed to weave wreaths for my son’s wedding just weeks away. Mum says there is plenty, I say not. Let’s hope it lets out longer shoots I said,  so I can make the wreaths. We walked around and saw what plants I may be able to take to school for the Medicine Wheel Garden I am in charge of. My mind panics a little as I realize there is so little time left and much to do.

As we went back in I was thankful for the break…the short walk … that recharged my inner batteries. being out in nature, always does…