Presence

Not a Wasteland

March 6, 2021

The weather has been beautiful.

Perfect for getting outside into the blackberry brambles.

Spoiler: The best thing about my latest clearing session? I found a wriggly, beautiful worm. It looked so happy, and now that the canes are gone, there’s room to sow a few native wildflower seeds. It would be just a small patch, but a start all the same toward my dream of covering the hillside with native plants. Makes me think of one of my favorite Bible verses which reminds me not to “despise the day of small beginnings” (Zechariah 4:10).  Worms always give me hope, especially finding one where I thought there was only a wasteland.

Featured, Presence

Maybe the Trees Love Me Too

February 27, 2021

It is always good to go out in the morning and walk with a friend by the trees. It was cold this morning, even though it was supposed to get up to near 60 degrees today. The road we usually walk is cut into the side of a mountain, so while it is mostly flat, there are many areas where the sun doesn’t reach this time of year. We especially savor the sunny sections and walk a little slower through them, taking time for our backs to warm.

My friend’s dog romped and ran up the hills, and down the hills, and into the waterfall, and alongside the road into every little puddle she could find. Her golden paws turned dark with mud. She was so happy, and my friend didn’t mind.

I have lived in many different places over the years, but I think this place is my favorite. I get to walk among these trees everyday, and everyday I can pause and maybe wander to the side of the road and rest my fingers on bark, put my cheek on bark, and just breathe with the tree Continue Reading…