The rain is falling, gentle but steady. Slow enough the birds are still singing and the herbs in my garden still have their faces raised. There is a squirrel on a branch just a few feet from where I sit on my porch. He has found a clump of leaves just over his head and … Continue reading Rainy Sunday Morning
nature
Web vs. Cocoon
I have always been intrigued by spider webs. They are so delicate, yet so strong. The intricacy is breathtaking…a work of art really. To think that an eight-legged creature created a web that lasts through storms and catches its food boggles my mind. I have walked through enough spider webs when hiking to know that … Continue reading Web vs. Cocoon
Fall Worship
Fall hiking is a form of worship for me. I try to get away early, to my quiet place, before the leaf lookers come out. It’s not that I mind sharing my backyard with the tourists, it’s just that in order to hear the sounds of the autumn choir, I like to be alone. However, … Continue reading Fall Worship
Dance of the Fireflies
If you have never been on the Anna Ruby Falls evening Foxfire hike I would highly recommend it. Six of us went last night and it was spectacular. I have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure I really live in such a beautiful place…surrounded by so much nature that it is even gorgeous in … Continue reading Dance of the Fireflies
A Nature Adventure
The day was fading fast. A slight breeze had the trees a bit restless. The heat of the afternoon morphed into cool kisses on my cheeks. An invitation to me. Perfect for an evening stroll by the river, and so Bill and I headed out to capture the last of the light. As we were … Continue reading A Nature Adventure
Light and Shadow
Another day. Another mountain. This time it’s Blood Mountain on the Appalachian Trail. I’m not sure what draws me to climb mountains exactly. I guess it’s the challenge…or maybe the view from the top. To me, it compares to childbirth. I think hiking a mountain is a good idea, until I get there and start … Continue reading Light and Shadow
Seasons of Grace
I am greeted by a whirlwind as I step outside. A cyclone of tiny flakes clouds my view and slaps my face bringing me fully awake instantly. It makes me chuckle since I was the one who chose to get a ‘breath of fresh air’ on this snowy morning. I got more than I bargained … Continue reading Seasons of Grace
Trust Your Footing
My summer has finally arrived. After working a half day Friday and laying by the pool the other half, I feel like my break has really started. Then on Saturday my hiking buddy Jessica came up so we could hike our favorite trail…Raven Cliffs. We got an early start so as to beat the heat, … Continue reading Trust Your Footing
Race to the Top
The participants in the race gathered in the valley. They were milling around, anxious to get going. The starting line was crowded, the ending point in was in sight. But who would make the climb to the top the fastest was in question. All were standing at the ready. Then the race began. The pine … Continue reading Race to the Top
The Lesson of Forsythia
Forsythia is in bloom. As one of the boldest of the spring flowers, she begs to be noticed with her wild mane of yellow blossoms. She cries out, “Spring is here! Spring is here!” Along the roadways, she is untamed and waves madly in the March winds. In some yards, they have tried to subdue … Continue reading The Lesson of Forsythia
Michelle's Mosaic 