Which, unfortunately, seems to mean we're now getting all of the rain we didn't get during our miserably hot summer.
Yesterday, however, was an exception. It was beautiful - mid 60's, plenty of sunshine.
Time, I decided, to shake the cobwebs off and take a little trip with my favorite companion...
Our first stop was at my sister's house to pick something up...
The tree in her yard isn't as glorious as some years past, but what with the heat and drought, the colors are probably not going to be spectacular.
First stop was a gas station, which is not a fun way to start anything these days. Price pumps are $4.10 here abouts...
Second stop wasn't where I expected it to be but Riley needed a potty break. We hit the beach at a place called Birch Point, which we accessed via a public access site...
That accomplished, we headed for Mission Hill and the Spectacle Lake overlook
If you look really closely at the first photo, you might be able to pick out the tree in the second. It was the one blaze of glory in the muted colors. The blue in the background of the top photo is, of course, Lake Superior. The other blue is Spectacle Lake. The spot has changed since I was a kid but it is still breath-taking.
We then headed off...
To enjoy the sunshine and the color...
And the road less traveled:
Our ultimate destination, however, was the Big Pines Picnic area:
Where we found the remains of summer, perched waiting til next year...
Riley, of course, did what Riley does at the beach
She swam...
And she played with a rock...
I sat and watched her, letting the silence and the sun sooth me. I recharge when I find myself in the presence of God and nature. Truly, I do.
I also learned something, watching my dog play with abandon. She lives in the moment; there is nothing else for her. No worries, no problems, just . . . the bliss of sun, water, sand, and a rock.
What I learned from her was this.
I let things get out of proportion. I worry too much and I enjoy too little. I fret too frequently and I am thankful far too infrequently. I need to let some of the burdens go and enjoy the moment more often...
I need the roots...
... that I have been given; roots that reach deep: God, family, friends...
But, I also need the sky...
Here's hoping y'all find whatever moment of bliss you can...
4 comments:
Looks like a very beautiful day in some very beautiful places! I think we could all do with a little more of letting go of things and living in the moment. Thanks for the reminder. =)
Megan -
You're welcome! It was a very good day.
cjh
Oh CJ I love this post!! And I hope that you'll share more of your fall colors with us because we don't get it down here. We do a little but nothing like in the north. And those pictures with the lake? Gorgeous.
I've been working hard and the enjoying more and worrying less. It's a tough habit to break but I'm really not sure why I allow myself to worry and fret so much. Wasted energy...
Hugs to you.
Trish -
It's human nature to fret and worry, especially about the things we really have little control over.
I keep reminding myself I do much better when I trust in God and turn a lot of the worries over to him.
Elle is so precious and she will only be little for such a brief time... I hope you find a way to let go and find the bliss in your moments with her.
cjh
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