Sticks and stones abound, an intricate pattern that I know so well. Leaves of all variations form a walkway to peace and understanding. Deer nibbled berry bushes line the path I love so dearly.
I am the luckiest girl in the world.
With so many years, the quintessence of the lake knows my every secret, my fears, and my very soul.
With so many years, I am responsive and aware of every change the elements force upon my beautiful place I deeply cherish.
Banana slugs and salamanders share the 5-mile road I travel. The great diversity of animal footprints in the mud and snow remind me that I am a guest; I want to trust that I am welcomed because of my sincere appreciation and gratitude for their home.
I am the luckiest girl in the world.
The sunbathing turtle jumps into the water so quickly I see what resembles a military helmet sink into the water. I am pleasantly distracted from whatever issue I was working on and watch, I ask myself now why does a turtle need such protective gear? Yes Lisa, turtles need protection too.
Only once on my weekly adventure was I found guilty of killing a member of a diverse and largely carnivorous group of short bodied, tailless amphibians known as the Frog.
I was sitting on a log near the water’s edge basking in the warm sun, listening to the wildlife around me, which included the continual sweet sound from a nearby frog. As I stood, eager to conclude my therapy by nature – I scared the frog, forcing it to jump into the water; I was terrified to see the frog immediately in the mouth of a large mouth bass, with only his little legs sticking out, within seconds the entire frog was gone.
My heart sank, my somber walk became quiet, I startled a pretty little deer, and myself as we had not been paying attention to our surroundings. This is only the loveliness of the path I take. I am the luckiest girl in the world.
The shoreline – cluttered by nature made beauty, surrendering itself to the ravaging conditions of the wind, rain, snow and sun from the years before today, is another story for another day.
The lake – proving that it is mandatory to succumb to the forces of the current weather situation. On still, breathless days, the water resembles a piece of reflection, perfectly portraying the surrounding stately trees. Many dispositions this lake does have, and again another story for another day.