Wilderness Symphony

Have you ever listened to the concert in a woodland meadow. In the evening when a stillness covers the world, night time creatures begin to stir, making their presence known by voicing their songs.

An owl hoots and is answered by another in the distance. They are the base to my evening's theme.

Soon they are joined by the chorus of frogs heralding spring or crickets warmed by the summer's day. Singing through the night hoping that their song entices a mate to come closer. I want to come closer, sit in the middle of the chorus and let their song lift my heart towards the sky.

The cicada's vibrating rhythm adds the soothing percussion to help you drift to sleep. My thoughts begin to wander into a dream, stepping lightly through the meadow fireflies lighting my way.

Just as I touch my sleep, an elk begins the haunting flute-like call bringing his mates to him and warding off competitors. Another across the meadow responds to his warning. A third lets them know that he too is there. Waiting. Yearning. Challenging. Their voices float over the meadow. Undulating. Caressing. One drops as another lifts.

I succumb to the lullaby and sleep to dream.

Soft Memories

Several years ago (I'd rather not think how long exactly) I lived in Denver. It was great time for me - I was out of school and starting my life on my own. It seemed like an easier time in my life. I really liked living in Denver and often fantasize about heading back, but life is a little more burdensome now.

To get a little of the sweet sense of those easier times, I'll take a walk through the woods and meadows of the Weyerhaueser property in Federal Way. You see, one of the activities cheap enough for my minimal income was to walk through the greenways and parks of Denver. I would stroll through the trees, amongst the flower, and with others out for the afternoon. They were good times, when I was stretching out to find who I was and who I would become. During these walks, I would dream about the things I wanted to do and how I could accomplish them.

Today, I am a different person, but I still have dreams - a bit different than those I had coming out of college. Walking around the Weyerhaueser property helps to remind me of those days in Denver - it allows me to think about my ideas, figure out who I am and who I can become.