I once read that anyone can love a rose but that it takes someone special to love a leaf.
A friend recently lost her son, a toddler who left this life far too soon. He was quite the little adventurer who delighted in exploration and treasures big and small. He embodied the thing I preach most here which is to enjoy the journey and look for the interesting things around you – no matter where you go.
On my walk last night I collected a fistful of leaves, nuts and tiny flowers as a quiet way to remember him. It’s a small gesture but one that brought me joy.
There’s wisdom in finding beauty in the ordinary and joy in the everyday. In general, you’ll be more satisfied with life and live a bigger life if you can fully embrace your surroundings.
On this walk I embraced the day like a toddler with a fistful of colorful leaves and pinecones from the ground. I need to do that more.
I was on vacation last week. I stayed close to home, taking a couple of day trips and spending a few days in Ohio’s Amish Country.
It was an appallingly short week but I spent it mostly doing as I pleased so that was nice. It’s almost as though vacation days operate in some kind of time warp. They just pass too quickly.
We all occasionally need time to decompress and do the things that make life worth living.
I called this spot “The Avenue.” The name is a nod to LM Montgomery’s famous character Anne Shirley who gave beautiful names to the beautiful places she loved. The Avenue was the name she gave to one such spot.
This heavenly place is at Metahqua Nature Preserve in Ross County. I went there Friday morning because someone told me the fall foliage around the pond atop the hill is always the most beautiful in Ross County.
And it is gorgeous but I loved this other spot more.
The light was golden, giving the foliage new life in a way that can only happen in mid October.
A hawk soared overhead as a white tailed deer sniffed the air. Both were embracing the day and living their best lives even while aging leaves released their hold on life and drifted gently to the ground.
These leaves provided a carpet of gold, brown, orange and red that crunched beneath my feet. They also provided that wonderful smell that defines fall. It really is just the smell of decomposition as those leaves break down and return to the earth but it always fills me with joy and even hope. There are better days ahead.
There is no cell service in this area so there were no interruptions save for a few squirrels as they busily darted about.
I absorbed all I could of this rare, beautiful, almost magical morning. It was fall and I wanted to soak in the sights and sounds and smells as much as my mortal body would allow. First breathing through the nose, then through the mouth so I could taste it too.
This place was more heartfelt, more beautiful and more sacred than any church. That moment was more holy than any I have experienced.
In case you wish to dawdle at this nature preserve, there are a couple of benches overlooking the pond.
Go into the woods, friends. Find a place that is quiet and almost heavenly and stand there. Allow your senses to engage in a way that simply isn’t possible other places.
If you’re in the Dayton area and are a reader, stop by the Project Read Bookstore at Antiques Village.
First off, this vendor mall is spectacular. It’s 80,000 square feet of antiques, vintage items, home decor and books. I never hesitate to swing by when in the area.
One corner is occupied by the Project READ Bookstore. Project READ is a literacy coalition that serves the Dayton area, referring people to literacy classes, GED programs and even reading tutoring for kids and adults.
The books they sell are neatly organized, clean and good quality. At just $3 per book, there are countless bargains to be found and it’s for a good cause. At least, that’s what I tell myself as I fill my cart!
After hiking at Blackwater Falls and sightseeing at Seneca Rocks, we drove back roads to Phillipi, West Virginia to admire my favorite covered bridge. You can read about the Phillipi Covered Bridge here.
We lucked out and got to see about a half dozen classic cars drive through.
Then we went over to the Sheetz next door to order sandwiches for a picnic overlooking the bridge. I savored my veggie sub and fried pickles in the cool mountain air and admired the fabulous bridge that has been around longer than West Virginia has been a state.
After roaming through Blackwater Falls State Park last month, we drove down to Seneca Rocks in the Monongahela National Forest.
In an alternate universe, there’s a fitter, braver adventuring Brandi who would go there to rock climb (that Brandi also flies an airplane and rides an ostrich). Alas, I’m not at all brave so I kept both feet planted firmly on the ground.
Instead, we nosed around the visitors center and an old homestead.
The garden was mostly spent but there were still some interesting vegetables and pretty flowers and things to enjoy.
In fact, the colors were striking!
We also admired the 900 foot tall rock formation from afar while seeking out climbers as they inched toward the top.
Someday, I’ll go back and do the hike but, for that day, it was a low key and relaxing stop before climbing back in the truck to head north toward home.
Not all adventures require bravery and excitement. Sometimes it’s just a quiet moment among friends, admiring the scenery and respecting someone else’s courage.
