I had a mini stomach bug for 24 hours. Wasn't feeling like myself, at all. Lucas had it bad... stayed home from work. The kids were promised an adventure on the nicest day of the week. They were antsy. My heart had been heavy for weeks with headlines and facebook statuses...
So what did we do with weak legs and a cloudy mind and excited kids? When the world doesn't make much sense with hatred and sorrow and hurt and anger at every turn?
I said screw it, and took them to Walden.
{my kids still call it Waldo's Pond... which is the most adorable thing ever in my mind...}
We left a sick daddy at home to rest, packed a lunch, stopped for a coffee, and headed down three highways to the quiet peace of Walden Pond.
And peaceful it was, even as there was hardly a spot to sit on the small beach. We managed to find a shady place, spread our blanket and breathed in and out calm. There's magic happening constantly at Walden.
Our modern (yet seemingly timeless) troubles seem to dissipate while there. How can they not? You are surrounded with clean, clear water, deep beautiful, thoughtful woods, and the kindness of people who came to gather in nature and spend a quiet afternoon. There are no sour faces, no political agendas...
All are welcomed and received with grace in nature.
Thank you, Walden Pond.
linking up today over at Alita's... will you join us?
sigh. When I was first here (in the 80's) the pond was pretty much 'unsupervised' - you could swim from anywhere...and I have many wonderful memories from 'Waldo's Pond'...I haven't been back for years - but will head there once the "season's" past - to wander the woods. My insides (the emotional insides, not the tummy insides) have felt the same these last days...I'm finding it hard to shake. It helps to hear your heart.
ReplyDelete"the kindness of people who came to gather in nature and spend a quiet afternoon"...so true!!!! That isn't always the case with the crowded beach or the local park, but I can tell it was the case with your pond. Seems like a treat to me. :-) your kids are growing so fast (and so cute)
ReplyDeleteAll are welcomed and received with grace in nature. ~ This image moved me so much. There is such truth in it. It has been so unbearably hot for weeks and I just have not been able to take the walks I need and see the beauty. I am long overdue for my own trip to Walden Pond!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you went ... wish we'd been able to meet you. Magic. xox
ReplyDeleteso glad you found some peace and restoration after the stomach bug!
ReplyDeleteWe recently moved to a place where we are surrounded by nature. The scenery is beautiful and I often take it for granted. Your post reminded me of the way I feel as I walk around the lake near our house - a ritual I have missed lately with the recent heat. There's just something about the stillness of nature that quiets the mind. Nice reminder. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteah. my sister swims there in the late afternoons, every time i think of her there i find it easier to get quiet and still, in companionship...
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat. Nature has a quiet way of erasing all the dismally silly things we debate day-in and day-out.
ReplyDeleteI think you must carry a bit of Walden pond in yourself, Corinne -- you spread serenity! I'm glad you were refreshed :)
The headlines, the statuses, the posts ... they are sometimes so heavy and so much, and ... I need a Waldo's Pond. For reals.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that you have such a magical place so close by! Waldo's Pond - aptly named, it seems.:)
ReplyDeletesigh.... (you know.)
ReplyDeleteYep! It's those little getaways that help revive the soul.
ReplyDelete