I saw her today in my reflection...

...as I stood on the edge of the wooden foot bridge, that crossed over the creek, that wound through the forest. It was a beautiful day and I was happy. I was walking along, taking my time [as usual, since I always have my camera with me], listening to the birds singing, listening to the trees moaning as they rubbed against each other with the gentle breeze. I had crossed this bridge a hundred times, more often than not, just crossing over, maybe looking at the rocks, taking a photo of the babbling water, or seeing if I could catch a glimpse of a fish or a salamander. But this day was different...as I stood on the edge of bridge, I looked straight down and there she was...my grandmother...

We could all use a little therapy!

So what do you immediately think about when you hear the word "therapy" --- I think about laying on a couch, pouring my life problems and things I'm "hung up on" out to a total stranger that is probably not even listening, or has already decided what "pill" he/she is going to prescribe for me to make my days better. But why should I pay money to "feel better"? It don't even make sense, if you really think about it. I'm 57 years old! I should know what to do to feel better...right! Not necessarily. It's not the same as taking ibuprofen for aches and pains...and then you feel better in an hour. It's not the same as laying down to take a nap and waking up feeling better in an hour, or so. It's not the same as taking a long hot bath with some yummy bath salts or fizzy balls [although that is an awesome way to unwind!]. When you have something going on in your head that you can't stop thinking about, there is not a whole lot you can do about it, except DISTRACT your brain!

Into the forest I go...

...to lose my mind and find my soul! Even though I actually LIVE in the forest, I sometimes have to make myself go outside! I don't know if it stems from being a Louisiana native and hardly ever doing anything outside, because it was just too hot and humid, or if I just get busy doing busy work and the day gets away from me [probably just a combination of both]. But this year [2019], I am determined to go outside every single day, even if it's just for 30 minutes! I went out yesterday and it was awesome! It's just so calming and peaceful. I just sat on the ground at one point and took my shoes off. I let the coolness of the moist [I know, I just used that "M" word] leaves caress my feet and toes and it was so wonderful. I watched two Squirrels chase each other round and round a tree, I heard birds singing and the sound of dry leaves rubbing against each other, trying to make their way to the ground like the others.