Baby, It's Cold Outside

Cold, although not as cold as some. Windy, although not as bad as others. Frosty, enough for woolen socks. Nippy, an excuse for wrapping up with layers. Bare trees, excellent for hiding in the hide and watching birds.

Although next time I'm bringing a flask.

Off Track to Get on Track

It never fails to works its magic. I am at my most content in these woods, away from manmade noise and artificial constraints, right in the centre, off the track. It is here I feel most at home.

It doesn't matter what is going on in the world, what craziness and sadness and busyness there is - a few steps off the track and it's all good, there is zen-like peace to be found out here. The trees stretch heavenward like columns of mighty cathedrals and everything is mindful, aware.

"Mummy, I LOVE this forest... I feel so calm here". I know what you mean, little man. I know exactly what you mean.

Sometimes you have to get off the beaten track to find the right path.

Old Haunts

This used to be a regular haunt of ours. We haven't been here for a while. I couldn't help but giggle when I remembered how as a homeschooling posse of muslim mamas we came here when our babes were tots to teach them about trees and some salt dough was produced so the children could make casts of the tree bark. I swear other walkers though we were planting Semtex. Or how little the eldest was then, before the midget was even an idea. How he would try to rugby-tackle everyone around him.

We've been here most autumns to watch the rut, and to say hello to our doe-eyed friends. This year it all felt so different. Maybe it's because they are getting older. Maybe I'm moving on. Maybe we need to come more often.

Memories are a double-edged sword.

Weekending

Bits of weekending that included lots of traveling, lots of animals, lots of knitting, a little sewing and a fair bit of work in pockets of reprieve.

How was your weekend?