This weekend was not exactly as planned. Friday I experienced an unexpected hurt. Since then I have been enveloped in the love of my friends and have until today rarely had a moment alone. I am as ever grateful for the love and support of my friends. They are each beautiful and special to me. Today though I decided to do something I had wanted to do this weekend all along anyhow and visited the Blue Hills. I had not been there in some time and was anxious to see my favorite trees and walk along some of my favorite trails.

When I arrived I walked along the familiar entry point with purpose. It had changed little from my last visit and this was a tremendous comfort; however as I reached the top, the clearing to the trail was covered and overgrown. Slightly confused I traveled to the left. Had I forgotten the trail or had it changed in my absence? As I wandered about a determined spirit came over me. I would figure this out. As I worked to do so I felt sturdy and assured and unfortunately that feeling helped me to not focus on where I was stepping. I slid on a loose rock and hurt my ankle. As I stumbled over to a large rock to sit and assess my pain, I felt frustrated. I calculated my pain. I considered that I was not far from the start of the trail and thus my car. I could easily turn around. As I gingerly stood up I realized that the pain, while acute, was bearable. I could handle it. I could figure out the trail. I could do it...and as I stood and looked around I saw some other hikers and realized the trail was indeed near. I rotated my ankle a bit and I was off.

I took the trail to Houghton's Pond and while I gazed at the water and the sunlight dancing against it, I was reminded how resilient and strong my spirit can be. I was also reminded once again how healing nature can be. It is my soul. It is my grace. Four miles to remember who I am, four miles to remember that the pain in my heart, like my ankle, while acute- is bearable (and temporary). Always remember my friends that we are all resilient. Be brave. And smile. Always remember to smile.

One of my old friends. The way the sun hit it today was extraordinary.

Thank goodness for waterproof shoes! It was too tempting to not wander into the water and snap this and I would have done it regardless. So yes, thank goodness for waterproof shoes.

How could this view not help but heal one? I love the way the clouds swirl in the background.