“It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts,
as for that subtle something,
that quality of air, that emanation from old trees,
that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.
-Robert Louis Stevenson-

I hadn’t planned to go to the park that crisp spring morning last week, but my appointment ended sooner than I expected and I had full twenty minutes to spare, so off I went.

I love moments like that. Those unexpected gifts of time that are so precious in the midst of a busy day.

There was hardly anyone at the park so early in the morning, and I had the whole forest to myself save for birds twittering in the tree tops and the occasional squirrel bounding through the underbrush.

It was that delicious sort of early morning cold that makes you take deep cleansing breaths and feel heartily glad to be alive.

Wild Mushrooms

It also made me want to play hooky and fritter away an entire day picking berries, lolling by the stream reading, or ambling along squishy, pine-needled pathways.

But I was a good girl and stuck with a 20-minute amble, stopping often to bend down and inspect sturdy mushrooms, delightfully curly ferns, and a carpet of cheery yellow blossoms.

Curly fern

As excited as I am about moving to Australia, I do so love Washington State with her dense forests, rugged coastline, and achingly fresh, rain-washed air.

And until I move, I’m going to enjoy every moment of it.

wood flowers

What is your favorite part about where you live?