Enveloped by environment

My in-laws live in a small town in the midwest.  Mid-morning today I took a leisurely walk – and thoroughly enjoyed the nature of my current surroundings.

I loved feeling the contrasts of smooth-and-slightly-springy asphalt, compared to crunchy gravel, compared to squishy-and-soft dirt roads.  I basked in a beautiful blue sky dappled with bright-white fluffy clouds, stretches of warm sunshine followed by sections of cool shade (graciously provided by nearby trees), and the clean smell of the fresh air.  I delighted in seeing wildflowers alongside paths and trails, wide open fields of crops or hay bails, and an unexpected fire-engine-red hydrant amid tall grasses.  I appreciated the companionship of several monarch butterflies, an occasional chipmunk or squirrel, and too many birds to name.

The colors were all so vibrant, the sounds of the grass and animals and wind were so melodic, the tactile sensations I experienced literally from the top of my head to the soles of my feet were so engaging…the peaceful nature of everything was just so pervasive.  It’s difficult for me to articulate exactly what it was I felt on my walk; the closest I can come up with is “divine”.

Stef

(Some pictures – that don’t quite capture the complete essence of the moments I experienced, but come as close as they can…)  [You can click on any picture to make it full-screen.]