Green Returns to the Marshes

While it was low tide I took an early Sunday Morning stroll along a familiar oyster reef at the Guana State Preserve. I had some time alone and was again lost in my thoughts. Nature has always had a way of allowing my thoughts to multiply and then settle into resolution. I find that my biggest life decisions can usually be made with the help of "nature's wipers."

At first glance the marshes looked brown and dead; but then slowly I spotted the new life. Green grasses with fresh life sprouting up everywhere. The death of Winter is subtly being replaced with the new life of Spring. Soon these new sprouts will be taller and stronger than the brown carried over from the winter season.

Change is in the air everywhere. I thought about the different stages of change in my own life. Changes over the past year and changes that still have yet to be made. Some changes are brought on naturally others must be "self-initiated." We see the brown left over from our winter seasons and initiate new growth. Sometimes these changes happen slowly over time but sometimes we have to go after them fiercely, initiating our own Spring.

Opportunities for change and improvement are all around us. We see the brown and come to the realization that it is dead. There is no use holding onto it for it is not alive anymore. Change, uncomfortable as it may be, is necessary in our lives. We do not have to settle with our circumstances. We can change them.

Are there any brown spots in your heart that can use a little green sprout? I know that I found a few in my own and I must say... a new fresh perspective and a little self-initiated change can lead to an abundance of happiness. Identify, initiate, and then watch your life sprout forward with the green grass of change. It is yours for the taking.

I made a mix for you.  

Look up it's alright

I'm back from a vacation. I spent my time looking up. Here is a song by Death Cab For Cutie that I just can't stop playing.

Little Talbot Island State Park

Saturday afternoon we headed north to Little Talbot Island State Park. With a spirit of adventure we decided to take on the four mile trail that eventually leads out to the Atlantic Ocean. The changes in scenery and elevation were often so dramatic that we didn't know what to expect next. Centuries of oceanic activity has left this area with some pretty amazing terrain. Sand dunes have become forests. Forest have become dunes. The changes are daily yet millennial as well. There is a sense of timelessness there. Something ageless and eternal.

As we made our way closer to the trails' head we could hear a faint sound in the distance. Almost like a distant buzzing at first and then louder and louder, the ocean's roar grew in our ears. Emerging from the woods into a clearing we discovered some of the biggest sand dunes we have ever seen and simply could not leave them unconquered.  One by one, single file like ants we climbed to the top and were taken back by the breath-taking view.  The ocean, blue and vast in the distance just beyond the last bit of woods.

At that point, almost instinctively we knew what was next. Shedding our shirts and shoes like shackles of fear, we ran toward to the water's edge awaiting us.  Into the deep submerging ourselves we swam, splashed, frolicked and played.  Like children laughing, our cares and worries were taken away with the ocean's tide.

Refreshed, Awakened once again, we were greeted with a spectacular sunset on the way home. The perfect ending for a perfect day.

Cedar Point Peace

Spending time with some of my closest friends over the weekend; we discovered Cedar Point. This area was once a "center" of the Timucua Nation, a historically peaceful Native American Tribe that called Cedar Point home. They lived off oysters harvested from the creeks and marshes and have left many oyster mounds behind that still remain to this day. The last remnants of a Nation and their peaceful ways.

Reflecting on their life and the serenity that this place brings, it is no wonder they called this place home. Peace is its own reward, and truly blessed are the peacemakers. As I reflected and let the worries seep from my mind I was reminded of what it means to truly keep the peace. I thought about how anger is the forerunner of violence and that if one is to truly have peace then one must be willing to "sow" seeds of peace versus adversity. Anger is never without a reason, but too seldom a good one. To be a peacemaker is truly divine.. it goes against human nature of self-preference...but the reward is sweet serenity.

There are some things money can't buy. a walk among ruins.. a talk with close friends... or simple peace of mind!

May you find the strength to be a "peacemaker" and may you have peace in all of your days.

Here's a short video that caught my eye today called Sermon on the Mound by phos pictures.

Life Resurrected

After a week of rain the sun came back just in time for some weekend fun. Instead of putting my feet up, I went on a couple of adventures in the woods. Feeling like a child again is easy with all the fresh green growth springing up around you. Like a rebirth with the Seasons, I am made young again. The resurrection ferns have unfurled with the recent rain, boysenberries almost ready to harvest, fresh leaves provide comfortable shade and food for the returning insects. The "Life Season" is finally upon us.

Resurrection each year.  Like a timely clock. Spring returns to us once again and we are reminded of new chances for change and renewal. May this Spring bring you new life and many rebirths.

I was reminded of a song and video last week after jumping through some puddles with friends.

Put your feet up

It's April already guys and it's a Friday! No real plans to speak of - except spend some quality time with my feet up. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.