Tuesday, April 12, 2011

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.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

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.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

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.

Friday, April 1, 2011

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.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Sunshine



It's been raining all morning and off and on the past few days.  I even saw hail dime size fall for a few mins. All the gray clouds can really get to me. So I thought I would share a couple of pictures from two recent mornings without the rain. The top is on the St. John's River and the bottom is from the fishing spot Sunday.

Here's a song that made me smile this morning.