The Power of Silence

Life has a way of taking over at times and the tasks of going to and from work, buying groceries and taking care of the house, yard, kids, and dogs can feel as if it is keeping you from really being you.  I have to admit that’s how I have felt the past couple of weeks.  Big events have happened though–such as moving my daughter to get her ready for another year of college is just one.

And oh, we have had some serious rain this season.  It has almost become a bad habit of mine to look at my work schedule and compare it to the forecast only to become very frustrated to see that the weather gods are conspiring against me and keeping me from my long hikes.

So yesterday I was determined to get out somewhere!  I gave “life” some of its due though.  I grocery shopped, washed my car, and did some laundry as well as other chores.  But then I called Riley over to me and had her sit and then said the magic words, “let’s go for a walk”.  You should see the joy on that dog’s face when I say that to her!

And so we walked or hiked on this mountain and out to our favorite ridge and around the cabin and back.  And let me tell you–I felt so strongly the power of the mountains and the silence they offer.  I want so badly at times to bring that immediate moment back and put it here on this page to share with everyone–but pictures and little videos may never be able to do these Appalachian mountains justice.

The ridge view today
The ridge view today

The view from the ridge took my breath away as always.  And the forest with its floor dappled with little bits of sunshine was truly lush thanks to all of the rain that has fallen.  I found one beautiful little orange flower in the field and just had to capture it to share.  And then walking back to the cabin I saw this beautiful fox grape vine hanging and blowing in the wind with great clusters of green grapes ripening in the sunshine.

The mountainside
The mountainside
Beautiful color
Beautiful color

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Enjoy this video and a chance find in the silence.