Sometimes I just need a walk in the forest after work to unwind before heading home. Today was just such a day after a long day in the office. As I walk I can feel my breathing slowing down, becoming more deep, my pulse slowing, my blood pressure lowering, my vision becomes more focused and I start to notice things. Small things that might otherwise be overlooked, like a young garter snake and a tiny frog nestled under the delicate mushrooms. The sun was low in the sky and the forest was quiet except for the occasional dropping acorn.
Soon night will fall and I hurry home to have supper and spend time with my family.
Beautiful prose that captures a very meditative time. Thank you for sharing that sense of peace and focus that a woods walk provides, and for catching the setting sun.
Posted by: Patricia Longoria | August 18, 2010 at 10:56 PM
I totally understand how your body & your mind suddenly are at peace as soon as you walk in the forest/wood/or any natural place. (like the beach when there is noone) But the forest is particularly enchanting. I loved the skeleton leaf, and of course all of the other photos ! Thank you for sharing. Patricia said it so much better than me ! (what a writer, that Pat !) xoxo
Sonia
Posted by: Cozy Memories | August 19, 2010 at 02:52 AM
So nice hear of how you take the time to have peace in your busy life. Inspiring really - we all need to remember to take some quiet time : ) These photos are beautiful, I especially like the 'big' white mushroom.
Posted by: Jill Wignall | August 19, 2010 at 03:31 AM
I felt myself relaxing as I read this post! Thanks
Posted by: Julie Shackson | August 19, 2010 at 06:13 AM
My breathing slows down too when I go for a walk on my mountain. However, when I spot a mushroom, like that all white one in your third to last photo, it quickens right back up again. It is almost as if it is so delicate & beautiful, like a fairy in the woods, it is going to disappear before I get a chance to photograph it. Carolina
Posted by: The Muse of The Day | August 19, 2010 at 08:23 AM
Your photos need no words and yet say so much. Thank you for these few moments of peace and solitude.
Posted by: Angie | August 19, 2010 at 08:46 AM
Beautiful! Do you know the children's book I AM A MOUSE? It's about a mouse named Deedee who takes readers through his day in the forest and introduces them to all his small friends. You've almost recreated it here. (And in many of your other photo essays.) The last lines of the book are, "But when I see the owl I hurry home before he sees me. Before I go to bed at night I watch the lovely sun go down." I think that's why I love your blog so much--it reminds me of this book, which is the one that taught me to read.
Posted by: Laura A. | August 19, 2010 at 01:23 PM
these photos are lovely, and i sense autumn!
Posted by: melissa | August 19, 2010 at 09:38 PM
beautiful, calming photos - next best thing to taking a walk in the woods myself!
Posted by: k | August 19, 2010 at 10:28 PM
First of all I want to say you that these are awesome photographs you have taken and I really appreciate.Yes I know that how it feel to walk in forest.It is like a great experience.That snake picture is just amazing one.
Posted by: Anika | August 20, 2010 at 03:58 AM
Love this post. It's a great reminder for me to do the same when I feel that edgy feeling taking over. It's funny how often I forget that nature is my greatest healer. There is just nothing like the high it brings! Though if I ran into a snake in the woods, I am sure my blood pressure would sky rocket! Thankfully, we don't have snakes here... but my time in Texas and Arizona provided plenty of opportunities for me to be certain that if there is anything in the natural world I could do without it would be snakes. Lovely photos--I especially love the sun flaring through the bark. Perfect.
Posted by: jenny | August 20, 2010 at 12:55 PM
We got lucky with the weather, and so many people told us we had to visit Derrynane, so we were thrilled to include it in our renewals.
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