redpinemountain.com

Fall

We’ve been having beautiful weather. Sunny, warm days and cool nights. Slowly, the leaves are starting to turn and it’s so beautiful here. I’ve been spending my time trail riding with a friend enjoying the fall foliage and as I ride, I remind myself I’ve accomplished one of my major goals this year. I’m riding again, out on the roads, no longer scared. It’s been almost two years to get to the point where I once again feel confident on a horse and I owe it to a wonderful teacher and a very patient Tennessee Walking Horse.

And as everyone marvels at the string of good weather we’re having, I’m secretly longing for a rainy day and soon enough it arrives.

“Mountain Man, I’m headed up into the woods today with Logan.” I haven’t been in the woods for a while. Not because I don’t want to go but because with the threat of moving hanging over my head lately, I can’t bring myself to go into my beloved woods.

“There’s plenty of other woods.” Mountain Man tells me. Perhaps he’s right but. . .

I can’t stay away any longer. The rain falls lightly. I grab a coat and Logan runs eagerly ahead. Silence envelopes us and I can feel all my tensions slip away

Everything is so beautiful. The leaves, the forest floor and yes, even the fungus growing on old, fallen tree limbs.

I think over the past year, certainly not the best of years nor the easiest in many ways. I don’t know why but I have the feeling this year will be better. A renewed sense of optimism perhaps. Faith that walking through dark times leads us to light.

Logan and I hike for miles and then emerge at the top of our pasture. It’s still drizzling but I don’t mind. I never get tired of this view; the sense of being so far away from everything but God.

And as we walk just a little farther, the sun comes out.

I know, I just have a feeling that on this my birthday day, everything is as it is meant to be.

Thanks for visiting us and enjoy your day.