Feeling Reminiscent

I found myself very reminiscent today. After leaving my parent's house this afternoon, I chose to travel some back roads that haven't felt my presence in years. Many things were different, but much was still the same. Some things were overgrown and abandoned, while others were new and foreign. One thing that still strongly resides there is the memories...

Memories of friends and sunshine, laying around at Stonelick while time blows by...

Memories of pawpaw picking and rock skipping in the still water that meanders through the sunlit valley...

Memories of friends who have come and gone and those who have stayed. I can't help but remind myself how much more important the present is than the past. Of course all of those things have contributed to my unique spirit of today, but the past cannot be dwelled upon. So many why's and what-ifs make it agonizing. So for now, I will remember these things with a happy heart, but they will continue to live in the confines of my foggy recollections where they will only be called upon on days that I feel reminiscent.

Because I couldn't wait until June

Every winter, I await spring's arrival so I can get out and reclaim my love of the outdoors. This spring is no different, so we headed out to one of my favorite nature destinations...

Long Branch Farm is such a treasure. Tucked away, back off the side roads of Goshen, lies 582 acres of beautiful earth waiting to be explored. So we did just that.

Sunny particularly enjoys Long Branch Farm. Just like the campers, the creek and clay wall are her favorite. She also says they have the very best sticks.

We enjoyed a wonderful hike. While Sunny romped through the grass, Aaron sampled the local delicacy. (Honeysuckle) What a great way to start off the spring season!

Sunshine

There's no love in the world like the love of a dog. Selfless, unwavering, eternal.

The second we saw her, we knew she was ours. The sweetest little pudge-ball with clear blue eyes. The day we met, we brought her home. The first addition to our little family, Sunshine.

Ever since then, every day is a new adventure. From running down the sidewalk, to playing fetch in the creek, she keeps me moving...

and always smiling. Boy, does that dog make me smile.

Now here we are, over a year later, and she still melts my heart.

She's overly excited just because I walk through the door. She forgives me when I snap at her. There's no foul mood, no broken heart, that a wet nose and a sloppy kiss can't cure. She is always there for me, every day.

Yeah, there's no love in the world like the love of a dog.

The Rain-Kissed Sunshine

I just love the way the earth breathes after it rains. There is a whole new freshness in the air and everyone and everything can sense it. While the sun was making it's first appearance of the day, casting golden beams over our house, this beautiful purple finch sang confidently from the maple tree in our neighbor's yard.

I love the way the sun illuminates his warm, crimson chest, accenting him upon the cool, blue sky. Sometimes it takes some rain to make us truly appreciate the sunshine.

Running

I underestimated the amazing cleansing affect running would have on my soul. It's just Sunny and me with sidewalk in front of us. I think the best thing it does for me is allows me to reflect. I can explore my spirit without the confines of my schedule, homework, family, teaching or anything else that fills my day-to-day life.

As we ran today, the smell of honeysuckle swirled around in the pre-storm breeze and reminded me of home; the large bush that bloomed every Spring, at the corner of the driveway, where John and I would make it a point to venture out and eat the country honey, little drops at a time. I know it's an invasive species, but with such great memories, I think I can let it slide.

Now I sit, with a clear mind and sleepy dog, ready to tackle the day-to-day once again. A paper, two exams, a painting, and an art piece to work on, but what a beautiful life I have.