Whispering wind in the Woods

It's March 1, 2005.  A fresh blanket of white greeted us this morning from the near foot of snow that fell last night.  After brushing the glistening soft powder from my Jeep, the wonder and mystery of a gray winter day had me.  I found myself going for a walk around my condo complex breathing in the fresh air and throwing snow balls into the woods.  For a moment, I longed to have someone special to share the fun and frivolity with. But, this morning, I was going solo and making the best of it.  I discovered it was much more fun aiming snow balls at tree trunks and seeing how far I could throw them than hurrying back to empty the dishwasher.  I wasn't really sure I was finished with my outdoor jaunt but it was time to head to the post office to mail a batch of cookies to my sister.  It was then I knew for sure I had to give in to the last vestiges of winter and continue in my call of the wild venture.  But, where?  Where could I get away from shoveled pavement and noisy streets?  As I pulled out of the post office parking lot, my destination suddenly became clear.  Emerson Woods only about fifteen minutes away. After arriving I found that no one was venturing out on the snow covered paths...no one, that is, except me.  I couldn't resist.  Perhaps a cardinal will land on a tree branch.  Or, a deer will saunter through and I'll snap my first award winning photo!  However, neither cooperated; not even a rabit!  But, that didn't stop Top Blond. And so with a long twig that served me well as a walking stick, I began my trek into the woods.  I couldn't have been happier!  It would have been so easy to ignore my inner voice for one reason or another.  It's not every day that I have the opportunity to act on a whim and follow my heart. But, today was mine and I would have missed natures gift.  The wind whispering high in the barren branches, the scrumptious crunch, crunch of my boots as I made footprints along the pristine path, and the shadowy images of the spindly trees sweeping across the fallen logs and twigs when the sun peeked through the steely gray sky were like healing balm.  And like a hug I gave to myself...to reaffirm that no matter what the day brings...Top Blond is taking the day and it's going to be a good one...see you next time.