Thursday, August 2, 2012

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle took you into the thick of it, opening up our woodsy theme this week. Lizzy reviewed the rustic historical fiction novel, Beneath the Slashings by Michelle Isenhoff, telling us the story about twins, Grace and Samuel, and their experiences living at a logging camp deep in the forest. Today, we want to share with you our thoughts about the magic found in these vast arenas of natural wonder. It was truly a pleasure for Lizzy and I to chat about this topic and we had fun putting together this tribute to one of nature's most amazing canvases.

This week's top of the heap: Great forests

Lizzy: Going into the woods to play or hiking to a beautiful area are two of my favorite ways to spend a day. Living in the city- I don’t get to do either as much as I would like. I have been lucky enough to go on a couple of really cool family vacations. My dad took me and my brother to Yellowstone National Park a couple of years ago, and I fell in love with it. I even became a junior ranger while I was there, which I thought was pretty awesome. There is so much to love about forests, trees, and nature in general. Yellowstone is my favorite park and the variety of forests there is astounding. One thing that amazes me is that even though there have been massive fires in the park, new trees grow, and the park continues to change. Yellowstone has a variety of different landscapes, and it is fascinating to see trees in such unique places. If you look at the forest from far away, you get one image and, as you zoom in, all types of things come into focus. When I am in the forest, or at Yellowstone, I can feel the magic of the woods and I just know that there are many secrets hidden within them. I feel at peace in the forest and I believe that way back my ancestors must have lived in the forest, because for me it just feels right. If you haven’t been to Yellowstone National Park- I highly recommend it. ~L




Fairday: I cannot help but enjoy the freedom of being alone in the woods. I always find that I feel very small, but connected to nature at the same time. It's like how I feel about life-  that it's as big or small as it is, and functions harmoniously without any interference. There is a constant flow of creation and destruction, and in this place of peace, there is always an underlying tone of excitement: an eagle hunting, a fox trotting by, fish gathering in a babbling brook. The stillness and movement of nature is forever at ease, bringing a sense of security amidst the perfectly organized disorder. I tend to stroll, rather thank hike, when I walk in the woods. I usually have my camera and truly enjoy capturing the magic happening all around me. There are so many different dimensions to it when you start to look around. Suddenly, light pours through a silk spiderweb, or a magnificently bizarre bug emerges from under a rock- I find these small, insignificant things to be so enchanting, and, when examined with a quiet mind, the images emerge into what seems like an endless dreamscape of color and creativity- completely and utterly miraculous. I absolutely love how dramatic the trees often seem, and I cannot walk by a patch of moss without touching it ~ F



18 comments:

  1. I've been to Yellowstone so many times and love it so much. Lots of spiritual energy there.
    Forests are amazing. Even in their silence they speak to us.

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    1. Donna- You are such a beautiful writer. Loved what you wrote here- and so true. :) ~F

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  2. I've been to Yellowstone too. But I have to say the most awesome forest I was ever in was Muir Woods. Standing amid the redwoods I felt myself in a very holy and sacred place.

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    1. Bish- Muir Woods is out of this world. The trees are so large and have been around for so long. I would love to hear their secrets. Thanks for sharing! ~L

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  3. I'm waiting for my copy of Beneath the Slashings...can't wait.

    The outdoors, wherever you are, are a wonder. Beautiful thoughts and images shared here.

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    1. Barbara- Happy reading when your book comes. :) I agree with you- that the outdoors in general is just the best. Glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for stopping by! ~F and L

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    1. Patty- Moss is such a unique texture! I love to look at it. :) ~F

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  5. Never been west of the Mississippi, but these pictures are breathtaking!!! {fellow woods-lover here} Thank you for sharing <3

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    1. M.A.D.- The woods are wonderful everywhere I am sure! I haven't been to too many places- but I have yet to meet a forest I didn't like. :) Thanks for stopping by! ~F

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  6. I'm newly back from a week in Yosemite. I share your love of the forest - especially the way it plays with light. Yellowstone is a magical place to me as well. Some parts of it are like being on a whole different planet.

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    1. Leslie- Yosemite sounds wonderful! The way the light streams in at all different times is so magical. I agree with you that Yellowstone is out of this world. I felt like I was on another planet when I was experiencing some of the unuque features it has to offer! ~L

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  7. I'm a forest and sea kind of girl, too. Sunlight seems to stream in differently at these places. And it's always nice to spot a bug you've never seen before. Yellowstone sounds lovely!

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    1. Claudine- The forest and sea are two of my favorite places. Both are calming in different ways. So much to see out there! Thanks for stopping by. :) ~F

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  8. Looks lovely and peaceful,the spider on the left made me jump lol :)

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    1. Clairejustine- Thanks for stopping by. So many beautiful scenes out there to soak up. I can understand why the spider made you jump. :) ~F

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  9. I’ve never been to Yellowstone – but maybe one-day!

    My dad was a farm worker, so I grew up playing in and around woods. Most of my school friends lived in a village about 12 miles away, so after school and holidays I was almost always alone. However, I was never afraid and never felt lonely, climbing trees, building dens, watching birds and animals, finding and following a stream – what could be better? I would go out early in the morning and return just as it was getting dark; my parents never worried about me, I always came home filthy but happy.

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    1. Barbara- I hope you get to Yellowstone one day- I can't wait to get there, too! Like you, I spent most of my childhood alone- playing outside. I wasn't lonely either! Too much to see, do, and explore. :) We would have had such fun playing together and exploring nature. I love that you love and enjoy the outdoors so much. ~Jess

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