Making a New Friend

Once, I came home from vacation and, stepping onto a certain patch of land, took a deep breath and sighed, "Hello friend, I've missed you." I noted the moment as the first time I called the land my friend. I had spent time in this place. I knew the rocks and the ditches. I had watched trees grow. I saw deer, turkey, fox and even a coyote during my time with that land. I knew the smell of the pine, the shape of the oak in the back corner. Who would have thought that land could feel like a friend? 

You know what's a bad way to start a friendship? Judgment.

Telling everyone you know that a potential new friend is "weird" or "ugly".

In a mid-April post, I talked about the "barren" and "damaged" land around our house. What was I thinking??? We hadn't even said "hello" or shook hands.

April is about to roll over into May, we have been in this house a little over a week and the land is just beginning to reveal itself. Absolutely, there is damage. Construction, demolition... how could there not be damage?

But the oaks and maples are coming in (along with the poison oak 😕). There are irises and thistle, honeysuckle. There are acres of woods behind our house with trails that we have permission to use, for now. Jasper and I have only begun to explore. 

Walter and I have seen Woodcocks in the field and a few Cardinals have visited.

This place is brimming with life. Reminding me of the definition of Spring.

The bridge over the creek, entrance into the woods.

I always tell Walt that we need to live here for a bit before we make choices. We will be changing the landscape, we have hopes and plans for pasture and gardens and greenhouses but now... today is my season for listening. I want to see what is here, understand what is growing and understand the scarred beauty around me. I want to see this land, our home, as a friend. 

Four seasons. This is only the beginning. I can't wait to see what May brings

Jasper loves bark.

                                  

He's really proud of this tree bark.