My writing has been sporadic here, but I just wanted to share a few simple thoughts and pictures. After all, not everything has to be profound or challenging. In fact, today is a perfect day to reflect on the simple things…beauty, joy.
My husband, Bruce, and I decided recently to take advantage of the scenic parks in our county. That is, more than we have before. We have wooded areas, wetlands, lakes and rivers. I am not physically able to cover much of the terrain, but my scooter does pretty well on some of the grassy areas, and I am grateful for the paved trails. On the third Sunday of each month, we now have a plan: attend Mass, eat at the local Knights of Columbus all you can eat breakfast, then change clothes and drive out for a scenic afternoon.
Our park for today: Kickapoo State Park in rural Oakwood Illinois. Today was a gorgeous, sunny day to enjoy the green foliage and spring flowers. It was also quite breezy! The wind felt cold on my face, but as soon as it stopped, the warmth of the sun took care of me! Bruce brought his camera and took well over 100 pictures.
Everything looked so serene and beautiful. Even the weeds! (I could almost hear my mom sneezing!) We saw some people fishing in the river, though the fishing wasn’t good that day. Or so we were told. But it didn’t matter. It was a great day to enjoy being outside; a great day to start up a conversation with someone new on the trail; a great day to rejoice in God’s creation! 
I’m posting just a few pictures today, but I hope to use more of them later. The land is generally flat here in central Illinois, but it is hard to deny how lush everything looks this spring! I don’t know about you, but I don’t need mountains to be impressed. I even got a kick out of some Mallard ducks playing in the water and diving for their lunch. Bruce and I just watched for a while. The quiet and slow pace of our afternoon was such a blessed break from computer and television screens.
I think I will try this again next month. A different park; some different photos. This could be a fun new tradition. Stay tuned! Better yet, spend time at a park in your area. Even if you live in an urban environment, search for a city park. More and more communities are working to reinvigorate those areas. I think it is because we all can benefit from some time to be unplugged. Tell me about your favorite park below in the comments.
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights!Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his host!Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars!Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created.And he established them for ever and ever; he fixed their bounds which cannot be passed.Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!Beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!Young men and maidens together, old men and children!Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the LORD!Psalm 148
