I spent a good portion of the day in the tops of trees. Sometimes wriggling, sometimes jumping, sometimes balancing my way through the tangle that is the tree’s highway system. On occasion I was rewarded with a view over the valley or of the next rolling hill or simply more leaves and branches. But the view was not why I was there, no it is merely an added perk of arriving on those perilous topmost limbs. The reason I was there, in the top of the tallest trees could find, was to engage the wind and learn its secrets. Secrets like the ones it whispers to the leaves as it passes by and all the leaves laugh or cry in response. Secrets from far off lands, secrets as old as time. Secrets that have been caressing the earth since the very time God breathed it into existence. Perched on limbs waiting for that breath of fresh air to pass through on its grand adventure across the globe.

There is something fantastic about the simple pleasures in life.

alone in the fog with only a fence for company.

the rain splattered against the windshield as we meandered through Oregon’s hills and valleys and trees and culture. the low hanging fog created a spectacle of warmth contrasting the brisk air careening past the open windows. it was a road trip and it was good.

Redwood National Park.

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sunset after my birthday last year in Ventura, CA

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Redwood National Park, CA

A note from a friend to my grandmother after my grandfather passed away:

“I know the futility of words in such an hour as you are now passing through. I can only send you my love and assure you out of my own expeirence that God is merciful, and that time heals the first unbearable sharpness.

In thinking of Richard it has helped me to remember that our beloved dead are the only ones of all our family circle who are constantly with us, since time and space no longer have power over their spirits.

I know his living presence and all your happy memories together will still be close to you forever and ever.”

Sunset Lake Te Anau, New Zealand

“It may seem counter intuitive, but the more civilized we seem to become, the more detached from the pain of others we end up finding ourselves.” – Erwin McManus

A cool fall evening at Rock Creek Lake, Toms Place, CA.

“Hitch your wagon to a star.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson