No agendas

Yesterday as Tristan asked me for the hundreth time, "Where are the ducks, mom? Why aren't they swimming?" It occurred to me that one cannot approach nature with an agenda. The beautiful thing about nature and being out on a deserted trail or at a natural attraction is the suprises that await. Plans go out the window as I sit and observe a family of chipmunks playing chase on the rocky bank of a pond. The little one gets thirsty and decides to lean over the edge of his rock for a drink. It hits me, I've never seen a chipmunk drinking before. So cool! I came to see the ducks, who are sunbathing on a secluded rock, while the fish frequent the surface for bugs, but I didn't expect to witness a chipmunk taking a drink. I try to relate all of this to Tristan, but he's already distracted trying to climb a retaining wall. I think one of the things I love most about nature is that there is so much to witness and learn, but you cannot be in a hurry. Patience, quiet, and time are key. If I take time out, and just enjoy the natural world around me, I'm always suprised and amazed. Sometimes the best things happen when I put aside my plan and allow myself to soak up the moment. It was great to see Poppy out here the night before last. He taught Tristan how to play Jenga after sharing a meal with us. Then he beat me at a very close game of Cribbage. It was such a sweet night and I'm so glad he made time for it while he was in-town.

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