Thursday, May 28, 2015

Memoir Of The Days When The Stars Shone And The Hyenas Laughed


It was a breath of fresh air, so to speak.

Three days of amalgamation with the elements : living in a tent that wouldn't close, barbecuing on an indifferent flame, forgetting to bring sugar with our goodies, swimming in the near freezing water, trekking to the dock in the pitch of dark with our flash lights turned off (hence falling on the way), bathing in exactly 43 seconds cause after that the shower dispensed cold water, the garbage bag torn apart by a nocturnal visit from an attentive raccoon (or bear!) ..... :)

I have camped before. This time was something else, it was nearly perfect. I felt welcomed, like I belong. I was home. The silence was glorious. The lake understood me. The conversations concise, meaningful. It was a resting place for every aching soul. The islands beckoned, the water seduced, the colorful canoes enticed.

Who could resist such charms? I submitted myself to the pleasures. Felt a calm rush through me. My heart overpowered my being and for a few moments I felt at ease. My mind stopped talking.

The skies graciously presented a spectacular display of millions of stars, arranged in a pattern that would be pleasing to my eyes. To tell me I was special, they threw in a couple shooting stars into the mix.

The morning lake did justice to its name. Silent. Beautiful and serene, it said so much by saying nothing : like a perfect companion.

A visit to an antique store and some souvenirs later, the return to my seemingly 'normal' life commenced. But I was smiling.


That night back home, enthralled and exhausted, I lay my tired body on the soft comfort of my California bed. Gratitude filled me, along with a pleasant realization of how much I have. I closed my eyes. Sleep visited in less than eight seconds.