Nature’s Glory
One of my father’s life goals is to own acreage in a rural area of Maine. When I say rural, I mean a town without a name because not enough people populate it to consider the land a “town”. He hates cities, noise, and heat. He’s a wilderness man through and through who works hard for each and every penny earned. My crazy, sporadic, loving mother wanted to show my father how much we appreciate him. Last year, we gathered as a family when we gave him the gift he never could have imagined: a rustic cabin in Athens, Maine with 26 acres of hunting land set on Lemon Brook. It really is quite adorable; the previous owners created a very woodsy theme including moose curtains and small antique appliances. It’s set off the road without any markers. In fact, despite having been there several times before, I needed my dad to come stand by the road so we could find the turn off. I spent Columbus Day weekend in the great Maine woods. The leaves are changing and the colors are gorgeous. What strikes me about this area of Maine is the quiet: the silence is overwhelming. At night, the only sounds heard are the soft bubbling of the brook and the living woods. The trees come to life in the darkness of night. Frogs, deer, birds all awaken when the sun is setting and the sounds of rustling begin. It’s a peaceful symphony. With a fire lit in the cold air, I stood outside to be as close to the stars as I’ve ever been. Without city lights or pollution, they seem closer and brighter. Sometimes, and this was one of those times, I feel so humbled by the beauty we are bestowed here on Earth. That we are lucky enough to enjoy the spectacular displays nature puts on for us. I need to remember this daily. Today, I hope you are able to find something to be grateful for in nature. Look around.
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