Return to the Pond.

Dear Diary,

Just had to get back to the pond. The weather has been perfect the second half of the week. This time I visited the eastern shore. I loved how the light illuminated this old birch tree, with the pond in the background. I don't suspect it will be standing for too many more years but it leans gently on the young tree for support.

There is a diversity of trees around the pond...pine and hemlock, maple, birch and oak. As I walked to the shore, the ground was soft as a sponge. Decades of leaves and pine needles have built up this thick layer that makes it feel like you are walking on a soft mattress.

As the world is torn with conflict and chaos, this little pond simply lives its life, day by day, season by season. Sitting on the soft pine needle pillow with my back supported by a tall pine tree, it is as if all that, "out there", is far, far away. There is only peace and harmony here.

Absorbing the peace of this place....