Into The Woods

Last Sunday we hiked in Burnham's Woods, though perhaps the term "hike" makes our adventure sound much more athletic than it actually was.

We took off down the well beaten path to admire Ontario's autumn beauty at its most glorious. Just looking at these photos again -- I can smell that cool, crisp air, each fallen leaf. I can feel each footstep.

The palette of autumn fills me with something incredible. I want to bottle this feeling so that I may keep it on hand for those dark wintry nights when I feel as though the sun has gone forever & the cold has taken up residence in my bones.

This place has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. The most beautiful thing about living in the same place for your entire existence is the memories, the reminiscent quality to your surroundings and the ability to retrace your steps should it feel right to do so.

My mother used to bring me to these woods as a child, and eventually, when we lived in a house on a parallel road, I would hike on my own for hours, discovering hiding places and cozy reading nooks. I'd pack only a book in my little bag and off I'd go. I'd walk past the paths until I was sure I'd found a new spot -- a place just for me where I wouldn't be disturbed. I'd read for hours, or at least until dinnertime, before packing up and finding my way back to the road.

These woods feel like a time capsule to me. My childhood clings to rocks and trees like the lichen and soft moss.

I feel at peace here.

And I'm so grateful to be able to share this with my daughter.

Where do you feel at peace, friends?

Do the woods ever speak to you too?