Day 445

Up at the cottage where angst and worry leave two-legged and four-legged alike! What is it about Minnesota's Up North that calms the spirit? Perhaps it is a combination of gifts to the senses. Water, pines, crickets, loons, peace and sleeping Goldens on the deck. What a healing, rejuvenating aura.

There are other places that hold that ambiance for me. I have found it gazing at the majestic peaks of the Rockies. The oceans also soothe my soul. Walking on a forest path with only my footsteps echoing against the trees is a balm to any concerns knocking at my door as well.

Like most people, access to these wonderful escapes to nature are not easily attainable every day. So, what alternatives are within reach?

For me, music is a beautiful escape. Hobbies, puzzles, writing and a host of other "calmers" are close at hand. Not that my life is full of nerve-racking occurrences, but I do feel the need to calm those nerves now and then.

However, the best medicine to bring peace into my world is close at hand. Family, faith and Goldens are always within reach. Even though Gus and Sam are roughhousing and the Golden Oldies are begging for supper, my world is calm and full of peace. It's not the mountains, but I wouldn't trade this moment for the world!