APRIL FOOL

Yesterday afternoon I drove down to Prairie Pond Woods to resume the "businistry" of  Heart by Nature Retreats. Upon arrival, I heard several phoebes calling and before I went to bed a barred owl hooted from the woods.  In between, I took a walk and a friend from down the road invited me to dinner at their cabin.  It was a lovely way to begin this next season of writing and hosting retreats for women.

Walking the paths in the afternoon sunlight with Cyon, the beginning of a blog post I wrote in 2005 came to mind: 

"As I approached the wooded trail-head at Spring Valley Wildlife Area, I noticed something about myself. For whatever reason, I was not focused outwardly at that moment, but inwardly, and sensed a slight physical change, a minor elevation of heart rate perhaps, the tiniest release of adrenaline maybe...the kind of change you might experience seeing a good friend approaching unexpectedly. The moment I stepped over the chain separating woods from parking lot and on to the path, I was aware of the great expectation of discovery and a settling calm inside."

This is how I feel being here again; looking forward to whatever the days bring forth.  Like a trail head I have never been down before, I am unaware of what is before me.  Is it a straight path? A winding trail? Is it steep or wet, and are there interesting things to see?  Each time someone ventures down any trail, old or new, mysteries await. 

The trails in my life have always been a little rocky, winding and less traveled.  They were built by the pain of inner wounds, friendship, beauty, God, more pain, nature and healing.  They have been maintained by solitude in the wild, wrestling prayer and love.


So every April I open my heart, the retreat house, and our nature trails so that other women can come to find their hearts in nature.  It isn't the most popular activity to do in our culture. I know that. It may be scary for some and others may find it a foolish waste of time.  But I am an April fool...so when the creatures begin to stir and the earth magically greens-up in small bursts...I just want to share it with all the other fools out there!  

BIRD WATCHING AS MEDITATION

MAY 2-4, 201

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TOP TEN

The 
Top  Ten

 things to do at
Prairie Pond Woods
April - October

When planning a personal retreat this year, the beauty of these seasonal events might help you choose the perfect month!

 1. During Full Moons, strap on headlamps (if you even need them) and take a walk on the Refresher Course, the path that winds through Prairie Pond Woods' 27-acres.

2.    During the Waning, Waxing or New Moon phase view billions of stars in the dark sky free of light pollution!  Take binoculars to see star clusters and bright planets better.

3.    In early April a half-hour before dusk, sit outside to listen to the mating call of the Woodcock in the fields.  Also watch for his winding, whistling aerial display.

4.    In late April, walk to the pond before dusk to listen to high-decibel Spring Peepers and other amphibians calling. See how long you can sit there! 

5.    In early May, before leaves begin to dress the trees, hike to the Woodland Cathedral. Listen and watch for warblers, tanagers, vireos and more! 

6.    In June, see millions of fireflies flicker in the fields, woods or prairie. It’s a light show!

7.    In July take a favorite book and meander the Refresher Course with dazzling displays of butterflies and butterfly weed. End at the Pine Sanctuary swing and read to your heart’s content in the coolness!

8.    In August, dragonflies at the pond offer hours of entertainment and tranquility.

9. September brings out the photogenic complimentary colors of purple ironweed and yellow goldenrods and sunflowers.  Bring your camera!

9. October is a great month to hike all the property and end at the pond to see the fall colors reflected in the water.  Hiking at The Edge or Shawnee State Park is also recommended during the fall.

THE ART OF SITTING...IN THE WOODS

We call this spot, The Woodland Cathedral because, well, it just feels holy when you sit there. You will undoubtedly hear the crescendo of the Ovenbird song in the spring. Up on the ridge in the tangles of underbrush, a Hooded Warbler faithfully sings his "witcha-witcha-wee-oh" each summer.  A Pileated Woodpecker may also startle the silence with its loud, staccato call, as it swoops through the colored canopy in autumn.

This is a good place to contemplate whether your own voice is being heard in the world...




"Don't try to figure out what other people want from you; figure out what you have to say.  It's the one and only thing you have to offer.  
                       

 -Barbara Kingsolver

 If you prefer not to trek up the hill, another spot at the bottom of the trail awaits. This Adirondack chair sits across from a small patch of newly planted woodland flowers, anchored by one Mountain Laurel bush that I planted several years ago. This summer I planted Virgiania bluebells, Jacob's ladder and wild geraniums. If all goes well, next spring these will flourish alongside Giant Solomon's Seal, Bellwort, Mayapples and Two-flowered Cynthias.  

This is the third and final spot in the woods for reflection, should you come for a Personal Retreat.  There is nothing more relaxing...more quieting...more comforting than being surrounded by such beautiful gifts of creation.  

To find out more about taking a Personal Retreat visit the 
Heart by Nature Retreats Website