Sometimes, on warm, dreamy summer evenings, I love to go to a special place. It's not much to others, I guess, but for me it's my favorite place. I've spent a long day in a cold hard world. I need healing. I need to recuperate before tomorrow takes me back again. Today, I saw so much pain, suffering, and outright cruelty that I am weak at heart, sick in body, and failing in spirit. It's like this almost everyday. But I, unlike others, have my special spot. I call it my mountain retreat.

I walk slowly through the woods, savoring the sights and sounds. Then I reach a small clearing, and I pause to gaze. This is my retreat. It's just a small field surrounded by pines, and a small stream gurgles through it. But it's mine and I love it, I treasure it. This place is held close to my heart.

I take off my shoes and walk through the grass, loving the feel of it on my feet. Then I reach the middle, and I sit down, gazing upward at the beautiful sky. The world is ablaze with many colors, as the sun laughingly throws herself through the clouds. Magenta, amber, crimson, and gold combine in nature's finest display of brilliance. I lay in awe, and breathe a sigh, as the last ray flashes goodnight. Then the sun is gone, and the land starts to darken. The birds are singing their last songs. The time after sunset, just before darkness, is alive with the creature's stirrings. Some are preparing to sleep, some are just waking. Each has their place in the forest. Finally, all begins to quiet, the birds are hushed, and the darkness has fallen. Then the tree frogs take over and fill the air. Their chirping is the orchestra of the night.

As I lay there and listen, the dew begins to fall, and it's dampness touches my face. I let the sounds and smells engulf me. Pine, dew, and clover are wafted on the breeze. Gently I raise up and look around me. A few deer are grazing not far away. They have taken courage from the night, to drift forth into the meadow. They do not see me, and I remain very still, wondering at their graceful dignity. Their movements are gentle, and so silent, I hadn't even heard them join me.

My thoughts of the deer are interrupted, as I feel a warm glow touch my face. The moon has risen and I lie back down, basking in it's silent splendor. This lord of the skies is an old friend of mine. He knows me better than anyone else. He's been there for me for such a long time. Ever understanding, so gentle and guiding.

My thoughts are rudely jerked back to the present, as a loud screeching emits from the stream. My impulse is to stand, but I remember the deer, and force myself to be gentle in my movements. I look toward the creek, and a smile touches my face. My heart slowly leaves my throat! It is nothing, just a pair of feuding raccoons, arguing over who gets the fish.

I gaze around at a world transformed. The moon glow has painted the glen. The pine trees have taken on eerie shapes, and the beams bounce over the stream. I can see the silhouettes of the deer, who are undisturbed by the raccoons. Again I breathe a gentle sigh, and I thank God for all of his wonders, for allowing me to be a part of it all.

Just as I lay back, I see an owl cross the moon, and there is a soft stirring by my hand. A tiny field mouse saw the shadow too, and it returns to it's nest in a hurry.

And then I hear another sound, a bobcat screaming somewhere in the woods. I feel a chill go up my back, even though I know that it would never harm me. I love the sound, even though I slightly fear it. It is a symbol of the wildness of the forest. It screams again, as in defiance at the night. I gather that he has not yet found a decent meal.

I lay there for just a while longer, enjoying the peace and the beauty. But reality kicks in, and I know I must go. There is still tomorrow, and I need sleep.

I slowly stand and watch the deer bound away. The raccoons have settled their dispute and departed. The bobcat is silent now.

The world is at peace here in my little glen. The wild ones are happy in their life. Some are at rest, some hunting, some being hunted. And such is the Circle of Life.

My mind is at rest, and my soul is replenished. I'm ready for another day.

All is calm, and all is right. Here in my mountain retreat.

Heidi Jo

The Caring Touch

Told through the eyes of a stroke victim.

It's a cold, dark night. My body shivers, but no one knows. I am wracked with pain, but there is no one I can tell. If someone were to happen by, I couldn't cry out anyway. It's been quite a while since I've lost my voice. My hip hurts from laying so still. My arm is cramped and contracted. I'm sick of staring at a stark, white wall. But this is my life now, and I'm powerless. It's been some time now since it happened. One day I was healthy, the next, this. I can't move my arms, not even my finger. Only my eyes have that power now. The power to see the life around me. Such vibrant people, they come and go. They try to make me comfortable, and their lively chatter amuses me. Though there are some who speak harsh words about the bother I am. I'm difficult for them to handle, I'm stiff and helpless you know. Sometimes I get angry, and want to scream, "Do you think it's my choice? What I want? You may be here one day!" But I realize they don't really mean what they say. They don't know that I hear every word. And I have no way to tell them that I understand it all very well. It's my body that's useless, dead, not my mind. At times I feel so helpless, and the tears overtake me. But I hardly even have the strength to cry. So much life around me, all passing me by. I'm overlooked now, and it seems so unfair. Then just when I'm at the depths of my despair, some one comes along and shows that they care. Someone holds my hand or carresses my brow, looks into my eyes and gently smiles. Someone takes a moment just to say a few words, even when they don't know whether I hear or not. My heart overflows, and for a while I am happy. They may think they've done nothing, but for me they've given my life back in small portions. For they've shown that they remember that I'm a human being. I have a heart and a soul, and this old body is my constant prison. They don't know it, but they've brightened my whole day and given me hope. And I lie with the vision of their smile in my mind. All it takes is someone just to show that they care. If only I could tell everyone of the power they hold. The power in one gentle, caring touch.

Heidi Jo

Every day at work, this story comes alive for me. Many that I work with are in this state. And many times they are just passed by, or looked on as a burden. But I've seen a few others, and I, take just a moment. And I've seen eyes stare at me with thanks. Then it all seems worth it. That's why I'm working there. There's the money yes, but it's the people that matter. And I want to do all I can to brighten a day.

HJR

You are who you are, What you are, Where you are, Accept that, And you will find happiness.

HJR

A careless word is like a bullet; It's damage can seldom be fully repaired. Speak with care.

HJR

A smile can work miracles. It can brighten a day, Erase away pain, Give meaning to a life, Revive a fainting heart, And wipe away tears. So pass on a smile, and watch the magic take place.

HJR

The storms of life can be weathered much better, if you meet them with a cheerful heart and a smile.

HJR

A positive attitude can handle the toughest jobs.

HJR

I pity the people with no imagination. They will never soar with the eagle, play with the lion, have a fairytale love, travel to unknown places, discover lost worlds, have snow in the summer, chase away rain, or live the life of their favorite person. What a dull life they must lead!

HJR

A little love can heal the biggest hurt.

HJR

Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry". Just those two little words erase guilt and bring joy.

HJR

Don't be afraid to say "No" to the wrong, Because "Yes" may be the last word you utter.

HJR

True love is like a good song, beautiful while lasting, and always haunting you with it's sweetness.

HJR

The path you take will guide you through life. Choose with care.

HJR

Bad love is like the snow, beautiful now, but melting with the rising of the sun.

HJR

Don't be afraid to cry, it's tears that keep us humble and tender.

HJR

Some say true love is like a fire, but I say true love is like a river, for a fire always burns, but a river flows steadily onward.

HJR

Everyone dreams, but few have the courage to make them come true.

HJR

Life hurts, Love heals.

HJR

"The key to success is believing in yourself"

"Don't let your fears get in the way of your dreams"

"Tomorrow is always fresh"

"A winner makes commitments; a loser makes promises"

"Choice, not chance, determines human destiny"

"Succes in love is more than finding the right person, it's becoming the right person"

"The only fool bigger than the person who knows it all, is the person who argues with him"

"The best way to get even is to forget"

"It is better to remain silent and be considered a fool, then to speak and remove all doubt"

"Whatever you say, Whatever you do, Bounces off others and comes back to you"

"Hugs multiply when you give them away"

"A smile never goes out of style"

"Love listens"

I love simple, but truthful, quotes and little sayings, as you can tell. I have pages and pages of my own, and others that I've copied. And I wanted to share some of them with you. I hope you enjoyed them.

Heidi